What are the differences between an overhead crane and an electric hoist?


People not dealing with these mechanisms are often confused in wordings and mix up their names. In this article, we are explaining why an overhead crane and a telpher are not the same.

An overhead crane is a type of crane that includes two overhead runways built into the building's support structure.

An overhead crane includes a span beam, end beams, a lifting mechanism and end stops. Depending on a design type, there are suspended and supported overhead cranes. It is quite easy to distinguish between them; the supported models have a supporting beam located above and resting on supporting structures; for suspended models — the other way round.

Loads are moved in 4 directions — up, down, back, and forward. A lifting mechanism works using a variety of electrical equipment — engines, contactors, fuses, power supply cabinets and lighting both in a working area and in an operator's cabin. Of course, current flows through different cables.

A telpher or an electric hoist is an electrically-driven device used for lifting and moving loads. It can work both as a part of cranes and as a separate mechanism. Telphers are used indoors (warehouses, repair and production workshops) and outdoors. In the second case, special casings are used to protect the equipment from precipitation, dust and other harmful factors.

To select a telpher, it is not enough to know the maximum weight of loads and lifting height. It is also necessary to take into account a mode of operation: number of hours per day, number of cycles per hour, and design (fire- or explosion-proof, or maybe a general construction design). And do not forget about operation conditions — indoors or outdoors, as well as an expected temperature range. By the way, there are also different options — an additional brake, operation at microspeeds, etc.

The difference between an overhead crane and an electric hoist is that the second mechanism is a part of the first one. Please, pay attention to correct names. To avoid any confusion, please, read our articles on the website and publications on social media.