• Mar 09, 2026
• Case Studies

5T Overhead Crane & 2T Jib Crane for Côte d'Ivoire

Discover durable 5T overhead and 2T jib cranes designed for Côte d'Ivoire’s heavy lifting needs. Boost your productivity with reliable crane solutions today!

A major industrial facility in Côte d'Ivoire needed powerful, reliable lifting equipment for its workshop. The plant manufactures heavy machinery parts that must be moved efficiently between stations. Forklifts and manual hoists were no longer sufficient for the 5‑ton loads involved. We supplied a 5‑ton heavy‑duty single‑girder overhead crane (span 21m, lift height 6m) equipped with a Euro‑style NR wire‑rope hoist and pendant control. In addition, we installed a 2‑ton BZ pillar‑mounted jib crane (6m boom, 4m hook height) to serve a closely spaced assembly area. These cranes were customized to meet the site's constraints (limited floor space, semi‑outdoor conditions) and environmental challenges. The solution streamlines the customer's material flow, increases throughput, and raises safety levels.

Client & Project Background

The client is a heavy equipment manufacturing plant in Côte d'Ivoire. Their assembly hall handles large metal castings and fabricated components. The core challenge was moving these heavy items quickly and safely within a confined shop area. Prior to this project, operators relied on forklifts and occasional portable gantry setups. In a narrow‑aisle environment, forklifts had difficulty maneuvering (their long tail swing risks collisions). For example, OSHA notes that a forklift's rear end swings widely during turns, making high‑speed maneuvers in tight spaces dangerous. The customer needed compact, robust lifting solutions for routine 5t and 2t loads, designed for frequent use, with high precision and safety in a tight workspace.

Lifting Solution Overview

We delivered two cranes:

• Overhead crane (5 ton, single girder HD): A top-running bridge crane spanning 21 meters, designed for a 6m lift, duty class ~A5 (heavy usage). The single‑girder design reduces weight and maximizes headroom. It uses a NR electric wire rope hoist and is controlled via a pendant station. The crane runs on steel runway beams anchored to the building columns at 21m centers.
• Pillar-Mounted jib crane (2 ton, BZ series): A floor‑mounted column with 6m boom and full 360° swing, lifting up to 4m high. Because wall‑mount or overhead rails were impractical (walls were weak and ceiling crowded), a freestanding pillar jib was ideal. This Jib (BZ type) uses a robust electrical hoist (or chain hoist) on the boom. A pillar crane does not rely on walls or elevated tracks, and can achieve 360° rotation to cover the entire workstation.

Both cranes use European-standard components. The overhead crane's NR wire‑rope hoist offers dual-speed operation (fast approach, slow precise lowering) and a high‑capacity brake system. The pillar jib's chain hoist matches the 2t capacity and is designed for frequent duty. All electrical controls are rated for tropical conditions, and we used IP-rated enclosures to protect against humidity.

Technical Details

Overhead Crane Design

Our 5t overhead crane is built to heavy‑duty (HD) specifications. Key parameters:

• Capacity: 5,000 kg SWL (Single-Wheel Load).
• Span: 21m, tailored to the building width. The single‑girder box-beam is welded from high‑strength steel.
• Lifting Height: 6m under hook, making full use of the 6.5m roof line.
• Duty: ISO/CMAA class A5/A6 (8–10 hours/day moderate-heavy duty). We sized motors and gears accordingly to ensure long fatigue life under continuous use.
• Speed: Bridge travel ~18–20m/min, trolley travel ~10m/min, lift speeds 8/0.8m/min (high/low). (These are typical values; the final speeds were optimized for workflow.)
• Hoist: Euro‑style NR electric wire rope hoist (CE-certified). This hoist family is noted for durability: it passed a full 1600‑hour fatigue test, electrical components rated >500,000 operations, and brake life >1,000,000 cycles. It has a robust electromagnetic brake and large drum. The large drum diameter increases lift height and reduces end‑stop issues.
• Control: Wired pendant station with 2-speed buttons for hoist and standard pushbuttons for trolley/bridge travel. (Wireless remote control was also available.)

All motion drives use variable-frequency inverters (VFDs) to ensure smooth acceleration/deceleration and precise positioning. VFD control is energy-efficient and reduces mechanical shock. The crane's bridge has an integrated cable festoon to power the trolley, sized for the span. Electrical panel includes safety relays and overload protection. Limit switches (upper/lower, travel) and emergency stop are fitted to meet OSHA/ISO standards.

Pillar-Mounted Jib Design

The 2t BZ pillar jib crane is designed for medium-duty workshop use. Key specs:

• Capacity: 2,000 kg SWL.
• Boom (Arm) Length: 6.0m cantilever from column.
• Rotation: 360° continuous slewing around the column.
• Lifting Height: 4.0m under hook.
• Structure: Freestanding steel column bolted to a reinforced concrete footing. We used high-strength steel (Q235) and gussets for rigidity. A reinforced anchor-bolt pattern ties the base to the floor. This foundation design ensures the crane can resist loads without tipping.
• Hoist: The crane is fitted with an electric low-headroom chain hoist rated 2t. This hoist is compact and offers high efficiency and safety. The trolley runs on the boom's lower flange, so the hook can descend near the column if needed.
• Features: A heavy-duty slewing bearing and gear drive at column top for smooth rotation. Manual or electric rotation control; in this case, a motor with on/off pendant control. Mechanical stops limit rotation to prevent collisions. Overload limiter and limit switches are included.

The pillar jib's freestanding design means full 360° coverage. Its compact footprint saves aisle space and requires only a small foundation. Our jib is built for A3 duty (frequent light-to-medium service), appropriate for tool changeouts and part transfers.

Yuantai Bridge Cranes and Jib Cranes for Light Duty Applications

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Mobile Jib Crane

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Wall Mounted Jib Crane

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Implementation & Project Management

Once approved, our team managed the project on a fixed schedule. Key steps:

• Design & Approval: We completed detailed CAD drawings of the overhead crane and jib, coordinated with the customer's facility layout. We confirmed runway beam attachments for the overhead and foundation plan for the jib. All designs met IEC/ISO standards.
• Fabrication: The gantry beam and jib steel were fabricated in our plant. We assembled the crane girder with bolted splice sections to facilitate transport. Major components (hoist, motors, VFDs) were pre‑ordered to match specifications (voltage, frequency) for Côte d'Ivoire.
• Factory Testing: We conducted a No-Load test in our yard. All motions (hoist, trolley, bridge travel) were run to check functionality. We also performed a proof load test at 125% of rated capacity (6.25t on the overhead crane; 2.5t on the jib) in line with OSHA regulations. The cranes held the loads with no issues, verifying brakes, structure and limit switches. A test report was issued.
• Shipping & Site Prep: The crane was disassembled and shipped. Meanwhile, the customer prepared the site. For the overhead crane, they installed the runway beams and columns per our drawings. For the jib crane, a local contractor poured a reinforced pad based on our foundation spec (soil compaction was required due to sandy subgrade). Anchor bolts were set for the jib base.
• Installation: Our installation engineer arrived and set up the cranes. For the overhead, we lifted the girder sections into place, bolted them, and installed the hoist trolley. The jib column was bolted to the floor, and the boom and hoist trolley were attached. Proper crane was used for heavy lifts during assembly.
• Commissioning: After mechanical assembly, we wired the control panels and ran final tests. We checked all electrical connections and calibrations. A final load test was witnessed by the customer's engineer. We trained the operators on safe use. The handover was completed on schedule.

Challenges & Solutions

Installing lifting equipment in a new environment often brings practical challenges. In this project in Côte d'Ivoire, the workshop conditions, layout limitations, and local ground conditions required careful planning before installation. Our engineering team reviewed the operating environment, the building structure, and the lifting workflow in detail. Based on this assessment, we adjusted the crane configuration, materials, and installation plan to match the real conditions at the site. The goal was simple: ensure the 5-ton overhead crane and 2-ton jib crane operate safely, reliably, and efficiently for many years.

1. Adapting to a Tropical Environment

The hot and humid climate in Côte d'Ivoire required special attention when selecting electrical and mechanical components. In many industrial areas, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C and humidity levels remain high for long periods. To ensure stable operation, we selected motors with Class F insulation. These motors handle higher temperatures and offer better durability in demanding environments. The crane was also equipped with variable frequency drive (VFD) systems that include additional cooling protection. Outdoor control boxes were fitted with protective sunshades to reduce heat exposure. In addition, all electrical enclosures and steel structures received corrosion-resistant coatings designed for humid climates. During commissioning, we carried out ambient temperature testing while the cranes were running under load. The results confirmed stable operation with no overheating or electrical instability.

2. Managing Dust and Open Workshop Conditions

The workshop where the cranes operate is partially open, which means dust, dirt, and airborne particles are unavoidable. Over time, dust can damage gears, bearings, and electrical parts if not properly protected. To reduce this risk, we used dust-resistant seals on all key mechanical components such as gearboxes, wheels, and rotating shafts. The runway rails were also treated with anti-rust coatings to prevent corrosion caused by moisture and dust accumulation. The electric hoist used on this crane belongs to the NR hoist series, which features fully enclosed motors and gear systems. For hoists in the 3-ton and 5-ton range, the internal components are sealed to minimize exposure to the surrounding environment. This design significantly reduces the amount of dust entering the system. In daily operation, this protection helps maintain smooth movement, reduces wear on bearings and chains, and lowers long-term maintenance requirements.

3. Solving Space Constraints in a Compact Workshop

The production floor in this facility is densely arranged with equipment and storage areas. Space was limited, so installing a large double-girder crane or bringing in mobile lifting equipment was not practical. To solve this problem, we selected a single-girder overhead crane design. This type of crane has a lighter structure and a smaller installation footprint compared with double-girder systems. Because the crane weight is lower, the existing runway beams required less structural reinforcement, which simplified installation. The 2-ton pillar jib crane also helped maximize the available workspace. Its slim column structure is anchored directly to the floor and does not require wall support. A wall-mounted jib crane was not suitable because the building walls could not support the load. By using a floor-mounted pillar design, the crane provided flexible lifting coverage without blocking movement around the workshop. Forklifts and workers can still move freely beneath the overhead crane when it is positioned at the end of the runway.

4. Strengthening the Local Foundation for Safe Operation

Ground conditions at the site also required attention during the design stage. The soil in this area contains a large amount of sand, which means the natural bearing strength is relatively low. If not properly reinforced, the ground could gradually settle under the load of crane rails and lifting operations. To avoid this risk, our engineers worked closely with the customer's construction team to design suitable concrete foundations. Reinforced concrete footings were installed beneath each rail support for the overhead crane runway. Based on these calculations, we recommended soil compaction and reinforcement before pouring the concrete. Salt-resistant reinforcement bars were used inside the concrete to provide extra durability in the local environment. These structural improvements ensure that the crane system remains stable and level during long-term operation.

Other Applications of These Cranes

Although the overhead cranes and column jib cranes we supplied were customized for this client, these two cranes alone have a wide range of applications and are suitable for many other industries.

• 5T Single-Girder Overhead Crane: Any medium-sized facility with moderate loads can use such a crane. Examples include automotive assembly, metal fabrication shops, warehouse loading docks, and even utility maintenance shops. The single‑girder design is especially cost-effective for spans 10–25m and capacities up to ~10t. In construction, similar cranes serve precast yards or large component staging. Wherever an indoor or semi-covered area needs reliable heavy lifting, this crane fits. Its European-style design makes it an attractive upgrade over older cranes.
• 2T Pillar Jib Crane: Pillar jibs like the BZ type are used in countless small‑scale operations. For instance, machine shops and maintenance bays use 2–3t pillar jibs to change out tooling or lift engines. Warehouses use them at packing stations. Boat maintenance facilities and ports use them on quaysides. Even in underground mining, compact pillar cranes lift equipment in service rooms. Anywhere that needs a fixed lifting point without building modifications can benefit. Because it offers 360° rotation, the pillar jib can serve a whole work island by itself, as seen in assembly lines, plant maintenance cells, and light rail depots. The high efficiency and operator ergonomics noted above apply to these settings as well.

FAQs

Q: Why use a single-girder overhead crane instead of double-girder?
A: For spans like 21m and capacity 5t, a single‑girder crane is lighter and more economical. It requires less steel and simpler supports. The single box-beam still provides excellent strength for heavy loads. They are easier to install and need less runway reinforcement, saving on construction.

Q: How do pillar jib cranes improve workflow?
A: Pillar-mounted jibs provide a dedicated lifting point exactly where needed. Unlike forklifts, a jib crane occupies minimal floor space and offers full 360° coverage. This means an operator can walk up, lift a load, and swing it to its destination without repositioning equipment. It eliminates traffic jams in aisles and is ergonomically friendly – operators simply press buttons rather than push a dolly or push a cart.

Q: Were these cranes tested for Côte d'Ivoire's conditions?
A: Yes. We conducted tests at ambient temperatures higher than 40 °C to ensure the motors and electronics run cool. During commissioning, we recorded no overheating or performance loss. All paint and electrical components are rated for humid environments. For example, our IP54 enclosures and sealed bearings meet international standards for dusty, tropical conditions. Essentially, they meet or exceed the same standards used in Middle Eastern or African crane projects.