Bridge Crane Hangers
G-RailTM bridge cranes can be suspended from various hangers, chosen based on the specific situation. Typically, cranes are hung from overhead structures made of I-beams or roof joists. Roof joists typically consist of two angles arranged back-to-back, forming a structure similar to the bottom of an I-beam. As a result, most overhead steel can be securely attached to the lower flange of an I-beam or a similar shape.
Low-Steel-Hanger
Frequently, there is an existing overhead structure available for crane installation, particularly when a crane runs alongside an auto assembly line. This structure is often relatively low, requiring hangers that can keep the runways as high as possible against the steel. This is where the versatile Low-Steel-Hanger (LSH) comes into play. The LSH securely clamps to the bottom of an I-beam and into the top of a G-RailTM.
Givens Low-Steel-Hangers are custom-designed to optimize crane runway height, ensuring maximum workspace clearance. These hangers typically allow the G-RailTM to get as close as 1 to 2 inches from the I-beam underside while providing adjustable height. This ability to adjust the hanger is crucial when steel levels are uncertain, making our hangers unique in their ability to bring the rail close to the steel while offering flexibility.
Our Low-Steel-Hangers come in two versions: “Parallel” and “Perpendicular,” catering to overhead steel that runs alongside or across the crane runways. Generally, the perpendicular arrangement is preferred as it allows for the greatest adjustment in crane positioning.
Parallel
C250-LSH-PL: For 250 &100-kg G-RailTM
C1000-LSH-PL: For 500 &1000-kg G-RailTM
C1000-LSH-PL: For 2000-kg G-RailTM
Perpendicular
C250-LSH-PP: For 250 &100-kg G-RailTM
C1000-LSH-PP: For 500 &1000-kg G-RailTM
C1000-LSH-PP: For 2000-kg G-RailTM
| Low Steel Clamp | C100/C250 | C500/C1000 | C2000 |
| Capacity | 400 kg | 1400 kg | 2500 kg |
| Minimum Beam Flange Width | 3.5″ – Parallel 4″ – Perpendicular | 5″ – Parallel 4.9″ – Perpendicular | 4.55″ – Parallel 4.4″ – Perpendicular |
| Maximum Beam Flange Width | 7″ | 8″ | 8″ |
| Minimum Beam Flange Thickness | 0.2″ | 0.34″ | 0.31″ |
| Maximum Beam Flange Thickness | 0.5″ | 0.72″ | 0.75″ |
High Steel-Hangers
In some scenarios, cranes must be suspended from steel structures significantly higher than the crane itself. Ideally, cranes are hung at a height ranging from 2.75m to 4m—striking a balance between not being too low or too high. However, circumstances arise where the steel-work is substantially higher, often reaching 7m or 8m when attached to ceilings. Light cranes are typically not hung at such heights as it becomes challenging to operate the bridge from a significant distance below.
The overhead steel-work can often be intricate, involving a mix of trusses, I-beams, and obstructions such as ducts and conduit. Givens has devised a versatile set of components to adapt to a wide range of situations. These solutions often allow for on-site adjustments and improvisations, even when precise overhead dimensions are unknown.
In high steel crane setups, it’s essential to include ‘diagonals’ that counteract swaying in both east-west and north-south directions. The absence of these diagonals can lead to persistent swaying, potentially resulting in fatigue damage and hanger failure over time.
A standard set of high-steel components generally consists of just three key parts: the High Steel-Hanger, the High Steel Angle (HSA), and the Rail Clamp. These components suffice for nearly all hanging situations.
| High Steel Clamp | C100/C250 | C500/C1000 | C2000 |
| Capacity | 600 kg | 1700 kg | 3000 kg |
| Minimum Beam Flange Width | 3.5″ | 4″ | 4.5″ |
| Maximum Beam Flange Width | 6.75″ | 11″ | 10.5″ |
| Minimum Beam Flange Thickness | 0.2″ | 0.2″ | 0.25″ |
| Maximum Beam Flange Thickness | 0.5″ | 0.76″ | 0.76″ |
The core of the high-steel hanger assembly’s versatility lies in the High Steel-Angle (HSA). Its slots enable convenient on-the-fly length adjustments during installation. HSAs can be cut on-site without requiring precision. Diagonals can be assembled effortlessly by joining two or more HSAs with just four bolts per connection, ensuring a robust safety factor when properly tightened.
The Rail Clamp, depicted in black, secures to the top of a G-Rail runway. High-Steel Angles run vertically to support crane weight, while diagonals extend sideways to minimize sway. The RC can initially be placed loosely in the rail and tightened once precise positions are determined.
Plate Hangers
Plate hangers, the simplest form of hangers, are suitable only for situations where the overhead steel-work is known to be perfectly level. They are often custom-made for specific jobs, tailored to the thickness of the I-beam flange, and well-suited for flat and level steel-work, such as the underside of a mezzanine.
Plate hangers (in black in the photos) are typically made custom for the job at hand and are normally made to suit the thickness of the I-beam flange.
Saddle Hangers
None of the hangers described above are suitable when columns are present. In such cases, the runways are supported by horizontal headers using saddles, as depicted here:
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