How to Buy an Overhead Crane from China: A Step-by-Step Guide

China is the world's largest exporter of overhead cranes, offering strong value for money. Buying well means being clear on specification, choosing a reliable manufacturer, and planning inspection and logistics. Here is the process step by step.

1. Define your requirements

Before requesting quotes, prepare: lifting capacity, span (rail-to-rail width), lifting height, duty cycle, control method, power supply (voltage/frequency), and any special conditions (heat, explosion risk, outdoor use).

2. Request detailed quotations

A professional quotation should list the girder type, hoist brand, electrical components, duty class, and certifications. Be wary of prices that seem too low — they often use undersized components or lower duty classes.

3. Verify the manufacturer

• Confirm they are a real factory, not a trader — ask for a video tour.
• Check certifications: CE, ISO 9001, and any local standards you need.
• Ask for export references to your region.

4. Agree standards and inspection

Specify the design standard (FEM, DIN, or your national code) in the contract. For larger orders, arrange third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) or a factory witness test before shipment.

5. Plan logistics

Cranes ship as components in containers or as break-bulk for large girders. Clarify Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DAP), packing, and who handles customs clearance and inland transport.

6. Installation and commissioning

Decide whether you will install locally to the manufacturer's drawings, or have their engineers supervise on-site. Confirm the warranty (typically 12–24 months) and spare-parts availability.

What drives the price

Two quotes for "a 10 t, 22 m overhead crane" can differ by 40% and both be honest. The variables that move the number most are the duty class, the hoist (a European FEM hoist costs several times a basic CD/MD unit), the brand of the electrical components, whether drives are variable-frequency or direct-on-line, and the paint system. Ask for these to be itemised so you are comparing like with like.

Payment terms and how to stage them

The common structure is 30% deposit, 70% against the bill of lading or after inspection. Resist paying 100% before shipment. A letter of credit protects both sides on a first order; telegraphic transfer is normal once a relationship exists. Tie at least one payment milestone to a passed inspection, not merely to a completion date.

Lead time — what is realistic

For a standard single or double girder crane, 30–50 days of production is normal, plus 20–40 days of sea freight depending on destination. Explosion-proof, casting and very large cranes run longer. Add time for drawing approval: expect one to two weeks of back-and-forth before production starts, and do not let a supplier begin fabrication before you have signed off the general arrangement drawing.

Documents you must receive

• General arrangement and foundation/runway loading drawings
• Duty class and design calculation summary
• Load test report (static 125%, dynamic 110%)
• CE declaration of conformity, where applicable
• Component certificates and the electrical schematic
• Operation and maintenance manual in English
• Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin

Missing paperwork is the most common cause of a crane sitting in customs or failing a local inspection after arrival. Confirm the list before the deposit, not after the container ships.

Spare parts — order them with the crane

Freight on a small box of spares shipped with the crane is negligible; air-freighting a brake or a limit switch two years later is not. A sensible starter kit is a set of brake linings, a contactor set, one limit switch of each type and a spare pendant. Our crane parts and components range covers the wear items on every crane we build.

Checklist before you pay the deposit

• Written specification and duty class agreed
• Component brands and certifications listed
• General arrangement drawing approved in writing
• Inspection and test plan defined
• Document list agreed, including the CE file
• Incoterms, packing, lead time and warranty in the contract
• Payment milestones tied to inspection, not dates alone

If you would rather see how this works in practice, our delivered projects set out the specification, inspection and installation arrangements for cranes shipped to Saudi Arabia, Chile, Poland, the UAE, Indonesia and Mexico.

We support international buyers through every step — from engineering and CE documentation to inspection, shipping and on-site commissioning. Contact us for a detailed quotation.