Project Overview
A steel processing plant in Kenya required a reliable lifting system to improve the efficiency of steel coil handling in its workshop.
Based on the customer's production requirements and building layout, Yuantai Crane supplied four sets of 3-ton European overhead cranes, including three top-running cranes and one underhung crane.
The complete system included NR series European wire rope hoists, VFD-controlled travel systems, wireless remote controls, and customized 2.5-ton C-hooks designed for steel coil lifting.
This project provides a practical example of how European overhead crane technology can support manufacturing and steel processing industries in Kenya and East Africa.
Customer Requirements
The customer needed overhead cranes for frequent steel coil transportation between different production areas.
Compared with general lifting applications, steel coil handling requires:
- Stable lifting performance
- Accurate positioning
- Suitable lifting attachments
- Reliable operation for daily production
The main requirements included:
Steel Coil Handling
The single girder cranes were required to handle steel coils with:
- Maximum width: 1.9 meters
- Maximum outer diameter: 1.3 meters
To ensure safe lifting, each coil handling crane was equipped with a customized 2.5-ton C-hook.
Since the C-hook adds additional load to the lifting system, the crane structure and hoist selection were carefully calculated to maintain a 3-ton safe working load.
Different Workshop Structures
The customer's factory included four working areas with different installation conditions.
- Three workshop bays already had crane runway structures suitable for top-running cranes.
- The fourth bay did not have supporting runway columns, requiring an underhung crane solution connected with the existing roof structure.
The overhead crane system needed to provide the same lifting height and reliable performance across all production areas.
Operating Requirements
Main technical requirements:
- Lifting capacity: 3 tons
- Lifting height: 5.3 meters
- Power supply: 415V / 50Hz / 3 Phase
- Smooth speed control for coil positioning
Customized Crane Solution
To meet the customer's requirements, Yuantai Crane designed a combination of top-running and underhung European single girder overhead cranes.
Three Top Running Single Girder Cranes
Three top-running cranes were supplied for production areas with existing runway structures.
Specifications:
- 2 sets: span 6.25 meters
- 1 set: span 4.0 meters
The top-running design provides stable operation and efficient lifting coverage for regular production areas.
The European box girder structure offers good rigidity with a compact design, helping reduce structural load while maintaining reliable crane performance.
One Underhung Single Girder Crane
For the workshop area without traditional crane runway columns, one underhung overhead crane was supplied.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3 tons
- Span: 5.0 meters
- Lifting height: 5.3 meters
The underhung design allows the crane to be suspended from the existing roof structure without additional floor columns.
This helped the customer utilize available workshop space more effectively and avoid extra building modifications.
European Wire Rope Hoist and Coil Handling System
All four steel coil cranes were equipped with NR series European electric wire rope hoists.
The compact low-headroom design helps maximize available lifting height, while the reliable mechanical structure supports continuous industrial operation.
Dual Speed Lifting
- Fast lifting speed: 5.0 m/min
- Slow positioning speed: 0.8 m/min
The low-speed function allows operators to position C-hooks more accurately during steel coil lifting.
VFD Controlled Movement
Both trolley and crane travel systems use variable frequency drive control.
Travel speed:
- Trolley travel: 2.0–20 m/min
- Crane travel: 2.0–20 m/min
The smooth acceleration and braking process improves load control and reduces unnecessary impact during transportation.
Remote Control Operation
Each 3 ton overhead crane is equipped with:
- Pendant control
- Wireless remote control
The remote operation method provides operators with better visibility and more flexible control during lifting operations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Project Location | Kenya, East Africa |
| Supplier | Yuantai Crane |
| Crane Quantity | 4 Sets |
| Capacity | 3 Tons |
| Crane Type | HD European Single Girder Overhead Crane |
| Configuration | 3 Top Running + 1 Underhung |
| Span | 6.25m, 6.25m, 4.0m, 5.0m |
| Lifting Height | 5.3m |
| Hoist Type | NR Series European Wire Rope Hoist |
| Lifting Speed | 0.8 / 5.0 m/min |
| Travel Speed | 2.0–20 m/min VFD Control |
| Power Supply | 415V / 50Hz / 3 Phase |
| Control System | Pendant + Wireless Remote |
| Lifting Attachment | 2.5 Ton C-Hook |
| Application | Steel Coil Handling |
Project Benefits
The customized crane system provided several practical improvements for the customer's operation.
Flexible Installation for Different Workshops
The combination of top-running and underhung crane designs allowed the customer to use different workshop structures without major modifications.
Improved Coil Handling Accuracy
The combination of European wire rope hoists, VFD control, and customized C-hooks provides smoother lifting and positioning during steel coil transportation.
Safer Daily Operation
Wireless remote control allows operators to maintain better visibility and operate the cranes from a safer position.
Reliable Industrial Performance
The european crane design and quality components provide stable operation for long-term manufacturing applications.
European Crane Solutions for Kenya and East Africa
Besides customized steel coil handling cranes, Yuantai Crane provides a complete range of European-style lifting equipment for manufacturing plants, steel processing facilities, workshops, and industrial projects across Kenya and East Africa.
Different industries have different requirements for lifting capacity, working environment, and workshop structure. Yuantai Crane provides customized European crane solutions based on each customer's actual operating conditions.
| Crane Solution | Main Applications | Key Features |
| European Single Girder Overhead Crane | Manufacturing workshops, maintenance areas, steel processing plants, machinery workshops | Compact structure, low wheel load, economical solution for light and medium-duty material handling |
| European Double Girder Overhead Crane | Steel plants, heavy manufacturing, warehouses, production lines requiring higher lifting capacity | Higher load capacity, longer spans, improved stability for heavy-duty industrial operations |
| Low Headroom Overhead Crane | Factories with limited building height or existing workshops requiring maximum lifting height | Compact European hoist design, optimized headroom, better utilization of available vertical space |
| Underhung Overhead Crane | Workshops without traditional crane runway structures, small production areas, maintenance applications | Suspended installation, reduced structural requirements, improved floor space utilization |
| Explosion Proof Overhead Crane | Chemical plants, oil & gas facilities, hazardous working environments | Designed for special industrial conditions with explosion-proof electrical components and safety features |
| European Electric Wire Rope Hoist | Crane upgrades, replacement projects, standalone lifting applications | Modular design, smooth operation, low headroom structure, suitable for customized crane systems |
With professional engineering support and international project experience, Yuantai Crane helps customers in Kenya and East Africa select suitable lifting equipment according to lifting capacity, workshop layout, working environment, and production requirements.
Get Your Customized Crane Solution
Are you planning a new manufacturing workshop or upgrading an existing lifting system in Kenya or East Africa? Contact the engineering team at Yuantai Crane today to receive a free, customized crane proposal tailored to your facility's exact layout and load requirements.
