What is a workstation crane?

When browsing workstation cranes, you’ll come across a number of different terms. There’ll be light cranes for sale, double bridge cranes, single bridge cranes, gantry cranes, bridge cranes and more. So what is a workstation crane exactly?

Workstation cranes are a type of user-friendly and ergonomic lifting solution designed to allow workers to perform complex and laborious material handling tasks in a far simpler, safer and more efficient way.

This group of lifting solutions features trolleys and hoists placed on crane bridge. Variations of workstation cranes include double bridge cranes, single bridge cranes, workstation crane systems and ever-popular light crane systems. They may be attached to the structure of a building, or to a free-standing gantry

Workstation cranes are common sights in factories, workshops and light industrial manufacturing businesses, where repeated lifting and shifting of materials, goods and componentry is completed within a specific area.

Even light workstation cranes are known for their strength, boasting optimised steel profiles that deliver the best weight to load capacity ratio in the industry. As a result, light cranes are capable of lifting up to 2,000kg.

The design of workstation cranes can also maximise suspension distances, which makes these cranes capable of picking up particularly large, bulky and oddly shaped items.

What are the benefits of a workstation crane?

Workstation cranes are uniquely effective in a range of common material handling situations, and bring a wide variety of benefits.

Quick and cost-effective installation

The installation of a workstation crane can result in significant savings when compared to other forms of crane. Boasting the best weight to load capacity ratio, these cranes are capable of lifting more with less, leading to reduced material costs (such as supporting steel) and fewer suspension components. The result: installation is fast and budget friendly.

Freedom of movement

Workstation cranes are capable of offering complete three-dimensional movement within the footprint they cover, and offer maximised suspension distances. This makes them far more flexible, adaptable and capable than more static cranes like monorail systems or even jib cranes.

Smooth and simple operation

Speaking of movement, completing a lift with a workstation crane is a simple process. The bridge, trolley and hoist allow the operator to precisely control movement along the X, Y and Z axes through a control panel, and travel is smooth and reliable.

Enhanced worker safety

The simplicity and smoothness of operation also helps to ensure worker safety. But the main way that a workstation crane enhances safety is by dramatically reducing the need for manual handling – the strength, speed and flexibility of these cranes removes the temptation to shift loads by hand, as it is easier, safer and far more comfortable to use the lifting equipment.

Greater productivity and profit

Workstation cranes are capable of lifting and shifting large loads quickly and less laboriously, which can lead to far greater productivity in your workplace – and greater productivity brings greater profitability.

There are three main types of workstation crane system:

Suspended

Installed overhead, suspended workstation cranes are an ideal solution in situations where floor space is limited. These cranes are fixed to the ceiling or structure of your building, so the strength of the building may define the load capacity. With this in mind, they are often made out of aluminium to minimise crane weight and maximise load capacity.

Freestanding

Freestanding workstation cranes are strong, permanent structures capable of making lifts within the footprint of their supporting columns. Light freestanding workstation cranes usually feature four columns, and while they take up more floor space than suspended equivalents, they can generally lift heavier loads.

Raised

Raised workstation cranes are designed to maximise suspension distances in spaces with low ceilings. These cranes are usually custom-designed and fixed to the existing building in a way that maximises lifting height (while balancing other factors like load capacity).

Helping New Zealand manufacturers safely solve their lifting challenges with the best local and global solutions.

At Stratalign we’ve spent years helping Kiwi businesses identify and secure the lifting equipment that will get them working smarter, quicker and safer.
Stratalign workstation cranes represent a range of versatile lifting solutions that can make your factory, warehouse or production line far safer, more productive and more profitable, by lifting and shifting heavy loads efficiently and effectively.

No matter your needs, wants or circumstances, we can design and install a workstation crane that does exactly what you need it to.

Learn more about our range of workstation crane systems below, or speak with our expert team who are always willing to share their decades of material handling experience to identify the ideal solution for your situation.

Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation and quote.