Crane & Hoist Dedicated VFD – Heavy-Duty AC Drive for Lifting Equipment
The Crane & Hoist Dedicated VFD from SHZK is purpose-built for lifting, hoisting, and material handling applications. Engineered to deliver 200% starting torque at ultra-low frequency, this variable frequency drive ensures safe, reliable operation for your overhead cranes, gantry cranes, construction hoists, and mining hoists.
150% Overload Capacity | 200% Starting Torque | Anti-Load Drop Protection | CE Certified
Why Choose This VFD for Your Crane Applications
200% rated torque at 0.5Hz ensures your crane starts smoothly under full load — no load slipping, no stalls. Ideal for hoisting and lifting applications where reliability is critical.
150% rated current for 60 seconds / 180% for 3 seconds. Built to handle the frequent starts, stops, and impact loads that cranes and hoists demand — day after day.
Integrated brake control with mechanical brake coordination keeps your load secure. The anti-creep function maintains holding torque at zero speed — your crane won’t drift, even with a full load suspended.
Supports regenerative braking for potential energy loads. When your crane lowers a load, the VFD automatically feeds energy back — improving efficiency and reducing heat buildup.
Recommended Models for Crane & Hoist Applications
| Model | Power | Input | Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFD300 N/T 2.2G-4T1 | 2.2kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Small hoists, wire rope winches |
| VFD300 N/T 3.7G-4T1 | 3.7kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Bridge cranes, workshop hoists |
| VFD300 N/T 5.5G-4T1 | 5.5kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Gantry cranes, construction lifts |
| VFD300 N/T 7.5G-4T1 | 7.5kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Heavy-duty overhead cranes |
| VFD300 N/T 11G-4T1 | 11kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Large gantry cranes, shipyard hoists |
| VFD300 N/T 15G-4T1 | 15kW | 3PH 380V | 3PH 0-380V | Mining hoists, heavy material handling |
Key Features for Crane Operation
| Multi-Speed Operation | Supports multi-step speed control for precise hoist travel, trolley traverse, and bridge movement. Switch between speeds via terminal inputs or RS485 commands. |
| Brake Control | Built-in mechanical brake coordination output ensures safe, synchronized stopping. The brake releases only after the motor has built sufficient torque — preventing load drop. |
| Overload Protection | Electronic overcurrent, overvoltage, and overload protection safeguards your crane motor from burnout. Automatic fault detection with clear LED error codes for fast troubleshooting. |
| Anti-Creep Function | Maintains holding torque at zero speed — your suspended load stays in position without drifting. Critical for precision positioning and operator safety. |
| Emergency Stop | Supports external emergency stop signals for rapid, safe shutdown. Complies with crane safety standards for emergency braking and load securement. |
| RS485 Modbus Communication | Standard Modbus RTU interface connects directly to your PLC or crane control system. Monitor speed, torque, and fault status in real time from your central control room. |
Application Scenarios
Overhead Bridge Crane
Smooth acceleration and precise speed control for workshop bridge cranes. Multi-speed operation lets operators fine-tune hoist, trolley, and bridge travel for accurate load positioning.
Gantry Crane (Port & Yard)
Built for outdoor gantry cranes in ports, container yards, and stockyards. Shock-resistant design handles frequent start-stop cycles and wind-induced load swings.
Construction Hoist
Reliable variable speed control for construction elevators and material lifts. Anti-load drop protection and emergency stop ensure worker safety at any height.
Mining Hoist
Four-quadrant operation with regenerative braking handles deep-shaft hoisting. Energy feedback during descent reduces operating costs. Rated for continuous heavy-duty mining operations.
Selection Tips — How to Choose the Right VFD for Your Crane
- Always select G-type (General Purpose). Crane and hoist loads are constant-torque, heavy-duty applications. G-type drives provide the 150% overload capacity your crane needs.
- Size by motor current, not just kW. Match the VFD’s rated output current to your crane motor’s rated current. If your motor draws 15A, choose a VFD rated for at least 15A output — even if a smaller kW rating seems sufficient.
- Braking resistor is essential for hoisting. Lifting mechanisms must use a braking resistor to absorb regenerated energy during lowering. Without it, the VFD will overvoltage fault.
- Input reactor recommended. Adding an input reactor suppresses harmonics and protects your crane’s electrical system — especially important in facilities with multiple VFDs or sensitive PLC equipment.
- Consider ambient conditions. For outdoor cranes or high-temperature environments, request IP54-rated enclosure options and plan for additional derating above 40°C.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Input Voltage | 3PH AC 380V (-15%) ~ 440V (+10%) |
| Output Voltage | 3PH AC 0 ~ 380V |
| Power Range | 2.2kW – 15kW (G-type) |
| Starting Torque | 200% rated torque at 0.5Hz |
| Overload Capacity | 150% / 60s, 180% / 3s |
| Brake Control | Built-in mechanical brake coordination |
| Communication | RS485 Modbus RTU |
| Protection | OC, OV, UV, OH, OL, Anti-creep, Emergency Stop |
Frequently Asked Questions — Crane & Hoist VFD
What type of VFD do I need for a crane or hoist?
Crane and hoist applications require a G-type (General Purpose) variable frequency drive with constant torque output and at least 150% overload capacity. The VFD must support brake control, anti-creep function, and multi-speed operation. Our VFD300 N/T G-type series is specifically designed for these demanding lifting applications.
Why does my crane VFD need a braking resistor?
When a crane lowers a load, the motor acts as a generator and feeds energy back into the VFD. Without a braking resistor, this regenerated energy causes the DC bus voltage to spike, triggering an overvoltage fault. The braking resistor safely dissipates this energy. For hoisting applications, a braking resistor is not optional — it is essential for safe, continuous operation.
How do I size a VFD for my crane motor?
Match the VFD’s rated output current to your crane motor’s rated current nameplate value — do not size by kW alone. For example, if your motor is rated at 11kW and draws 25A, select a VFD with at least 25A output current rating. Always choose G-type for crane applications. When in doubt, contact our technical team with your motor nameplate data and we will recommend the exact model.
Can this VFD work with my existing PLC crane control system?
Yes. The VFD300 N/T series features a standard RS485 Modbus RTU communication interface that integrates directly with most PLCs and crane control systems. You can monitor and control speed, direction, fault status, and brake release through the communication bus. Optional Profibus-DP and Profinet cards are also available for SCADA integration.