Core Difference: Where Is the Rail System Mounted?
Overhead (bridge) cranes travel on rails mounted on the building's steel columns, while portal cranes run on rails laid on the ground and stand on their own legs. This fundamental difference directly affects facility structure, investment cost and operational convenience.
Advantages of Overhead Cranes
- Does not occupy floor space; factory production line remains free.
- Installation is faster if the building structure can support it.
- Generally requires less headroom.
Advantages of Portal Cranes
- Can be used outdoors or in facilities with weak building structure.
- Provides high capacity in ports, shipyards and stock yards (up to 500 tons).
- Places no structural load on the existing building.
Decision Matrix
If you operate in an existing indoor factory with suitable steel structure, an overhead crane is more economical. For open areas, coastal shipyards or a new facility, a portal crane makes more sense. Request our engineering-calculated quote.