Dahs Overhead Crane / Suspended Crane – Floating Power for Precise Load Movement!

A Dahs overhead crane / suspended crane / ceiling rail crane is an indoor crane that guarantees efficient and reliable operation even in complex hall constructions for your trolley crane.

Like the bridge crane, the overhead crane / suspended crane is classified as an indoor crane. Compared to a bridge crane mounted on consoles or supports, or a portal crane resting on the floor, the overhead crane—also known as a suspended crane—runs on crane rails located beneath the roof trusses or ceiling structure. This type of crane rail mounting requires neither supports nor consoles for the rail. As a result, the installation is particularly space-saving. Due to the minimal additional structural effort and the elimination of heavy crane rail supports, the overhead crane is lighter and more cost-effective to install – a floating power for exact load positioning. The load capacity and span of the crane system, or ceiling rail crane, are usually limited by the supporting structure of the hall.

As with bridge cranes, we offer both single-girder overhead cranes and double-girder overhead cranes depending on your requirements regarding load capacity and span. Overall, the width of the hall can be better utilized with its span than with a bridge crane or portal crane, as a lateral overhang beyond the support points allows for a larger span. The span is often limited by end stops or trolley buffers / clamp buffers.

Additionally, Dahs overhead crane systems / ceiling rail cranes, like bridge cranes, are characterized by their excellent flexibility, as they can be seamlessly integrated as indoor cranes into existing hall constructions. This space-saving solution is ideal for production halls or warehouses where valuable floor space should not be occupied by supports or crane rails. Equipped with precise control technology, our overhead cranes enable smooth and precise load movement even in cramped or complex working environments. Furthermore, the well-thought-out crane technology ensures a long service life and minimal maintenance requirements, which in turn reduces operating costs over time. Thanks to the modular design and the ability to customize according to specific requirements, Dahs overhead cranes are the optimal solution for efficient and safe workflows in any industrial sector.


In this chapter, you will find various aspects of overhead cranes and bridge cranes. We explore the options available when choosing a crane system and which lifting devices and chain hoists are best suited. In addition, we address important factors such as span, load capacity, and lifting power. The service and delivery of these crane solutions are also essential topics that we will cover in detail.

Selection Criteria for an Overhead Crane / Suspended Crane

• What loads should be lifted with the overhead crane / suspended crane (maximum load capacity and type of loads)?
• What span and lifting height are required in the workshop?
• What lifting and travel speeds are expected?
• Will the crane be integrated into a new or existing hall structure?
• Which type of control is preferred (manual, electric, remote-controlled)?
• How frequently will the overhead crane be in operation (daily cycles)?
• Are there any special environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, dust, extreme temperatures) that need to be considered?
• Do you require special lifting attachments (e.g., grippers, magnets, special hooks) or components?
• What type of lifting device is required (options such as rope hoist, chain hoist, block and tackle)?
• Are additional safety features required for the cranes or overhead cranes (e.g., overload protection, emergency stop, collision protection)?
• What are the requirements for the crane rail (installation, load capacity, length)?
• How will the maintenance and servicing of the crane be organized?
• Should the overhead crane be integrated into an existing crane system or automation?

Difference Between a Bridge Crane and an Overhead Crane (Suspended Crane)

Although both bridge cranes and overhead cranes (suspended cranes) perform similar tasks—namely, lifting and moving loads within a hall or work area—they differ significantly in their construction and applications.

Bridge Crane:
A bridge crane, often also referred to as a trolley crane, consists of one or two bridge girders mounted on lateral crane rails. These crane rails are installed along the walls or columns of the hall, allowing the crane to travel across the entire work area. The crane lifts loads from a central lifting device that moves along the bridge girders and is capable of shifting loads both horizontally and vertically.

Bridge cranes are particularly well-suited for applications where heavy loads must be transported over a large area. They offer high load capacity and are often used in industrial applications with heavy demands. Another advantage of a bridge crane is that it does not require a ceiling structure, as it moves its loads along rails attached to the sides of the hall.

Overhead Crane (Suspended Crane):
In contrast, an overhead crane, also known as a suspended crane, is mounted directly to the ceiling of the hall or work area. The crane rail is integrated into the ceiling, meaning the crane "hangs" and moves along the ceiling structure. Similar to a bridge crane, the overhead crane can transport loads both vertically and horizontally, but it does not require floor or wall structures for the rails.

Overhead cranes are especially suitable in halls where floor space is limited or where sufficiently stable wall structures for mounting crane rails are not available. Mounting to the ceiling leaves the floor area free, significantly improving maneuverability within the hall. Overhead cranes are also a preferred choice in areas where frequent changes to the floor layout are required, as crane operation does not affect the use of the floor.

In Summary:
- Bridge cranes run on rails attached to walls or supports and are particularly suited for halls with a solid lateral structure and high load requirements.
- Overhead cranes (suspended cranes) are mounted on the ceiling and offer a space-saving solution, as they do not occupy floor or wall structures, leaving the floor area free.
- A portal crane is usually mounted on a wheel-rail system in the hall and is recommended when supporting structures are lacking. Portal cranes are often used outdoors.
All types of indoor cranes have their specific advantages and are selected according to the individual requirements of the work area.

Accessories & Installation / Shipping

Overhead cranes, also known as suspended cranes, are one of the best solutions for indoor crane systems and trolley cranes of any load capacity and span when it comes to efficiently moving heavy loads and performing demanding lifting operations. They offer smooth and precise operation, especially when compared to floor-running cranes. With the right combination of accessories or components and professional shipping and installation, overhead cranes / suspended cranes deliver first-class performance for your business. As your reliable partner, we work with you to create customized solutions for overhead cranes, including installation and a comprehensive range of options, accessories, and components, such as:

• Options for lifting devices:
  • Rope hoists from various manufacturers: Ideal lifting devices for fast and heavy lifting (high load capacity)
  • Electric chain hoists / chain hoists: The best and most cost-effective lifting device for small cranes or lower load capacities. Electric lifting devices can either have a fixed lifting speed or be frequency-controlled, depending on the design.
  • Block and tackle / worm gear block and tackle: A block and tackle is a manual chain hoist, optimal for small load capacities; it is ideal for a pure crane with few cycles, as it is manually operated. It is called a block and tackle because it utilizes the block and tackle principle.
• Options for the trolley:
  • Electric trolley
  • Manual trolley
  • Trolley with reel drive
• Options for load handling devices for optimal handling:
  • Grippers: Ideal for cranes handling bulk materials, scrap, or wood.
  • Magnets: Perfect for cranes transporting metal parts.
  • Clamps: An excellent load handling device for indoor cranes to safely lift panels, pipes, or other specific goods.
  • Hooks: A universal solution for cranes for various loads.
• Lifting mechanisms:
  • Winches or chain hoists: Depending on the requirements for lifting height and load weight of the crane system.
  • Electric chain hoists: Enable precise and automated lifting operations for bridge cranes.
• Radio remote controls: Allow flexible and safe operation of the overhead crane / suspended crane from a distance.
• Components for safety features:
  • Load stops: Protect the crane from overload.
  • End switches: Prevent the crane from exceeding the rail limits.
  • Safety lights and warning tones: Alert operators to crane movements.
• Frequency converters: Allow stepless control of the crane movements for even more precise operations.
• Load indication systems: Display the current load weight and operating parameters of the crane in real time.
• Trolleys: Facilitate the lateral movement of loads, either manually or electrically.
• Crane rails and rail end buffers: Ensure the precise guidance of the crane on the rail.
• Rotary devices: Assist in rotating loads on the indoor crane during lifting operations.
• Automation systems: Increase efficiency by automating repetitive lifting operations.
• Protective devices for outdoor use: Protect the electronics and mechanics of the crane from weather influences when the crane is not in a workshop but rather a bridge crane in an open area.
• Maintenance platforms: Provide safe access for maintenance, repair, or service work in the workshop.

Of course, we also take care of the proper installation for your new overhead crane / suspended crane, including the lifting device, whether it is a rope hoist, block and tackle, or chain hoist. Our experienced team ensures that your cranes are installed safely and efficiently, precisely tailored to your operational requirements to guarantee optimal performance.

Customer Service & Spare Parts

The customer service or service for overhead cranes (suspended cranes) as well as the availability of spare parts and components plays a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness and longevity of your crane systems. Our experienced service technicians are always available to assist with the maintenance of your cranes, lifting devices, and components, to answer technical questions, and to provide quick and efficient support in case of any issues. Whether it’s scheduled maintenance or urgent repairs in your workshop, we ensure that your overhead cranes operate optimally and downtime is minimized.

In addition to sales, installation, and service, we offer an extensive supply of spare parts for your overhead crane and any other indoor crane. From small components to complex parts such as winches or controls – you will find the necessary parts quickly and reliably with us, ensuring that your system is up and running again immediately with the correct components. All spare parts are of the highest quality and perfectly tailored to the requirements of your crane systems.

The legally mandated UVV inspection (accident prevention regulations) is essential for the safe operation of your overhead crane. We carry out these inspections in accordance with all applicable regulations, ensuring that your crane systems meet the highest safety standards. Regular UVV inspections help prevent accidents, enhance workplace safety, and extend the lifespan of your crane system. Our team handles the entire inspection process and provides you with the necessary inspection certificates.

Where Do We Deliver Overhead Cranes / Ceiling Rail Cranes?

Our overhead cranes / ceiling rail cranes, as well as any other indoor cranes (bridge cranes, portal cranes, lightweight cranes, etc.), are offered nationwide in top quality and with numerous options. Particularly in regions around the Westerwald, such as the districts of Altenkirchen, Neuwied, Westerwaldkreis, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis, in the Ruhr area, as well as in the Rhine-Main area, our cranes are in high demand due to the proximity to our locations. Customers in these areas appreciate the reliability and longevity of our overhead crane solutions.

Furthermore, we deliver our overhead cranes / ceiling rail cranes and all indoor cranes throughout Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. Cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Leipzig, Dortmund, and Essen are also part of our delivery area. Our extensive experience in delivering and installing overhead cranes is appreciated in both urban centers and rural regions.

Request a Quote

Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like a customized quote for your overhead crane or any other indoor crane, including lifting devices and components of the crane system, or any other crane solution with accessories and installation. Simply provide us with the load capacity, span, and all necessary data for the lifting devices, and we will make you an offer. Our experts are available to discuss your requirements regarding design, type, lifting devices (rope hoist, chain hoist, block and tackle), installation, and accessories, and to find the best solution for your company. Request a non-binding quote today!