Your Guide to Single Girder Gantry Cranes: Comparing 5, 7.5, and 10-Ton Models
In the demanding world of material handling, efficiency, safety, and return on investment are non-negotiable. Whether you’re operating in a manufacturing workshop, a warehouse, a construction site, or a freight yard, the right lifting equipment is the backbone of your productivity. Among the most versatile and widely adopted solutions for such environments is the Single Girder Gantry Crane.
As a leader in the industry, Dongqi Crane understands that selecting the correct crane model is a critical strategic decision. A fundamental starting point is determining the right lifting capacity. This guide provides a detailed analysis of three standard and highly effective capacities: 5 Ton, 7.5 Ton, and 10 Ton Single Girder Gantry Cranes equipped with Electric Hoists. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to choose the perfect crane that aligns with your operational demands and drives your business forward.
Core Components Explained: Single Girder & Electric Hoist
Before comparing the capacities, let’s define the key components.
- Single Girder Gantry Crane: This design features one main beam (the girder) supported by two legs that run on wheels along ground-mounted rails. Its simplicity makes it robust, cost-effective, and easier to install compared to a double girder system. It is the ideal solution for applications requiring heavy lifting over a wide area without the need for a permanent and expensive overhead runway system.
- Electric Hoist: This is the powerhouse of the crane. Unlike manual chain hoists, an electric hoist uses a motor to lift and lower loads with precision and significantly reduced physical effort. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Faster lifting and traveling speeds.
- Improved Safety: Equipped with critical features like overload limit switches, emergency stops, and phase protection.
- Reduced Operator Fatigue: Push-button control allows for effortless operation.
- Superior Control: Enables careful and precise positioning of loads.
The synergy of a single girder structure with a reliable electric hoist creates a powerful, adaptable, and economical lifting solution.

At-a-Glance Comparison: Key Parameters for 5T, 7.5T, and 10T Models
The following parameter table provides a quick reference to compare the core technical specifications of the three standard models.
| Parameter | 5 Ton Model | 7.5 Ton Model | 10 Ton Model | Notes & Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Capacity | 5 Ton | 7.5 Ton | 10 Ton | The maximum safe working load. |
| Standard Span (S) | 8 – 18 m | 8 – 20 m | 10 – 22 m | Distance between legs. Fully customizable. |
| Lifting Height (H) | 6 – 18 m | 6 – 18 m | 9 – 18 m | Hook travel distance. Fully customizable. |
| Duty Class (FEM/ISO) | A3 – A4 | A4 – A5 | A4 – A5 | Indicates usage intensity. A5 is for more frequent use. |
| Crane Travel Speed | 10 – 20 m/min | 10 – 20 m/min | 10 – 20 m/min | Speed of the entire crane moving along the rails. |
| Electric Hoist Type | Wire Rope Hoist (e.g., CD1/MD1 type) | Heavy-Duty Wire Rope Hoist | Heavy-Duty / VFD Wire Rope Hoist | Type and grade of the hoisting mechanism. |
| Control Mode | Pendant / Remote Control | Pendant / Remote Control | Pendant / Remote Control | Choice of wired pendant or wireless remote. |
| Rail Type | P24 / P38 / I-Beam | P38 / P43 | P43 / QU70 | Selected based on wheel load and total weight. |
| Power Supply | 3-Phase, 380V, 50Hz (or as required) | 3-Phase, 380V, 50Hz (or as required) | 3-Phase, 380V, 50Hz (or as required) | Standard power configuration; can be customized. |
Please Note: The above are typical standard parameters. Every crane from Dongqi Crane can be customized to your specific requirements.
Detailed Model Analysis & Application Scenarios
1. The 5-Ton Single Girder Gantry Crane: The Versatile Workhorse
The 5-ton model is one of the most common and accessible cranes, found in countless small to medium-sized enterprises.
- Typical Applications:
- Machine Shops: Handling lathes, milling machines, and press brakes.
- Small Warehouses: Loading and unloading palletized goods, raw materials, and finished products.
- Assembly Lines: Positioning components in automotive or equipment assembly.
- Construction Sites: Handling materials like steel rebars, pipes, and pre-cast elements.
- Ideal User Profile: This model is perfect for businesses with frequent light to medium-duty lifting tasks. It offers an excellent balance between initial investment and operational capability. If your typical loads range from 1 to 4 tons, the 5-ton crane provides a crucial and mandatory safety buffer.
- Dongqi Insight: Our 5-ton cranes are engineered with a robust steel structure and are typically fitted with high-performance hoists like the Dongqi CD1/MD1 type electric wire rope hoist. This ensures smooth operation, durability, and compliance with international safety standards, giving you reliability and peace of mind.
2. The 7.5-Ton Single Girder Gantry Crane: The Strategic Middle Ground
The 7.5-ton model fills a vital niche, serving operations that have outgrown a 5-ton crane or for which a 10-ton model is an overinvestment.
- Typical Applications:
- Heavy Equipment Repair: Lifting large diesel engines, industrial pumps, and generator sets.
- Steel Fabrication: Handling larger steel plates, beams, and fabricated structures.
- Paper and Pulp Industry: Moving heavy rolls of paper.
- Foundries: Handling molds and castings.
- Ideal User Profile: This is the crane for growing businesses or those with consistent lifting requirements in the 4 to 7-ton range. It provides essential headroom for unexpected heavier loads and future expansion, making it a strategically sound and forward-thinking investment.
- Dongqi Insight: For our 7.5-ton cranes, we pay special attention to structural integrity. The main girder is often a reinforced I-beam or box-type structure for added strength and resistance to deflection. The electric hoist is upgraded to a heavy-duty model to handle the increased duty cycle, ensuring long-term reliability under more demanding conditions.
3. The 10-Ton Single Girder Gantry Crane: The Heavy-Duty Performer
When your operations involve consistently heavy materials, the 10-ton single girder gantry crane is the definitive solution. It represents the upper end of practical and efficient single girder design.
- Typical Applications:
- Shipbuilding and Repair: Handling large ship components, engines, and sections.
- Power Generation: Installing and maintaining turbines, transformers, and large motors.
- Heavy Machinery Manufacturing: Moving fully assembled large machines.
- Major Construction Projects: Lifting pre-cast concrete segments and large structural elements.
- Ideal User Profile: This model is designed for industrial environments where heavy lifting is a core, daily requirement. It is critical for users to have a clear understanding that their maximum loads are at or near this capacity.
- Dongqi Insight: At the 10-ton capacity, engineering precision is paramount. Our cranes feature heavy-duty end carriages, dual wheels on each leg for better weight distribution, and high-torque travel motors. The electric hoist is a premium model, often with Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for smooth control, advanced braking systems, and thermal protection. We recommend a more frequent inspection and maintenance schedule for cranes operating consistently near their maximum capacity.
Key Selection Factors Beyond Capacity
While capacity is the headline figure, your final decision should also be based on:
- Span (L): The distance between the crane’s legs. A longer span requires a stronger, and often more expensive, girder to prevent sagging.
- Lifting Height (H): The required vertical travel distance of the hook determines the hoist’s rope capacity.
- Duty Cycle (FEM/ISO Class): How intensively will the crane be used? A crane in near-continuous use needs a higher duty class (e.g., A5, A6) than one used occasionally (A3).
- Work Environment: Considerations for outdoor use (weatherproofing, corrosion resistance), explosive atmospheres, or high temperatures will influence specifications.
- Control System: Options range from simple pendant push-button control to radio remote control for improved operator safety and visibility.
Why Partner with Dongqi Crane?
At Dongqi Crane, we provide material handling solutions, not just equipment. When you choose a crane from us, you benefit from:
- Customized Engineering: We tailor the span, lifting height, and duty class to your specific application.
- Premium Components: We use high-quality steel and partner with reputable hoist manufacturers to ensure reliability and longevity.
- Rigorous Quality Control: Every crane undergoes strict testing, including load testing to 125% of its rated capacity, guaranteeing performance and safety.
- Global Support & Service: Our international network ensures you have support for installation, maintenance, and spare parts worldwide.
Final Recommendation
Selecting between a 5-ton, 7.5-ton, and 10-ton model is a balance of your current needs, budget, and growth trajectory.
- Choose the 5-Ton for reliable, cost-effective handling of general loads.
- Choose the 7.5-Ton if you need a strategic upgrade for consistently heavier duties.
- Choose the 10-Ton when your core business depends on moving the heaviest loads with unwavering reliability and safety.
By understanding the capabilities of these three capacities, you are now equipped to make a confident decision. Contact Dongqi Crane today for a free consultation. Let our experts help you specify the perfect single girder gantry crane to elevate your productivity and safety to new heights.
