Cranes and hoists for Explosive Environment

When handling materials in explosive industrial environments, safety is an absolute priority, as even the smallest spark can have catastrophic consequences. GD’s explosion-proof cranes and hoists are manufactured according to the strictest international standards and ensure safe and reliable operation even under the most demanding industrial conditions.

Explosion-proof crane and hoist

Typical environments where explosion-proof systems are essential include:

• Chemical and petrochemical plants
• Oil and gas extraction facilities
• Mines and processing plants
• Food industry sites, where combustible dusts such as flour or sugar may create explosive atmospheres

In such areas, gases, vapors, dust, or other flammable substances in the air can mix with oxygen and form explosive atmospheres. Here, every electrical and mechanical device poses a potential ignition risk, making it essential for crane electrical systems to be explosion-proof.

GD’s crane systems fully comply with ATEX and other relevant standards, thanks to the use of explosion-proof components from STAHL CraneSystems. STAHL is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers with decades of experience in the development of explosion-proof electrical equipment. Their name is a guarantee of safety, reliability, and durability, even under extreme conditions.

GD’s explosion-proof cranes are highly customizable, with options such as:

• Hoisting units tailored to your required load capacity
• Custom-designed crane tracks
• Drive systems in two-speed or variable-speed versions
• Control solutions including explosion-proof remote control crane systems, allowing safe operation from a distance in hazardous environments

Every component of the system—from the motors to the control units—is designed to be explosion-proof, minimizing the risk of ignition. These cranes ensure smooth operation and the safety of workers, while enabling efficient and continuous material handling in environments with the highest safety demands. The inclusion of remote control crane technology enhances operator safety by reducing direct exposure to explosive zones.

GD explosion-proof crane systems are the ideal choice for companies that:

• Need to comply with strict industrial safety and occupational health regulations
• Are looking for durable, safe, and easy-to-maintain systems for long-term use
• Refuse to compromise on safety or efficiency

Choose GD’s explosion-proof crane and hoist when reliability, professional expertise, and maximum safety matter most. Request a quote today, and build a material handling system that’s ready to meet every challenge—even in the most hazardous environments.

In explosive atmospheres, any ignition source (flame, electrical, mechanical spark, etc.) can cause an explosion. Therefore, electrical equipment must be treated as a potential ignition source, and all electrical devices on the crane must be explosion-proof.

Ex APPROVED EXPLOSION-PROOF PRODUCTS according to the following regulations, directives:

EUROPEAN DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

International scheme : IECEx

Wire rope hoists Classifications

Chain hoists

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a crane or hoist explosion-proof?
Explosion-proof cranes are built with components designed to prevent ignition in hazardous environments. This includes sealed motors, spark-free mechanical parts, and specially certified electrical systems in compliance with ATEX and IECEx standards.

In what types of environments are explosion-proof cranes required?
They are essential in locations where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present—such as chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, mines, and food industry areas with combustible dust like flour or sugar.

What certifications do GD’s explosion-proof cranes meet?
All systems meet ATEX (European Directive 94/9/EC) and IECEx requirements. Components are sourced from STAHL CraneSystems, a leading European manufacturer of certified explosion-proof equipment.

What ATEX zones do these cranes support?
GD cranes are available for use in:

• Zone 1 (gas): II 2 G – Ex de IIB T4 or Ex de IIC T4
• Zone 2 (gas): II 2 G – Ex nA IIB T3/T4 or Ex nA de IIC T3/T4
• Zone 21 (dust): II 2 D – Ex tD A21 IP66 T 120°C
• Zone 22 (dust): II 3 D – Ex tD A22 IP66 T 120°C

What types of hoists are available in explosion-proof versions?
You can choose between:

• Chain hoists: up to 6.3 tons
• Wire rope hoists: up to 20 tons

Both are certified for use in explosive atmospheres.

Can I control the crane remotely in a hazardous area?
Yes. Explosion-proof remote control systems are available, allowing operators to control the crane safely from outside the hazardous zone.

Are drive systems customizable?
Yes. We offer two-speed or variable-frequency drives (VFD) to suit different material handling needs and precision levels.