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Overhead Crane Calculator

Preliminary design chain for a double-girder overhead (EOT) crane — from rated load through wheel & impact loads, girder bending moment and deflection, to hoist-rope, motor and running-gear sizing.

Mechanical · Material Handling
Version1.0.0MethodOverhead Crane
SI
1

Crane Parameters

Load & Duty

t

Dead Weight Components (kg)

kg
kg
kg
kg
kg

Bridge Girder & Deflection

m
N/mm²
mm⁴
S /

Hoist Rope

Motor & Running Gear

N·m
rpm
%
2

Results

Ready to compute?

Enter your crane parameters and press Calculate Crane Design

4

Reference Codes & Standards

  • IS 3177

    Code of Practice for Electric Overhead Travelling Cranes & Gantry Cranes (other than steel works)

    Duty classification, hook approach and design load conventions.

  • IS 807

    Design, Erection & Testing of Cranes & Hoists

    Structural design factors and permissible girder deflection limits.

  • CMAA 70

    Specifications for Top Running Bridge & Gantry Multiple Girder Cranes

    Impact/load factors, wheel loads and structural design of the bridge.

  • FEM 1.001

    Rules for the Design of Hoisting Appliances

    Crane group classification and dynamic (impact) coefficients.

Further Reading

  • Rudenko, N. Materials Handling Equipment — overhead crane girder design.
  • Gorla & Khan, Mechanical Design of Machine Elements — wire rope & drive sizing.
  • IS 3177 / IS 807 — governing Indian codes for the classification & deflection limits.
  • Shapiro, H. Cranes and Derricks — practical crane engineering.

Engineering Tips

  • Apply the impact factor before final structural design of the girder.
  • The worst-case wheel load governs the bridge and wheel design.
  • Girder deflection is usually held to S/600 – S/800.
  • Hook approach A = 0.5·S is a minimum per IS 3177 / FEM / CMAA.
  • Rope & wheel diameter formulas are empirical — verify against the manufacturer's catalogue.

Crane Classification (IS 3177)

ClassDutyDaily Op. Time
LightI1 hour
MediumII2 – 4 hours
HeavyIII4 – 8 hours
Very HeavyIV> 8 hours

Preliminary sizing only — confirm all results against IS 3177 / IS 807 / CMAA 70 / FEM and a qualified engineer.

Safety Factors

  • Structure (Bridge)1.5 – 2.0
  • Wire Rope5 – 7
  • Hook3 – 5

General guideline — always follow the governing standard.