Single girder or double girder is one of the first questions in an overhead crane project. The answer is not simply that one is cheap and the other is strong. A good selection depends on load, span, hook height, duty, maintenance access and the building itself.
If you only need a product page, start with our single and double girder overhead crane page. This article gives the buyer-side thinking behind the choice.
Where single girder usually fits
A single girder overhead crane is often the cleanest choice for light to medium factory lifting. It has one bridge girder, lower self-weight and simpler installation. In many workshops this means less pressure on the runway structure and a more economical total project.
It is commonly used for machining shops, warehouses, assembly areas, maintenance bays and general fabrication. If the lift height is not tight and the capacity is moderate, single girder should be considered first. It is easier to maintain and often enough for everyday material handling.
Where double girder earns its place
A double girder overhead crane has two bridge girders and usually allows the trolley or hoist to sit higher between or above the girders. That can help when the buyer needs more hook height, longer span, heavier lifting or more demanding service. It also gives more room for walkways, platforms, special lifting devices and open winch arrangements.
Double girder cranes are common in steel processing, precast concrete plants, heavy machinery workshops, power equipment plants and export projects where capacity and duty are both important.
A quick comparison
| Question | Single girder | Double girder |
|---|---|---|
| Budget priority | Usually lower initial cost | Higher structure and installation cost |
| Hook height | Good, but limited by hoist arrangement | Often better for tight headroom projects |
| Heavy duty use | Suitable within the right capacity and duty | Better for frequent heavy lifting |
| Maintenance access | Simple layout | Can include platforms and walkways |
| Special lifting tools | Possible for simpler tools | Better for magnets, grabs, beams and process cranes |
Do not choose from capacity alone
A buyer may hear that single girder is for smaller cranes and double girder is for larger cranes. That is broadly true, but it is not enough for a purchasing decision. Span, lifting height and daily workload can change the answer. A long-span crane with moderate load may still need a more robust bridge. A compact crane with occasional heavy maintenance lifts may have a different best-fit design.
The building can decide for you
Existing buildings are where the choice becomes practical. Check column strength, runway beam size, roof clearance, rail alignment and available installation access. If the building has limited clearance, a double girder or low-headroom design may save hook height. If runway load is the limit, a lighter single girder solution may be the safer route.
For pricing context, compare overhead crane price factors and then ask for a project-specific drawing. A real drawing will show the hook approach, end clearance and runway arrangement before money is spent on manufacturing.
Need a check on a workshop layout? Send drawings and photos through our contact page, and our engineers can help narrow the choice without forcing a catalog answer.
