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Custom Bridge Cranes & Specialty Cranes

Specialty cranes are designed for specific tasks beyond general lifting, often featuring unique capabilities to handle challenging jobs or operate in specialized environments. AFE offers a wide selection of custom engineered overhead crane systems and specialized cranes designed for your specific application requirements and are manufactured in the Unites States.

Specialty cranes are designed for specific tasks beyond general lifting, often featuring unique capabilities to handle challenging jobs or operate in specialized environments. AFE offers a wide selection of custom engineered overhead crane systems and specialized cranes designed for your specific application requirements and are manufactured in the Unites States.

Special Environment Crane Applications

AFE Crane can build many types of custom cranes that are designed to be installed in special environment areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, wash-down/outdoors, food grade, caustic & hazardous environments, and hot metal cranes. Depending on the environment special materials such as brass, stainless steel and galvanized steel may be used to meet specifications. For hazardous environments (explosive gases, dust, and fibers), AFE Crane follows the industry standards and wiring practices defined in the National Electric Code (Learn About Our Explosion Proof Crane). When designing cranes for foundries and other hot metal areas special precautions need to take place during the design phase to ensure a structurally sound crane system.

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Customization Options

AFE Crane offers a range of customization options to ensure that custom overhead bridge cranes and specialty crane crane lifting systems are designed to meet the lifting capacity and critical crane needs of any application and to increase crane operators safety. Whether operating in extreme environments, requiring specialized lifting solutions and configurations, or enhancing safety features, these customizations improve performance, durability, and operational efficiency.

Hoist Type & Configurations

Manual, pneumatic, or battery-operated hoists, as well as specialized configurations such as dual or multiple hoists and twin lift points for increased load control and stability.

Corrosive or Caustic Environments

Includes stainless steel or galvanized wire rope, load chain, and components for enhanced durability in harsh conditions.

Spark Resistant Components

NEMA 4/7/9 control enclosures, brass or bronze bridge and trolley components, and other non-sparking materials for hazardous environments.

Safety Lifting Features

Includes warning lights, status lights, and drop-zone lighting for enhanced visibility and safety.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Advanced technology to prevent crane-to-crane and crane-to-object impacts.

Patented Track Girders

Engineered for increased strength and longevity.

Outdoor Duty

Designed for exposure to harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 104°F (40°C), with protective powder coat paint for enhanced durability.

Longer Lifts Above 40′

Custom lift heights available for high-elevation applications.

If you don’t see the customization you’re looking for, AFE Crane can design a solution to fit your specific needs. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

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Vendor Specifications

Each Specialty Crane System designed by AFE Crane is custom-engineered to meet the specific requirements of your application. Due to this level of customization, standardized vendor specifications are not available. Instead, our team works closely with trusted suppliers to source high-quality components that align with your system’s unique design and operational needs.

Detroit Hoists
  • Wire Rope Hoists
  • Bridge Crane End Trucks
David Round
  • Stainless Steel Hoists
  • Cranes
  • Winches
  • Sheaves & Chain
  • Winches
  • Trolleys & Drives
Columbus McKinnon
  • Hoists
  • Lifting Equipment
  • Crane Systems
  • Rigging Equipment
  • Power & Motion Technology
  • Conveyors

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FAQs

Specialty cranes are designed for applications that demand unique adaptations beyond standard configurations. These may include hazardous environments (such as explosion-proof or high-temperature settings), handling extremely heavy loads, navigating challenging footprints, or meeting advanced automation requirements. On the other hand, standard cranes are ideal for general material handling tasks with consistent and predictable demands.

To determine the right crane specifications, consider the maximum load weight to be lifted, the size and dimensions of the loads, the available space including ceiling height and structural supports, the required speed, precision, and duty cycle, as well as the environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.

Yes, existing crane systems can often be upgraded or retrofitted with modern components, such as advanced controls, increased load capacities, telescoping beams for flexible reach, or enhanced safety features tailored for special environments. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

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(800) 728-0818.