Overhead Crane Hatch by Weglehner

At Weglehner, we don't just think in terms of cranes—we think in solutions. We are therefore pleased to present one of our latest developments: a custom-fabricated overhead crane hatch, specially designed for demanding industrial facilities where hall areas are separated by partition walls—for reasons such as fire protection, noise control, or safety requirements. Such partitions are often legally mandated or operationally necessary, yet they significantly restrict the mobility of overhead cranes. Our hatch provides an intelligent solution—without compromising existing safety requirements or sacrificing stability and functionality.

In many production and warehouse halls, the use of an overhead crane is limited to a specific area as soon as a solid wall or fire-rated compartment blocks its path. This often leads to the need for multiple cranes, even though a single crane would theoretically suffice. But why shouldn’t a crane be able to assist precisely where it’s needed? This is exactly where our overhead crane hatch comes into play: it allows the crane to be safely and comfortably guided through an opening in the wall whenever required—without compromising stability, safety, or ease of operation. In its closed state, the hatch remains firmly connected to the wall, ensuring the full effectiveness of the fire, acoustic, or safety partition. No weak point is created in the building envelope.

Our hatch deliberately avoids manual operation and instead relies on a reliable, automated drive system—either hydraulic or electromechanical, depending on customer requirements. This choice not only enhances workplace safety but also reduces physical strain on personnel and minimizes operating errors. The result is a low-maintenance, durable, and highly reliable solution that performs consistently even under harsh industrial conditions. Fabricated from high-quality steel and individually tailored to the specific hall structure and crane system, the hatch integrates seamlessly into the existing architecture—both visually and technically. The surface treatment also ensures long-lasting corrosion protection.

As an experienced partner for crane and hall technology, we support our customers from initial concept through to turnkey installation. For this project, planning, fabrication, and installation were all handled under one roof: our team developed the hatch precisely according to the site’s structural conditions, manufactured it in our own workshop, and installed it on schedule—without disrupting the customer’s ongoing operations. This holistic approach eliminates interface issues between planners, suppliers, and installers. The customer benefits from a smooth project execution, clear accountability, and high-quality workmanship from a single source.

The advantages are clear: thanks to the new pass-through capability, the overhead crane can now be flexibly deployed across multiple hall sections. This saves time on internal transport, reduces the need for additional lifting equipment, and increases overall internal logistics efficiency—all without costly structural modifications. Moreover, long-term investment and maintenance costs decrease, as fewer cranes need to be procured, operated, and serviced. At the same time, utilization of the existing crane increases, improving overall cost-effectiveness.

Whether standard systems or custom designs—at Weglehner, the customer and their individual challenge always come first. Our overhead crane hatch is just one example of how we turn technical obstacles into practical advantages.

Do you need a solution to make your overhead crane more flexible?

Contact us—we’ll develop the right answer to your requirements together with you.