Over the years, I have been frequently asked about the appropriate speeds for lift, trolley travel, and bridge travel. Below are the suggested speeds per the CMAA 70: Overhead & Gantry Cranes Spec book. As you review the three tables, ensure you select the correct table for your project. There are three tables: one for pendant operation, one for radio-controlled cranes, and one for cab-operated cranes.

Keep in mind that the walking speed for overhead crane operators is between 125 and 150 feet per minute.

Back in the old days (before Variable Frequency Drives) this was all there was to choosing the speed for an overhead crane. Now with VFD, the decision is more flexible. My next post will explain how Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) work and how they can impact the decision-making process for use with overhead cranes, trolleys, and hoists.

Helpful Reference Books

The above tables were taken from CMAA 70: Overhead & Gantry Cranes. If you are considering the purchase of a new crane, the following are essential reference books. Ensure you purchase the correct books for the configuration crane you intend to purchase, whether it is a single or double girder.

The listed OSHA section covers both configurations.

OVERHEAD CRANE REFERENCE BOOKS

OSHA OVERHEAD CRANE REGULATIONS:

OSHA 1910.179 Overhead & Gantry Cranes

Free

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.179

SPECIFICATIONS FOR DOUBLE GIRDER OVERHEAD CRANES:

CMAA 70: Overhead & Gantry Cranes- (design specification)

$125.00

https://www.mhi.org/cmaa/cranespecifications

ASME/ANSI B30.2-Overhead & Gantry Cranes- (safety specification)

https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/find-codes-standards/b30-2-overhead-gantry-cranes