What Information Is Required for an Accurate Overhead Crane Quote

Getting an accurate Overhead Crane Quote starts with complete project data. To prepare a reliable crane quotation, a supplier needs your lifting capacity, span, lift height, duty class, runway length, power supply, control method, site conditions, and installation scope. These details help engineers select the right crane type, hoist, structure, control system, and safety configuration.

An overhead crane is not a standard off-the-shelf product. Even cranes with the same rated capacity can have different prices because span, lifting height, duty class, working environment, and control requirements change the design. Nante Crane also identifies span, lifting height, duty class, and rated capacity as important factors that affect overhead crane pricing and budget planning.

Why Complete RFQ Information Matters

A complete RFQ helps avoid vague pricing, repeated communication, and quotation revisions. If a buyer only says, “I need a 10-ton crane,” the supplier still cannot confirm the correct structure, hoist, runway load, or control system.

A detailed RFQ allows the supplier to provide:

1. Suitable crane type recommendation
2. Technical specification
3. Preliminary general arrangement drawing
4. Accurate price estimate
5. Delivery schedule
6. Installation and commissioning scope
7. Optional safety and automation functions

Core Parameters Required for an Overhead Crane Quote

The following parameters should be included in every overhead crane RFQ. They are the foundation of an accurate crane quotation.

1. Lifting Capacity

Lifting capacity means the maximum load the crane must lift safely. It affects the hoist, girder structure, motor power, brake system, wheel load, and safety design.

When filling out the RFQ, include:

• Maximum load weight
• Normal working load
• Load dimensions
• Load shape
• Weight of spreader beams, clamps, grabs, or other lifting tools
• One hook or two hooks

Example:
Maximum lifting capacity: 10 tons
Normal working load: 6–8 tons
Load type: steel parts
Load size: 4 m × 2 m × 1.5 m
Lifting tool weight: 0.5 ton

2. Span

Span is the center-to-center distance between runway rails. It determines how wide the crane reaches and directly affects girder length, steel weight, wheel load, runway beam design, and transportation cost. Nante Crane’s cost guide also explains that longer spans usually require stronger girders, heavier end trucks, and higher structural requirements.

Include:

• Building bay width
• Crane span
• Runway rail distance
• Column spacing
• Existing runway beam information

Example:
Building bay width: 24 m
Crane span: 22.5 m
Column spacing: 6 m
Runway type: new runway required

3. Lift Height

Lift height is the vertical distance from the floor or working level to the highest hook position required. It affects hoist design, wire rope length, drum size, motor power, and headroom arrangement.

Include:

• Required hook height
• Building clear height
• Floor-to-runway beam height
• Maximum stacking height
• Pit depth or machine height
• Low-headroom requirement

Example:
Required lift height: 9 m
Building clear height: 12 m
Maximum stacking height: 7.5 m
Low-headroom design: Yes

4. Duty Class

Duty class shows how often and how heavily the crane will work. It is critical for selecting the correct structure, hoist, motors, brakes, gearbox, and electrical system. Higher duty use may require stronger components and more durable configurations.

Provide:

• Working hours per day
• Shifts per day
• Lifts per hour
• Average load percentage
• Frequency of full-load lifting
• Required lifting and travel speeds

Example:
Working time: 8 hours/day
Lifts per hour: 8–10
Average load: 50% of rated capacity
Full-load lifting: 2–3 times/day
Application: production handling

5. Runway Length and Travel Distance

Span defines the crane width. Runway length defines how far the crane travels.

Include:

• Total runway length
• Effective working travel distance
• Existing or new runway
• Rail model, if available
• End stop location
• Power supply position

Example:
Runway length: 60 m
Effective travel distance: 55 m
Existing runway: No
Power source location: one end of runway

Load Type and Working Application

The same lifting capacity may require different designs depending on the material and working process. Describe what the crane will lift and how the load will move.

Common load information includes:

• Steel structures
• Molds
• Machine parts
• Containers
• Concrete segments
• Long materials
• Bulk materials

Also explain the lifting method:

• Hook
• Spreader beam
• Grab
• Magnet
• Clamp
• Customized lifting device

Example:
The crane will lift steel frames from the cutting area to the welding area, then move finished frames to the storage area.

If the project needs smooth positioning, variable speed, anti-sway control, or synchronized lifting, include it in the RFQ.

Building and Site Information

Site information helps the supplier check installation feasibility, clearance, runway structure, and support requirements.

For indoor cranes, provide:

• Workshop layout drawing
• Building section drawing
• Floor-to-roof height
• Floor-to-runway beam height
• Column spacing
• Existing runway beam details
• Photos or videos of the site

For outdoor cranes, provide:

• Wind condition
• Temperature range
• Rain or snow exposure
• Humidity level
• Corrosion risk
• Rail foundation condition

Clearance is especially important. Limited building height may require a low-headroom hoist or a different crane structure.

Power Supply and Control Requirements

Electrical data affects motor selection, control panel design, cable system, and safety configuration.

Include:

• Voltage
• Phase
• Frequency
• Control voltage
• Power source location
• Preferred cable system
• Local electrical requirements

Example:
Power supply: 380V, 3-phase, 50Hz
Control voltage: 48V
Power source location: one end of runway

Control Method

Common control methods include:

• Pendant control
• Wireless remote control
• Cabin control
• Automated control
• Combined control

If intelligent functions are required, list them clearly. Nante Crane’s crane control panel page describes hoisting control panels, long travel control panels, whole crane control panels, and intelligent functions such as anti-sway, automation, IoT, and data logger services.

Environmental and Safety Requirements

Working environment can change surface treatment, electrical protection, motor selection, and safety devices.

Provide:

• Indoor or outdoor use
• Ambient temperature
• Humidity
• Dust level
• Corrosive gas or chemical exposure
• Explosion-risk area
• Marine or coastal environment

Common safety devices include overload protection, limit switches, emergency stop, buffers, warning lights, alarms, anti-collision devices, rail clamps, and load display systems.

Commercial Information Needed

A complete crane quotation also needs commercial details.

Include:

• Destination country and city
• Nearest port or delivery address
• Preferred trade terms
• Packaging requirements
• Site access restrictions
• Required delivery time
• Installation scope
• Testing and training requirements

Clarify whether the quote should include crane supply only, runway beams, rails, installation supervision, full installation, load testing, operator training, or spare parts.

Downloadable Overhead Crane RFQ Form

A downloadable RFQ form helps buyers submit complete information and get a faster quote.

Your RFQ form should include:

1. Company and contact information
2. Project location
3. Crane type
4. Lifting capacity
5. Span
6. Lift height
7. Runway length
8. Duty class or working frequency
9. Load type and size
10. Working hours per day
11. Power supply
12. Control method
13. Site drawings or photos
14. Installation scope
15. Delivery requirements
16. Special safety or automation needs

Sample RFQ:
Crane type: Double girder overhead crane
Lifting capacity: 20 tons
Span: 24 m
Lift height: 12 m
Runway length: 80 m
Working hours: 10 hours/day
Application: lifting steel structures inside workshop
Power supply: 380V, 3-phase, 50Hz
Control method: wireless remote control with pendant backup
Installation: supplier supervision required

Suggested button text:
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Common Mistakes That Delay a Quote

Avoid these problems:

• Giving only lifting capacity
• Confusing building width with crane span
• Missing lift height
• Ignoring duty class
• Forgetting lifting tool weight
• Not confirming runway condition
• Missing power supply information
• Not providing drawings or photos
• Asking for the lowest price without defining scope

FAQ

What does duty class mean?

Duty class describes how frequently and heavily the crane works. It helps engineers choose suitable motors, brakes, hoists, structures, and controls.

Can I get a quote without drawings?

Yes, but it may only be preliminary. Drawings, photos, and accurate measurements help improve quotation accuracy.

How can I get a faster crane quotation?

Use an RFQ form and include lifting capacity, span, lift height, duty class, runway length, power supply, load details, site drawings, and installation requirements.

Get Your Overhead Crane Quote from Nante Crane

Nante Crane is a crane and crane component designer and manufacturer providing industrial cranes, overhead cranes, gantry cranes, electric hoists, crane travel units, mobile power supply systems, crane control panels, and related lifting solutions. Its product range includes single girder overhead cranes, double girder overhead cranes, underhung overhead cranes, gantry cranes, construction cranes, workstation cranes, offshore cranes, and crane components for different material handling applications.

Click the Contact page to send your RFQ form, project drawings, and crane parameters to Nante Crane for a customized overhead crane quote.