The Weihua YZ-type casting bridge crane is a specialized high-end lifting equipment launched by Weihua Group for the iron and steel metallurgy and casting industries. It is one of the core pieces of equipment in the continuous casting process of steelmaking. This product's main function is to lift molten steel ladles and molten iron ladles, specifically used in key process flows such as transporting molten steel from the converter charging bay to the converter for adding molten iron, transporting molten steel from the refining bay to the refining furnace, and transporting molten steel from the molten steel bay to the continuous casting slewing ladle platform. As the highest-grade product in the metallurgical crane series, the YZ-type casting crane represents the highest level of Weihua's technical capabilities in terms of structural design, safety redundancy, and high-temperature resistance.
From a product positioning perspective, the YZ-type casting crane belongs to the special-purpose equipment category of bridge cranes. Compared with the QDY-type metallurgical bridge crane, the YZ-type has higher requirements in terms of structural form, lifting mechanism configuration, and safety protection level, specifically designed for the high-temperature, heavy-load, and continuous operation conditions of the main steelmaking workshop. This product is widely used in steelmaking workshops, refining workshops, and continuous casting workshops of steel enterprises, as well as the smelting and casting workshops of large casting enterprises. In terms of structural form, Weihua YZ type casting cranes offer multiple configuration options based on different lifting capacities and operating conditions:
Double-beam, double-rail type: Generally used for small to medium tonnage casting cranes (e.g., below 75t), with a relatively simple structure and economical practicality.
Four-beam, four-rail type: Generally used for medium to large tonnage casting cranes (e.g., 100t~225t), employing a main and auxiliary trolley configuration. The main trolley carries the main hook to lift molten steel ladles, while the auxiliary trolley carries the auxiliary hook for auxiliary operations.
Four-beam, six-rail type: Generally used for extra-large tonnage casting cranes (e.g., 280t~320t and above). The Weihua YZ type casting bridge crane features a dual-trolley + gantry hook configuration, offering enhanced load-bearing capacity and improved safety.
In terms of technical parameters, the Weihua YZ type casting bridge crane covers lifting capacities from 5 tons to 320 tons (including main and auxiliary hook configurations). Mainstream specifications include 16/3.2t, 20/5t, 32/5t, 50/10t, 74/20t, 100/32t, 125/32t, 140/40t, 160/40t, 180/50t, 200/50t, 225/65t, 240/75t, 280/75t, and 320/80t. Spans range from 10.5 meters to 31.5 meters, and lifting heights from 9 meters to 32 meters, with customization available upon request. It has an A7 working class, suitable for high-frequency, heavy-load continuous operation.
Regarding safety standards, Weihua's YZ-type casting crane strictly adheres to relevant national and industry safety technical specifications. Its design, manufacturing, and inspection comply with JB/T7688.1-95 and JB/T7688.15-95 "Technical Conditions for Metallurgical Cranes" standards, and meet the safety technical specifications for special equipment used by cranes for lifting molten metal issued by the State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
Benchmark Product Achievement: Weihua's "YZ320/80t-24m Casting Crane" is the largest tonnage metallurgical crane in Henan Province to date. This product passed the Henan Province Major Technical Equipment First Set Product Certification in 2017. It adopts a four-beam, six-rail structure, with main and auxiliary hooks capable of coordinated operation, representing Weihua's technological pinnacle in the casting crane field. In 2024, Weihua successfully delivered the 100t/32t YZ type casting bridge crane provided by Vietnam Hoa Phat Steel, setting an industry record of delivery time of only 20 days from order placement to shipment. It also passed the extreme "devil test" and passed the acceptance of the Vietnam Labor Department on the first try, becoming a benchmark case for Weihua's casting crane exports to Southeast Asia.
| Lifting Capacity(t) | 200/50 | 225/65 | 240/80 | 280/65 | 320/80 | |
| Working Class | A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 | |
| Span(m) | 28 | 27 | 22 | 21 | 24.5 | |
| Lifting Height | Main hook | 26 | 32 | 25 | 24 | 28 |
| Auxiliary hook | 26 | 34 | 27 | 26 | 32 | |
| Speed | Main hook | 6 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 7.5 |
| Auxiliary hook | 10 | 11 | 9.6 | 12 | 10 | |
| Main Trolley | 41 | 41 | 35 | 30 | 29 | |
| Auxiliary Trolley | 38 | 39.5 | 38 | 39 | 39 | |
| Crane | 78 | 84 | 80 | 76 | 58 | |
| Max wheel load(kN) | 530 | 550 | 545 | 595 | 650 | |
| Steel track recommended | QU120 | |||||
| Power source | 3-Phase A.C. 380V 50Hz | |||||
1.Professional Structural Design – Three Structural Forms to Adapt to Diverse Working Conditions
The core competitiveness of Weihua YZ casting cranes stems from their deep understanding of casting working conditions. In terms of structural design, they offer flexible configuration options based on different tonnages and usage scenarios:
Four-Beam Six-Rail Structure (Ultra-Large Tonnage): For ultra-large tonnage casting cranes of 280t~320t and above, a four-beam six-rail double-trolley structure is adopted. The main trolley carries the main hook to lift molten steel ladles, while the auxiliary trolley carries the auxiliary hook to assist in tilting operations. The main and auxiliary trolleys can run independently on different tracks without interfering with each other. This structural layout has been successfully applied to the Weihua YZ320/80t-24m casting crane, which is the largest tonnage metallurgical crane in Henan Province to date.
Four-Beam Four-Rail Structure (Medium-Large Tonnage): For medium-large tonnage casting cranes of 100t~225t, a four-beam four-rail main and auxiliary trolley structure is adopted. The main trolley runs on the main beam track outside the bridge frame, while the auxiliary trolley runs on the secondary beam track inside the bridge frame. The main trolley's lifting device is a fixed-spaced hook beam (gantry hook) used to lift molten steel ladles. The auxiliary trolley can pass under the main trolley to cooperate with the main hook in dumping molten steel, slag, and other auxiliary lifting operations.
Double-beam double-track structure (small to medium tonnage): For small to medium tonnage casting cranes under 75t, a double-beam double-track single-trolley structure is adopted. This structure is relatively simple, economical, and practical, suitable for casting workshops or auxiliary spans with relatively low lifting requirements.
2. High-reliability hoisting mechanism – dual drive + planetary reducer, safety redundancy
The hoisting mechanism is the core of a casting crane. The Weihua YZ type casting crane adopts industry-leading technology in this key component:
“One-line” planetary reducer dual-drive structure: On ultra-large tonnage casting cranes such as the Weihua YZ320/80t, the main hoisting mechanism adopts a “one-line” planetary reducer and dual-drive structure. The core advantage of this design lies in the coordinated drive of two motors via a planetary reducer, ensuring excellent synchronization and smooth operation. Most importantly, if one motor fails, the other can still independently complete a work cycle, ensuring the safe transport of molten steel and other high-temperature metals to a safe location, preventing major accidents.
Multiple reducer configuration options: Depending on the lifting capacity and operating conditions, the Weihua YZ casting crane's hoisting mechanism reducer can be configured with various types, including integral large reducer, independent large reducer, three-reducer, double-reducer double-drum, double-reducer single-drum, and planetary reducer types, providing customers with the most suitable technical solution for their specific working conditions.
High-temperature resistant wire rope configuration: The hoisting mechanism's wire rope uses a metal-core high-temperature resistant wire rope, which boasts high strength and excellent heat resistance, effectively resisting the effects of radiant heat from the molten steel ladle on the wire rope's performance, ensuring long-term reliable operation in high-temperature environments. This configuration is a necessary safety measure for the extreme conditions of molten steel ladle hoisting.
Multiple Limits and Overspeed Protection: The hoisting mechanism is equipped with multiple limit devices (double upward limit + drum end rotation limit + counterweight limit) and an overspeed protection function. When the hoisting mechanism exceeds the speed limit, the system automatically alarms and takes protective measures to ensure the safety of lifting.
3. High Temperature Resistance Design – Long-Term Operation in 70℃ Environments
The ambient temperature in the steel ladle hoisting area of the foundry workshop is extremely high. The Weihua YZ type foundry crane is designed with the special requirements of high-temperature conditions in mind:
High-Temperature Resistant Cables and H-Class Insulated Motors: The entire electrical system uses high-temperature resistant cables with an insulation class of H, ensuring long-term stable operation at 70℃.
Asbestos Heat Insulation Covers: Asbestos heat insulation covers are installed on key electrical and mechanical components to effectively block heat radiation from the steel ladle below, protecting the equipment and operators.
Air Conditioning Cooling in the Cab: The operator's cab is equipped with a cooler or air conditioning system as standard, ensuring the comfort and safety of operators in high-temperature environments. The cab features a sealed, heat-insulated design, maintaining the internal temperature within a comfortable working range.
High-temperature lubrication for axles and bearings: The axles and bearings of the trolley and crane traveling mechanisms use high-temperature resistant grease to ensure good lubrication even in high-temperature environments, reducing wear and malfunctions.
4. Intelligent Control System – Dual-Drive Variable Frequency PLC Control
The Weihua YZ casting crane adopts industry-leading electrical control technology to achieve efficient, precise, and intelligent operation:
Dual-Drive Variable Frequency Control System: The main hoisting mechanism uses dual-drive variable frequency control with adjustable start and brake times, effectively preventing swaying of the molten steel ladle during hoisting and ensuring stable operation and precise positioning.
Modular PLC Control: Each crane is equipped with an independent PLC programmable controller for comprehensive monitoring and control. Centralized operation of all crane movements is possible from the control room, offering simple and intuitive operation. The modular design allows for precise control systems tailored to specific user conditions.
Fault Detection and Display System: The control system features operating parameter recording, status monitoring, and fault diagnosis functions, allowing real-time monitoring of equipment operation through a human-machine interface. It includes overload limiting and alarm functions, load weighing display, PLC control, and fault detection, display, recording, and printing systems, facilitating maintenance management and troubleshooting.
5. Dedicated Gantry Hook Lifting System – Rotatable, Variable Hook Spacing
The Weihua YZ type casting crane can be equipped with various dedicated gantry hook lifting systems to meet the lifting needs of different molten steel ladles and molten iron ladles:
Rotatable Gantry Hook Lifting System: Equipped with an electric rotating mechanism, it can achieve ±270° electric rotation. Combined with a variable gantry hook, it automatically adapts to different trunnion spacings, increasing the success rate of "one-time alignment" for molten iron pouring to 99.4%.
Variable Hook Spacing Gantry Hook Lifting System: The lifting point spacing of the gantry hook can be electrically adjusted according to the trunnion spacing of different molten steel ladles, achieving "one hook for multiple uses" and adapting to the lifting needs of various molten steel ladle specifications.
Rigid Guide Column Gantry Hook Lifting Device: For applications requiring extremely high lifting stability, a gantry hook lifting device with a rigid guide column can be configured to effectively suppress the swaying of the molten steel ladle during lifting, improving safety.
Load Weighing and Display: The system can display the weight of the lifted load in real time, allowing operators to accurately determine the weight of the molten steel in the ladle and providing data support for smelting process control.
6. Comprehensive Safety Protection System – Multiple Redundancy, Strict Standards
Safety is the primary consideration for casting cranes. The Weihua YZ casting crane has established a comprehensive safety protection system:
Mechanical + Electrical Dual Redundancy Design: Key safety functions adopt a dual redundancy configuration of "mechanical + electrical" to ensure that a single component failure will not lead to the loss of safety functions. The dual-drive configuration of the main hoisting mechanism ensures that a work cycle can still be completed even if a single motor fails.
Triple Lifting Limit Protection: An innovative triple protection scheme of "dual lifting limits + drum end rotation limit + counterweight limit" effectively prevents hook over-winding and collision accidents.
Overspeed Protection: The hoisting mechanism is equipped with an overspeed protection function. When the descent speed exceeds the set value, an alarm is automatically triggered and braking measures are taken.
Overload Limiter: Equipped with a high-precision overload limiter, it monitors the lifting load in real time. When the load exceeds the rated lifting capacity, an alarm is automatically triggered and the hoisting circuit is cut off.
Collision Prevention for Cranes in the Same Span: For workshops with multiple cranes arranged in the same span, an anti-collision system can be optionally installed. It uses laser ranging or encoder positioning to automatically maintain a safe distance.
Electrical Safety Protection: The circuit is equipped with overcurrent protection, zero-position protection, emergency switch, and interlocking switch for the hopper door.
7. Silent Transmission and Lightweight Design
The Weihua YZ type casting crane incorporates the principles of quiet operation and high efficiency in its transmission system design:
High-Quality Transmission Components: Gears are made of low-carbon alloy forged steel, and grinding technology ensures higher tooth surface precision and lower transmission noise. The hardened tooth surface reducer has strong load-bearing capacity, smooth transmission, and a long service life.
Lightweight Structure: Through lightweight design methods such as I-beams, the overall footprint of the crane is reduced while increasing its usable height and coverage area. Weight optimization is achieved while maintaining load-bearing capacity. According to customer feedback, Weihua equipment is 11% lighter than comparable Korean brands, yet its performance is superior.
Optimized Transmission Design: Multiple drive units can be matched with motor power, reducing unnecessary energy loss and achieving green operation.
8. Global Service Capability – Rapid Delivery, 24/7 Response
Weihua has accumulated rich domestic and international project experience in the casting crane field, possessing the capability for rapid delivery and global service:
Extreme Delivery Capability: In 2024, Weihua supplied Vietnam Hoa Phat Steel with 100t/32t YZ-type casting bridge cranes. The customer placed the order on July 15th, requiring shipment by August 10th. Weihua activated its "Red Delivery" mechanism, completing the 3D collaborative design within 24 hours, ultimately making it ready for shipment 3 days ahead of schedule, setting an industry record of completing design, manufacturing, and shipment in 20 days.
Extreme working condition verification: At Weihua National Accredited Laboratory, the YZ type casting crane underwent the "Vietnam version" extreme test - continuous operation with 110t overload, 1.25 times dynamic load, and 1.4 times static load. The measured deflection of the main beam was 1/1300, which is far better than the European standard of 1/800. The electrical room was aged at a constant temperature of 50℃ and humidity of 85% for 48 hours, and the frequency converter had zero failures. The whole machine protection level was IP55, and the salt spray test lasted for 96 hours.
1. Converter Steelmaking Workshop – Charging Bay for Molten Iron Filling
The converter steelmaking workshop is the core application area for YZ-type casting cranes. Molten iron filling operations in the charging bay are a hallmark application scenario for casting cranes.
Typical Operations:
Scrap Steel Charging: The scrap steel basket is hoisted to the top of the converter mouth to complete the scrap steel charging.
Molten Iron Filling Operation: The molten iron ladle from the mixing car or torpedo ladle is hoisted to the top of the converter mouth, and the molten iron is poured into the converter. This is the most challenging operation for casting cranes—requiring stable operation and precise pouring under high radiant heat. The main and auxiliary hooks need to work together to complete the tilting action.
Configuration Advantages:
The YZ-type casting crane adopts a four-beam, four-rail main and auxiliary trolley structure. The main trolley lifts the molten steel ladle, while the auxiliary trolley carries the auxiliary hook to assist in the tilting operation. The rotatable gantry hook lifting device, combined with the variable gantry hook, automatically adapts to different trunnion spacings, increasing the success rate of "one-time alignment" for molten iron filling to 99.4%. This application places the highest demands on the high-temperature resistance, stability, and coordinated control capabilities of casting cranes. Weihua's YZ series products perform exceptionally well in this scenario.
Recommended Configuration:
Lifting Capacity: 100t~320t
Structure: Four-beam four-rail or four-beam six-rail
Key Configurations: Gantry hook lifting device, high-temperature protection, dual-drive frequency converter
2. Refining Span – Steel Transfer to Refining Furnace
The refining workshop (LF furnace, RH vacuum degassing unit, etc.) requires the transfer of molten steel ladles from the converter or molten steel receiving span to the refining station for processing.
Typical Operations:
Molten Steel Ladle Transfer: Transferring molten steel ladles from the converter span to the refining furnace station.
Refining Processing Coordination: Coordinating precise positioning of the molten steel ladle during the refining process.
Steel Composition Adjustment: Adding alloy materials in coordination with the auxiliary feeding system.
Configuration Advantages:
The working environment of the refining span is slightly improved compared to the converter span (slightly lower radiant heat), but the positioning accuracy requirements for the crane are higher. The YZ-type casting crane is equipped with a variable frequency speed control system, ensuring smooth operation and precise positioning. The load weighing and display system can display the weight of molten steel in real time, providing accurate data for refining process control.
Recommended Configuration:
Lifting Capacity: 32t~160t
Structure: Double beam double rail or four beam four rail
Key Configurations: Load weighing system, variable frequency speed control
3. Continuous Casting Workshop – Molten Steel Ladle to Rotary Ladle Platform
The continuous casting workshop needs to lift the refined molten steel ladle to the rotary ladle platform of the continuous casting machine to provide continuous steel supply for continuous casting production.
Typical Operations:
Moving the molten steel ladle to the rotary ladle platform: Lifting the molten steel ladle from the molten steel receiving bay to the rotary ladle platform of the continuous casting machine.
Intermediate Ladle Lifting: When the continuous casting machine is stopped, lifting the intermediate ladle for preheating and replacement.
Auxiliary Operations: Various auxiliary lifting operations within the continuous casting workshop.
Configuration Advantages:
The continuous casting workshop has extremely high requirements for the rhythm and continuity of molten steel ladle lifting. The YZ-type casting crane has a working class of A7 and can meet the requirements of 24-hour continuous production. The anti-sway control system ensures precise positioning of the molten steel ladle above the continuous casting machine, reducing impact on the equipment.
Recommended Configuration:
Lifting Capacity: 32t~160t
Structure: Double-beam double-rail or four-beam four-rail
Key Configurations: Anti-sway system, safety monitoring system
4. Large Foundry Workshops – Melting and Pouring
Large foundry enterprises (such as steel and iron casting workshops in mining machinery, wind power castings, and metallurgical equipment industries) require specialized casting cranes to complete melting and pouring operations.
Typical Operations:
Fuel Charging: Hoisting and adding furnace charge to the induction furnace or electric arc furnace.
Molten Steel Transfer: Pouring molten steel from the melting furnace into the ladle and hoisting it to the pouring area.
Pouring Operation: Pouring molten steel from the ladle into the sand mold.
Large Casting Removal: Hoisting large castings for removal and cleaning.
Configuration Advantages:
Foundry workshops have complex operating conditions and limited space. The YZ-type casting crane, equipped with a rotatable lifting device, can handle ladles with varying trunnion spacings. Its graded speed-changing lifting mechanism facilitates control of the pouring speed. Remote control operation allows for precise positioning at the pouring station.
Recommended Configuration:
Lifting Capacity: 10t~100t
Structure: Double-beam, double-rail
Key Configurations: Ladle lifting device, graded speed regulation, remote control operation
5. Steel Receiving and Finishing Spans
The steel receiving span is the intermediate link between steelmaking and continuous casting, while the finishing span is responsible for the post-processing of the cast billets. The YZ-type casting crane is also widely used in these auxiliary spans.
Typical Operations:
Ladle Receiving and Temporary Storage: Receiving molten steel ladles from the converter span, temporarily storing them for further processing, or hoisting them to the refining/continuous casting stage.
Bill Hoisting: Hoisting and storing continuously cast billets after they come off the production line.
Equipment Maintenance and Hoisting: Assisting with the maintenance and hoisting of various equipment across the span.
Recommended Configuration:
Lifting Capacity: 16t~50t
Structure Type: Double Beam, Double Rail
Key Configuration: Economical and Practical Configuration
1. Company Overview and Industry Position
Henan Weihua Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd., founded in 1988, is a core holding subsidiary of Weihua Group. Headquartered at No. 18 Shanhai Avenue, Changyuan City, Henan Province, known as the "Capital of Lifting Machinery in China," the company boasts a registered capital of RMB 1.066 billion. It is a leading enterprise in China's crane manufacturing industry and one of the world's largest industrial crane manufacturers. As a national manufacturing single-item champion enterprise, Henan Weihua holds a significant position in the domestic and international lifting machinery industry.
2. Main Business and Product System
The company focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of bridge cranes, gantry cranes, electric hoists, and new intelligent lifting equipment. Product types cover multiple series including general-purpose bridge cranes, European-style cranes, metallurgical cranes, explosion-proof cranes, and port gantry cranes, meeting the complex operational needs of various industries. With its modular, lightweight, and intelligent design concepts, Henan Weihua's products are at the forefront of the industry in terms of structural performance, safety, reliability, and service life.
3. Application Areas and Market Coverage
Henan Weihua's products are widely used in many key sectors of the national economy, including machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, power energy, port logistics, railway transportation, petrochemicals, and construction engineering. The company's products not only sell well in all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, but are also exported to more than 100 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies and key national engineering projects, earning a good international reputation.
4. Technology R&D and Quality Assurance
The company highly values technological innovation and has established several high-end R&D platforms, including a national-level enterprise technology center, a postdoctoral research station, and the Henan Provincial Lifting Machinery Engineering Technology Research Center. In recent years, Henan Weihua has actively promoted intelligent and digital manufacturing transformation, accumulating over a thousand national authorized patents and participating in the formulation of multiple national and industry standards. In terms of quality management, the company has passed ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 international system certifications and has successively won numerous honors such as "China Famous Brand Product," "National Quality Benchmark," and "National Technological Innovation Demonstration Enterprise," establishing a comprehensive quality control system from raw materials to finished products.
