When investing in an overhead crane system for your facility, one of the most critical factors that will directly influence the price is capacity—the maximum load the crane can safely lift and handle. Whether you’re looking for a 10-ton crane to manage moderate lifting tasks or a heavy-duty 50-ton system for industrial applications, understanding how lifting capacity affects cost can help you make more informed purchasing decisions.
In this article, we’ll explore how capacity influences overhead crane pricing, discuss the key cost drivers tied to capacity, and provide examples of how prices scale with capacity.
Understanding Crane Capacity
Crane capacity refers to the maximum weight an overhead crane is designed to lift under safe operating conditions. The capacity is often expressed in metric tons or US tons. Choosing the right capacity is essential—not just for performance but for safety and cost-efficiency.
Overhead cranes are commonly available in a range of capacities, such as:
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5 to 10 tons – For light to medium lifting in workshops, warehouses, and small manufacturing units.
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20 tons – Often used in heavier manufacturing, steel processing, and concrete handling.
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50 tons and above – Suitable for power plants, shipyards, and heavy industrial applications.
How Capacity Impacts Crane Price
1. Structural Requirements
As capacity increases, the structural components of the crane—like the girders, end trucks, and support systems—must be more robust. A 50-ton overhead crane requires much stronger materials and more precise engineering than a 10-ton crane.
For example:
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A 10-ton single girder bridge crane might use a lighter box girder or rolled steel beam.
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A 50-ton crane would typically be a double girder design, built with reinforced structures to ensure safety and stability.
More materials, larger structures, and greater engineering complexity mean higher costs.
2. Hoist and Trolley Size
The hoist mechanism, which lifts and lowers the load, must match the crane’s rated capacity. A 50-ton hoist is significantly more expensive than a 10-ton hoist—not just because of size but also due to the added complexity in motor power, braking systems, and safety features.
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A 10-ton electric wire rope hoist might use a 15–20 kW motor.
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A 50-ton hoist may require up to 75–100 kW, with multiple motors and enhanced cooling systems.
Additionally, higher capacity trolleys often require dual-speed drives, heavy-duty gearboxes, and even redundant systems—all of which raise the price.
3. Span and Lifting Height Adjustments
As capacity increases, customers often pair it with a larger span or higher lifting height. This is especially true in heavy industry where large components or equipment must be handled over wide production areas.
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A 10-ton crane might have a span of 10–15 meters.
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A 50-ton system may require 25–35 meters or more, often with a custom-engineered runway structure.
Longer spans and greater lifting heights demand more steel and structural support, further increasing the price.
4. Work Duty and Usage Frequency
Higher-capacity cranes are generally designed for more frequent use and tougher working environments. As a result, they’re often built to higher duty classifications (e.g., FEM/ISO or CMAA classes). This includes more durable motors, enhanced braking systems, and better cooling and lubrication.
For instance:
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A 10-ton crane used in light maintenance may be built to FEM 1Am.
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A 50-ton crane for steel mill operations may require FEM 3M or 4M, suitable for continuous, intensive operations.
The higher the duty class, the higher the price.
5. Safety Features and Automation
Heavier cranes often include more advanced safety features:
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Load limiters
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Anti-sway control
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Overload protection
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Emergency stop systems
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Wireless remote controls or cabin controls
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Automated lifting or positioning functions
A 50-ton overhead crane designed for automated handling in a power plant could include PLC control systems, sensors, and advanced monitoring—all contributing to higher costs compared to a simple manual 10-ton crane.
Sample Price Comparison by Capacity
Here’s a general idea of how capacity influences the base price of overhead cranes. Note: actual pricing may vary depending on specifications, supplier, and region.
| Capacity | Crane Type | Estimated Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Ton | Single Girder | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| 20 Ton | Double Girder | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| 50 Ton | Double Girder Heavy Duty | $80,000 – $150,000+ |
These 10 ton, 20 ton, and 50 ton overhead crane price estimates cover basic crane configurations. The inclusion of specialized features such as explosion-proof motors, custom spans, or automation systems can increase costs significantly.
Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Capacity
It may be tempting to choose a higher-capacity crane “just in case,” but overspecifying can lead to unnecessary costs. A 50-ton crane for a facility that only handles 10-ton loads is not only cost-ineffective but may also require additional space, structure reinforcement, and power consumption.
On the other hand, underspecifying capacity risks frequent breakdowns, unsafe operations, and limited functionality.
Work with an experienced crane supplier to perform a detailed needs analysis, taking into account:
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Maximum load weight
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Load dimensions
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Lifting frequency
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Work environment
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Future expansion needs
Conclusion
Capacity plays a major role in determining the overall price of an overhead crane system. As capacity increases, so do the demands on materials, engineering, power, and safety—all of which translate into higher costs. However, the investment is necessary for achieving safe, efficient, and long-term lifting performance.
Whether you’re looking for a 10 ton overhead crane price for general factory use, a 20-ton unit for steel handling, or a 50-ton system for heavy industry, understanding the price implications of capacity helps you budget better and select the most appropriate crane for your operations.
If you’re considering an overhead crane for your facility, reach out to a trusted supplier like Aicrane. We offer tailored crane solutions across all capacities and provide expert advice to ensure you get the right system at the right price.