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Crane SystemMonorail Crane
The most economical and simplest lifting solution for carrying a load along a fixed route.
What it is and how it works
In a monorail system the hoist travels on the lower flange of a single I-beam rail hung from the roof or a steel structure. The difference from an overhead crane is the absence of crosswise motion: the load only travels along the line the rail draws.
If the route is fixed — for example from the furnace to the cooling bench, or from the paint shop to drying — a monorail is both cheaper and a more compact solution. The rail line does not have to be straight; with curves, switches and track separators, multiple stations can be connected to the same line.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Rail | Single I-beam (NP/IPE) or a special monorail profile |
| Lifting capacity | Typically 0.5 – 10 tons |
| Track shape | Straight, curved, with switches or separators |
| Hoist | Electric chain hoist or wire rope hoist |
| Travel | Manually pushed or motorised trolley |
| Power supply | Festoon cable or busbar |
Values are typical ranges; exact values become clear during engineering, based on facility dimensions and duty class.
Where it's used
- Paint shop and coating lines
- Heat treatment and furnace exits
- Cutting room and food lines
- Assembly feed routes
- Maintenance workshop engine removal lines
Technical terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Monorail | The single rail line on which the hoist travels. |
| Lower flange | The lower flange of the I-beam; the trolley wheels run here. |
| Switch (track switch) | The element that transfers the load from one line to another. |
| Track separator | The element that opens/closes the passage on the rail line, separating the lines. |
| Purlin | The intermediate beam spanning between roof trusses that carries the roof load. |
Frequently asked questions
How much cheaper is it than an overhead crane?
It is noticeably more economical than a single girder overhead crane at the same tonnage, because there is a single rail instead of a bridge, trolley and two rail lines. But it only carries loads along that one line; if area coverage is needed a monorail is not the answer.
Can it be hung from an existing roof truss?
Yes, if it is statically verified that the truss and purlins can carry the load. If not, a separate supporting structure is built for the rail.