
Altex Engineering Ltd, based in Calne, is a specialist in precision engineering and sheet metal fabrications. With over 40 years of experience, Altex delivers design, machining, and fabrication services to customers across multiple sectors, combining expert craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.
Granada Cranes was commissioned to design, manufacture, and install a new 6,000kg single girder overhead travelling crane at Altex’s facility. The project aimed to replace older lifting equipment with a modern, reliable, and efficient solution that could support precision engineering operations in a clean indoor environment.
The Results

The new 6-tonne single girder crane provides Altex with a robust, efficient, and future-proof lifting solution. Thanks to frequency inverter drives, load handling is now smoother and safer, minimising wear on mechanical components and extending the lifespan of the crane. The addition of condition monitoring gives operators greater visibility over performance and potential issues, supporting a proactive approach to maintenance.
For a precision engineering company like Altex, reliable lifting is essential to maintaining production efficiency and meeting strict quality standards. This installation shows how Granada Cranes combines engineering expertise, trusted SWF components, and modern safety systems to deliver solutions tailored to each client’s environment and lifting needs.
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Technical Specification

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Safe Working Load (SWL): 6,000kg
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Span: 9,000mm (approx., confirmed by full survey)
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Height of Lift: 5,000mm actual (7,000mm max)
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Construction: Single steel box girder, fabricated in the UK by coded welders
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Hoist: SWF Low Headroom Electric Wire Rope Hoist (EWH)
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Control Method: Pendant control, moveable along the bridge main beam
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Classification & Duty:
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Crane Group: FEM A6
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Hoist Group: ISO M5
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Hoist Travelling: ISO M5
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Crane Travelling: ISO M5
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Speeds:
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Hoist: 4.0 m/min (fast), 0.70 m/min (slow)
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Cross Travel: 20.0 m/min (fast), 5.0 m/min (slow, inverter-controlled)
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Long Travel: 32.0 m/min (fast), 8.0 m/min (slow, inverter-controlled)
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Electrical Supply: 400/415V, 3-phase, 50Hz
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Additional Features:
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Frequency inverter drives for sway-free load travel
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Smooth acceleration and braking for reduced component wear
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Condition monitoring for preventative maintenance
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Thermal overload protection across all motions
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Slow-down and stop limits on bridge and gantry
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Why Granada Cranes?
From one-off projects to complete factory installations, Granada Cranes delivers overhead crane systems that are fit for purpose, safe, and built to last. Our independence means we’re not tied to one manufacturer — giving us the flexibility to design the right system for your operation, not just a catalogue option.
Looking for a tailored lifting solution for your facility? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.