This guide is designed to help you compare and choose from Lift Safe’s range of counterbalanced cranes, including fully powered, hydraulic and semi-electric models. It explains how counterbalanced cranes work, where they are most effective and how to select the right configuration based on load weight, reach, lift height and operating environment.
Whether you’re handling machinery components, tooling, moulds or other awkward loads in confined spaces, this guide will help you identify the crane solution best suited to your operational needs.
Who are counterbalanced floor cranes for?
Counterbalanced cranes are designed for applications where access around the load is restricted and traditional lifting equipment such as forklifts or gantries cannot be used effectively. By offsetting the load with a counterweight, these cranes can lift and position loads without front legs or outriggers, allowing access directly over pallets, machines and workbenches.
They are particularly well suited to:
- Manufacturing and engineering environments
- Maintenance and plant operations
- Tool rooms and die / mould handlings
- Warehouse and production areas with limited floor space
- Situations where loads must lifted into and out of machinery
Typical tasks include lifting motors or gearboxes, positioning tools into machines, handling moulds or jigs and placing heavy components onto benches or fixtures.
Key product features of our counterbalanced cranes
While individual configurations will vary across our range, all counterbalanced cranes share a core set of features that determine suitability for different applications.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Options available for light handling as well as models with up to 2,100kg capacities |
| Counterbalance Design | Rear-mounted counterweights eliminate the need for front legs |
| Lifting Mechanism | Fully powered electric lifting or electro-hydraulic lift with manual or powered options |
| Reach | Fixed or adjustable jib lengths to suit different access requirements. Some cranes even offer 360° swivel rotation or locking positions |
| Lift Height | Designed to lift loads to machine height or above workstations |
| Mobility | Heavy-duty castors or steer wheels for controlled movement |
| Controls | Hand-held pendants, lever controls or remote options |
| Power Supply | Manual hydraulic, battery-powered electric or hybrid systems |
Types of counterbalanced cranes
Fully Powered Counterbalanced Cranes
Our fully powered cranes provide battery-powered lifting and, depending on the mode, remote or lever-based control. This makes them suitable for tasks demanding precise load positioning and high-frequency use.
| Model | Capacity & Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Orbit 200 EL / ER | 200 kg fully powered counterbalanced crane designed for light-duty lifting tasks. Ideal as an entry-level powered solution where swivel lifting and compact manoeuvrability are required. |
| FLEX G500 SBL / SBR | 500 kg powered crane offering adaptable swivel lifting. Well suited to mid-range industrial applications requiring flexibility and reliable powered operation. |
| Orbit 500 EL / ER | 500 kg mobile electric crane with increased lift height capability. Ideal for applications where loads must be raised to higher machine or workstation levels. |
| LS-JL750 / LS-GE750 | 750 kg counterbalanced crane range offering higher capacity with options for increased lift height or extended travel reach, suited to heavier industrial handling tasks. |
| FLEX G750 DBR / DBL | 750 kg fully electric crane available with remote or lever control. Designed for frequent lifting operations where operator control and ergonomic handling are priorities. |
| Flex F1000 DBR / DBL | 1,000 kg fully powered counterbalanced crane built for heavier workshop, production and maintenance environments requiring consistent, high-capacity lifting. |
These fully-powered models are designed to reduce operator effort and support more regular lifting tasks.
Hydraulic & Semi-Electric Counterbalanced Cranes
Hydraulic and semi-electric models blend manual movement with powered lifting and hybrid control, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness for environments where lifting needs are a bit more varied.
| Model | Capacity & Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 01B5 / 01B5SE | Available in 400kg and 500kg variants, these compact counterbalanced cranes are highly manoeuvrable and well suited to machining centres and assembly lines |
| GZ1000B | 1,000kg electro-hydraulic counterbalanced crane with battery-assisted lift and pendant controls. Designed for heavier-duty handling tasks in industrial and manufacturing premises |
| 01B2 | 200kg lightweight semi-electric counterbalanced crane featuring smooth operation and 360° rotation. Particularly effective in confined spaces or applications requiring frequent repositioning around machinery or workstations |
These counterbalanced floor cranes balance performance with affordability, and are particularly useful where spot lifts, precise manual positioning and cost control are important.
Choosing the right counterbalanced crane
Use case profiles
| Environment | Common Tasks | Recommended Crane Type |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Shops | Lifting tooling, fixtures and components into and out of machining centres | Semi-electric or hydraulic counterbalanced cranes for precise positioning in confined spaces |
| Assembly Lines | Feeding assemblies, sub-assemblies or components into production cells | Fully powered counterbalanced cranes for frequent, repeatable lifting tasks |
| Maintenance Bays | Servicing engines, gearboxes and heavy machine components | Semi-electric or fully powered cranes to balance control with reduced operator effort |
| Warehouse & Logistics | Lifting and positioning palletised goods or heavy containers | Hydraulic cranes for occasional use; fully powered cranes for high-frequency handling |
Load requirements and duty cycle
Start with your maximum load weight and how often it needs lifting. Fully powered cranes excel in frequent, repetitive lifting applications; hydraulic or semi-electric cranes suit moderate or occasional use.
Space and access
Consider reach, swivel rotation and footprint. Hydraulic or semi-electric cranes often excel in tight or confined spaces, while powered models support smooth and fatigue-free handling across larger work areas.
Controls and ergonomics
Remote or button pendant controls offer ease and safety in busy environments. Lever controls on semi electric models can be highly intuitive for operators used to manual systems.
Environment & attachments
Ensure the crane’s attachments and finishes match your workspace – whether handling pallets, reels, drums or bespoke components, the right tooling makes the crane significantly more effective.
Tooling and Customisation
Our counterbalanced cranes are designed to be adaptable, allowing them to handle more than just standard loads. The right tooling can significantly improve your lifters safety and performance, ensuring it is more closely matched to your specific applications.
Most counterbalanced cranes can be supplied with standard lifting hooks and swivel hooks, suitable for general lifting tasks which make them compatible with common slings and chains.
For more specialised applications, speak to a member of our sales team to learn more about our custom attachment options. If your loads are awkward in shape or heavy or require precision-placement when unloading, our range of custom tooling and machine components could be just what you need to support your lifting requirements.
Alternatively you can request an entirely custom lifter, designed and configured around your unique load characteristics and operating environments.
Summary
Our counterbalanced crane range is designed to provide safe and space-efficient lifting across a wide range of load types and environments. From hydraulic and semi-electric cranes for lower-frequency or precision placement tasks to fully powered models for frequent, higher-capacity handling, this guide gives you the context and detail needed to choose the right solutions.
When narrowing down your options, it helps to:
- Start with your load weight, size and reach requirements
- Consider your working environment and available space
- Think about how often the crane will be used and by whom
For detailed specifications or help selecting the most appropriate crane configuration, our sales team is available to support you. You can also get in touch to discuss bespoke counterbalanced crane solutions tailored to your specific lifting requirements.
