What Is an EOT Crane? Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Overhead Lifting System

If you manage a factory or industrial facility, you have likely heard the term "EOT crane." EOT stands for Electric Overhead Traveling crane. These machines handle material movement in thousands of facilities worldwide. Yet many buyers face basic questions: What does an EOT do? How does it differ from other cranes? Is it right for your operation?
This guide provides direct answers on what EOT cranes(https://www.voittocrane.com/eot-crane) are, how they work, and how to choose the right one. We draw on insights from leading manufacturers like Voitto Crane - with 20+ years of experience and 35,000+ installations across 80 countries.

What Is an EOT Crane?
The Core Definition
An EOT crane is an electrically powered overhead crane that moves materials horizontally and vertically. It runs overhead on elevated rails and travels across your facility.
The crane has a bridge structure spanning the workspace width. A trolley runs along that bridge. A hoist hangs from the trolley. Together, these lift loads, move them, and place them precisely without taking up floor space.
Where EOT Cranes Are Used
EOT cranes dominate industries with frequent heavy material movement. Steel mills, automotive plants, machine shops, power facilities, shipyards, warehouses, and precast concrete yards all depend on them.
They lift from a few hundred kilograms to several hundred tons, cover entire floor areas, and work faster and safer than forklifts or mobile cranes.

How Does an EOT Crane Work?
The Main Components
Every EOT crane is built from the same core parts. Understanding these helps you know what you are buying.
The main girder is the horizontal beam spanning your facility. Single girder cranes have one. Double girder cranes have two. This beam carries the trolley and supports the load.
The end carriages sit at both girder ends. They contain wheels riding on runway rails mounted to the building. These wheels let the bridge move forward and backward.
The trolley sits on top of the girder (double girder) or hangs beneath it (single girder). It moves side to side, giving you lateral positioning.
The hoist does the lifting. It uses a wire rope or chain to raise and lower loads. The hoist contains an electric motor, drum, and safety brakes.
The electrical system powers everything. A conductor bar or festoon cable delivers electricity. Onboard controls manage speed, direction, and safety. Operators use a pendant, radio remote, or enclosed cab.
How It Moves Materials
The operator positions the bridge and trolley above the load. The hoist lowers and the load attaches. The hoist raises the load. The trolley and bridge move to the destination. The hoist lowers the load into place.

Key Technical Specifications You Need to Know
When evaluating EOT cranes, a few specifications matter more than anything else.
Lifting capacity ranges from 500 kg to over 500 tons. Choose based on your heaviest load, not average.
Span is the distance between runway rails - typically 7 to 35 meters. Larger facilities need custom spans.
Lifting height ranges from 6 to 30 meters. Match this to your stacking needs or pit depth.
Duty classification defines work intensity. CMAA uses Class A (standby) through Class F (continuous severe). FEM uses 1Am (light) through 5m (very heavy). Getting this wrong shortens crane life significantly.
Speed affects productivity. Hoist speeds: 5-20 m/min. Bridge travel: 20-120 m/min. Trolley: 20-80 m/min. Faster costs more and needs tighter controls.
Manufacturing Quality Matters
Manufacturing quality directly impacts long-term performance. Established manufacturers with modern facilities maintain tighter tolerances. For example, Voitto Crane(https://www.voittocrane.com/) operates a 60,000 square meter production base with CNC machines and robotic welding, producing 1,800+ units annually. Manufacturers investing 3-5% of revenue in R&D offer more reliable designs. Always verify full load testing and comprehensive documentation before purchase.

Single Girder vs. Double Girder: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions buyers ask. Both designs do the same job. The difference is in how they are built and what applications they suit best.
Single Girder EOT Cranes
A single girder crane has one main beam with the trolley and hoist hanging beneath. It is simpler, lighter, and less expensive. Capacity typically maxes out at 20 tons with spans up to 25 meters.
The downside is headroom. The hoist hangs below the beam, reducing vertical space. Single girder cranes also offer less hook approach near walls.
Double Girder EOT Cranes
A double girder crane has two parallel beams. The trolley sits on top, and the hoist hangs between them. This design is stronger and handles heavier loads - 20 tons and up with no upper limit.
You gain headroom because the hoist sits between beams. Double girder cranes support longer spans, higher speeds, and precise positioning. They cost more but last longer under heavy use.
Which One to Choose
For loads under 20 tons in smaller facilities with one-shift operation, choose single girder. For heavy loads, multiple shifts, or maximum headroom needs, invest in double girder.

Duty Classification: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Duty classification is not just a technical detail. It directly affects how long your crane lasts and how much it costs to maintain.
How Duty Classes Work
Duty class depends on lift frequency and load weight relative to capacity. CMAA defines six classes: Class A (standby) through Class F (continuous severe). Class A suits maintenance shops. Class D handles steel warehouses. Class F serves automated mills.
Under-classifying causes premature wear and downtime. Over-classifying wastes money.
Real-World Impact
Choosing the wrong duty class can cut crane life in half. A low-duty crane in heavy use might fail in five years instead of fifteen.
When specifying, count lifts per hour, track average load weight, and factor in growth. A good supplier helps match duty class to real needs.

Common Industries and Applications
Automotive plants move engines, chassis, and body panels. Machinery manufacturers position components during fabrication. Electronics facilities handle sensitive equipment.
Steel mills are heavy users. Ladle cranes lift molten metal, charging cranes feed furnaces, and coil cranes move products in extreme temperatures.
Power plants use EOT cranes for turbines, generators, and transformers. Nuclear facilities handle fuel. Wind manufacturers assemble nacelles and blades. Distribution centers stack pallets and load trucks. Precast yards lift beams and panels.

Safety Features and Standards
All commercial EOT cranes include overload protection preventing lifts beyond capacity. Emergency stop buttons are on pendants, in cabs, and along runways. Limit switches prevent over-travel. End stops keep bridges and trolleys on rails. Anti-collision systems detect approaching cranes and stop them automatically. Warning lights and alarms alert workers.
In North America, cranes must meet ASME B30.2, ASME B30.11, and CMAA 70/74 specs. Europe follows EN 15011 and FEM standards. India uses IS 3177 and IS 807. Ask for load test certificates, material certifications, and inspection reports before purchase.

How to Choose the Right EOT Crane for Your Facility
Before contacting suppliers, answer three questions. What is the maximum weight you need to lift? What is the span between building columns? How many lifts per day at what average load?
Do not overbuild. A 50-ton crane costs far more than a 20-ton crane. If your heaviest load is 15 tons, specify 20 tons. But do not underbuild either. If you are close to limits, go one size up.
Will production volume increase? Are you adding heavier equipment? Cranes are long-term investments. Future-proofing capacity upfront beats replacing the crane in five years.
Working with Global Suppliers
Many buyers source EOT cranes from international manufacturers offering competitive pricing without compromising quality. Look for established export experience. Voitto Crane, with 26 years of export history and installations in 80+ countries, navigates customs, shipping, and local regulations effectively. Strong suppliers provide multilingual support, local service partnerships, transparent production updates, third-party inspection support, and comprehensive operator training. A 12-month warranty and 24/7 technical support are industry standards.

Summary
EOT cranes are electric overhead traveling cranes used to lift and move heavy materials across industrial facilities. They come in single girder and double girder configurations, with capacities from a few hundred kilograms to over 500 tons. Choosing the right EOT crane depends on lifting capacity, duty classification, and facility layout. Single girder suits lighter loads and smaller facilities. Double girder handles heavier loads with better headroom. Duty classification must match actual usage to avoid premature wear. Always verify safety standards compliance and proper certification. When sourcing globally, prioritize manufacturers with proven export experience, ISO/CE certifications, comprehensive testing, and strong after-sales support. Companies like Voitto Crane demonstrate these qualities through 20+ years of service, modern facilities, and installations across 80+ countries.

FAQ
Q: What does EOT stand for in crane terminology? EOT stands for Electric Overhead Traveling. It describes a crane that is powered by electricity, mounted overhead on runway rails, and travels across a facility to lift and move materials. The term distinguishes these cranes from manually operated hoists or mobile cranes.
Q: What is the difference between a single girder and double girder EOT crane? Single girder cranes have one main beam with the hoist hanging beneath it. They are lighter, simpler, and cost less, but offer limited headroom and typically handle loads up to 20 tons. Double girder cranes have two parallel beams with the hoist running between them. They provide better headroom, handle heavier loads, and support higher duty cycles, but cost more to build and install.
Q: How do I determine the right duty classification for my EOT crane? Duty classification depends on how often you lift loads and how heavy those loads are relative to the crane's capacity. In North America, CMAA defines six classes from A to F. In Europe, FEM uses classifications from 1Am to 5m. To determine your class, track the number of lifts per hour, the average load weight, and your daily operating hours. A qualified crane engineer or manufacturer can help calculate the correct duty class based on this data.
Q: Can an EOT crane operate outdoors? Standard EOT cranes are designed for indoor use. However, outdoor models are available with weatherproofing, corrosion-resistant coatings, and wind-resistant designs. These outdoor cranes cost more due to additional protection requirements. If you need outdoor lifting, specify this requirement upfront so the manufacturer can provide the correct configuration.
Q: How long does an EOT crane typically last? With proper maintenance, EOT cranes typically operate for 20 to 30 years. Light-duty cranes in low-cycle applications may last longer. Heavy-duty cranes in steel mills or foundries may require major refurbishment after 15 years. Regular inspections, timely replacement of wear parts, and adherence to load limits all extend crane life.
Q: What are the main safety concerns with EOT cranes? The primary safety risks are overloading, mechanical failure, operator error, and collision with personnel or equipment. Modern EOT cranes address these with overload protection, limit switches, emergency stops, warning alarms, and anti-collision systems. Proper operator training and routine maintenance are equally important. Always follow OSHA or local safety regulations and conduct periodic inspections as required by law.
Q: How do I choose a reliable international EOT crane supplier? Look for manufacturers with proven export experience, modern production facilities, and ISO/CE certifications. Verify their regional track record and confirm they offer multilingual support and local service partnerships. Reputable suppliers provide transparent production updates, support third-party inspections, conduct full load testing, and offer 12-month warranties with 24/7 technical support. Voitto Crane exemplifies these qualities with 26 years of global export experience, installations across 80+ countries, a 60,000 square meter modern facility, and local service centers in key markets.

Mobile Phone: +8613639633287
Whatsapp/Wechat: +8613639633287
Address: No.1 Kuangshan Road, Naori Town, Chanyuan City, Henan Province, China

Voitto Crane has been dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality crane systems for over two decades. Our company has grown from a small workshop into one of the leading crane manufacturers globally. With a 60,000 square meter modern production base and a national R&D center, we have delivered more than 35,000 sets of equipment to more than 80 countries around the world. The main markets include 80 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Our commitment to excellence is reflected not only in our products but also in our robust export capabilities. With ISO and CE certifications, we ensure that every product meets the highest international standards.

This release was published on openPR.