Overhead Cranes
Innovative Overhead Crane Systems
Overhead cranes carry loads across the full floor area of a bay. A bridge travels along elevated runways while a hoist or balancer lifts and positions the load. Mounting the system above the workspace keeps floors and aisles clear for production, storage and foot traffic.
Metreel designs, manufactures and installs overhead crane systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
Single girder and double girder options are available for medium to heavy loads.
Alternatively, for lighter, high-frequency lifting, the modular Met-Track® workstation bridge crane handles loads up to 2,000kg, with bridge lengths up to 10 metres and ceiling or floor mounted configurations.
Systems can be specified with manual or motorised travel and fitted with electric chain hoists, balancers or winches to suit the application.
Our overhead cranes are paired with an installation service that is fully configured around your requirements. This includes things such as lifting capacity, span, hook height, speed and operating environment. Modular systems can be extended or relocated as requirements change.
To enquire about our overhead cranes for sale, please get in touch with the Metreel team via our website or by calling 0115 932 7010.
Download our brochure
Take a look at our brochure today and find out more about our products including our overhead cranes.
Types of overhead cranes
We understand the importance of choosing the right crane for your business. However, this decision impacts the operation of your business, from the production line through to staff efficiency and safety.
At Metreel, our cranes are designed to meet and exceed a vast range of industrial needs, and as a result, our range includes:
- Light Cranes – Ideal for smaller loads and flexible workspaces
- Double Girder Cranes – Built for heavy-duty lifting with maximum stability
- Single Girder Cranes – A cost-effective option for medium to heavy loads
- Gantry Cranes – Versatile solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Jib Cranes – Perfect for localised lifting with 360° rotational movement
- Workstation cranes – Designed for precision handling in confined spaces
Key Features of Our Workstation Bridge Crane
The Met-Track® workstation bridge crane is manufactured with the operator in mind. Ergonomically designed with a smooth lift featuring accurate load positioning for fatigue reduction. Built for reliability and performance you can trust.
- Loads up to 2000kgs
- Bridge lengths up to 10 Metres
- Runway supports up to 9 Metres
- Ceiling & Floor Mount Options
- Modular Design
- Simple to install and extend
- Low cost
- Mixed capacity systems
- Motorised tractor units
- Cantilever bridges
- Track transfer units
Modular Design
The Met-Track® workstation bridge crane’s modular design enables easy relocation and/or expansion by simply adding runway sections and bridges. Splice joints connect these track sections and are equipped with vertical and horizontal adjustment screws to ensure precise track alignment.
Download our brochure
Take a look at our brochure today and find out more about our products
How to choose the right crane
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing an overhead crane system.
1. Lifting capacity
You should consider the weight of materials or goods when choosing a crane system. Assessing the tasks the crane will perform will ensure you choose the right crane to fulfil your lifting requirements.
2. Span & Height
Ensure the crane’s height is suitable for your building and lifting requirements. Alongside the height, you will need to consider how far it will move to determine the span of the system.
3. Speed
Each overhead crane system offers different speeds. Determining how quickly the crane must execute the task will help establish the best system for your operations or business type.
4. Location
Consider whether the crane’s location will be indoors or outdoors. If the crane will be in an open or confined space, or if you require a system that is compactable and mobile.
5. Control type
The controls are dependent on the type of crane and the features you have chosen for that system.
Overhead Cranes Vs Forklifts
Overhead Cranes Vs Mobile Cranes
Jibs Cranes Vs Gantry Cranes
Special Designed Solutions
As a supplier of major material handling projects worldwide, we are well experienced in dealing with turnkey installations where standard cranes are not considered ideal. We believe that providing the customer with all the required systems configured exactly to their needs is essential to ensure the installed project is ‘fit for purpose.
Alongside our custom crane systems, we also offer a variety of accessories and add-ons to improve functionality, safety, and ease of use—making sure each setup works exactly how it’s needed on site.
Glass Production Facility – Case Study
Metreel worked with a leading UK glass producer to support their facility expansion by supplying two 500kg Met-Track® bridge cranes with electric chain hoists. Installed above heat treatment equipment to keep floors clear, the system improved material handling, reduced worker fatigue and created a safer, more efficient workspace. All of which allowed our overhead cranes to boost productivity and support ongoing growth.
To learn more about our previous projects explore our case studies.
Workstation Jib Cranes
Workstation Cranes
Track Systems
Monorails
Gantries
Hoists & Balancers
Get in touch with an expert
Need a bit of help or not sure which overhead crane is best for your facility? We’re happy to provide some free advice about your workstation crane needs.
How do overhead cranes work?
Overhead cranes move a load along three axes from above the working area. A bridge spans the bay and travels along two parallel runways fixed to the building structure or supporting columns. A trolley runs across the bridge, and a hoist mounted on the trolley raises and lowers the load. Combining runway travel, trolley travel and hoist lift lets the crane place a load anywhere within the bay. Movement is controlled by a pendant or radio remote. Lighter workstation bridge cranes can also be pushed by hand.
What are overhead cranes used for?
Overhead cranes are used to lift and move heavy or awkward loads in manufacturing, fabrication, warehousing and assembly areas. Typical tasks include loading and unloading machinery, moving raw materials such as steel and castings, feeding production lines and positioning components during assembly. Because the crane runs above the floor, it keeps aisles clear for people, forklifts and stock. Workstation bridge cranes suit repetitive handling at individual workstations. Single and double girder cranes handle heavier loads over larger spans in factories, steel stockholders and maintenance workshops.
What are overhead cranes?
Overhead cranes are lifting systems installed above a working area. A bridge travels along elevated runways to move loads across the full floor space of a bay. Also known as bridge cranes or overhead travelling cranes, they are made up of a bridge, runways, end carriages, a trolley and a hoist. The main types are single girder, double girder and workstation bridge cranes. Overhead gantry cranes are a freestanding alternative where a building cannot support a runway. Overhead cranes are specified by lifting capacity, span, hook height and duty.
How often should overhead cranes be inspected?
In the UK, overhead cranes must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Lifting accessories such as slings, and any equipment used to lift people, must be examined at least every six months. A different interval can be set through a written scheme of examination. A thorough examination is also required after installation and after exceptional circumstances such as damage or a major modification. Between examinations, operators should carry out pre-use checks and regular inspections under PUWER.
Can I purchase an overhead gantry crane from Metreel?
Yes. Metreel supplies overhead gantry cranes for workshops, warehouses, construction sites and other industrial settings. The range is built from aluminium, so each gantry is lighter than a steel equivalent and can be moved, assembled and repositioned without heavy equipment. Standard models lift up to 2,000kg with spans of up to 6 metres, and can be customised for height, lifting gear compatibility and site-specific requirements. You can buy gantry cranes online, or call 0115 932 7010 to discuss your application and place an order.