Steel wire ropes in overhead cranes
Overhead cranes are among the most commonly used lifting devices in industry. They are found in production halls, warehouses, shipyards, steelworks, and handling terminals. Regardless of the type—overhead (bridge), gantry, or semi-gantry—their efficiency and safety largely depend on a properly selected steel wire rope, which transfers the forces involved in lifting and lowering the load.
What role does the rope play in an overhead crane?
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Hoisting rope – runs from the hoist drum to the hook block and is responsible for lifting and lowering the load. It operates in a multi-sheave system and is often subjected to very intensive bending cycles.
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Guide or balancing ropes – used in more complex designs, e.g., cranes with two hoists or with load-balancing functions.
What requirements must a steel wire rope for an overhead crane meet?
✔ Resistance to bending over small-radius sheaves,
✔ High fatigue durability (many duty cycles),
✔ Compatibility with the crane manufacturer’s specified diameter, construction, and recommendations,
✔ Shape stability and good interaction with the rope guidance system,
✔ Optionally: corrosion resistance (galvanized ropes)—especially for cranes operating outdoors.
Typical ropes used in overhead cranes
- Steel core ropes (IWRC) – very strong and resistant to deformation,
- 6x36 or 8x25 ropes – flexible and spool well on the drum,
- Non-rotating (anti-spin) ropes – for cranes with large lifting heights where hook stability is required.
Rope selection – standards and best practice
📄 Always follow the crane’s technical and operational documentation (DTR).
⚙ Rope selection should consider not only technical parameters, but also operating conditions—e.g., temperature, humidity, exposure to dust, or chemicals.
🔧 Rope replacement should be performed by trained service personnel, in accordance with standards such as PN-EN 12385-4 and ISO 4309.
