Understanding Crane Capacity, Clear Height and Floor Load

Three specifications decide whether an industrial shed can actually run your process: crane capacity, clear height and floor loading. Listings often state these as a single number, but each needs to be read correctly against your actual operation before you sign a lease.

Crane Capacity

Crane capacity — usually stated in metric tonnes (MT) for an EOT (Electric Overhead Traveling) crane — determines the maximum load the shed's crane system can lift and move. It is a function of both the crane itself and the structural steel it runs on, so a shed cannot simply be fitted with a bigger crane later without engineering review.

• Confirm the installed crane capacity, not just the shed's rated structural capacity
• Check the crane's span and travel length against your bay layout
• If no crane is installed, confirm whether the structure is designed to support one, and at what capacity

Clear Height

Clear height is the usable vertical space from finished floor level to the lowest overhead obstruction — typically the underside of the crane girder or roof truss, whichever is lower. This is different from the height to the roof ridge, which is often the number quoted in marketing material.

Floor Loading

Floor loading capacity, usually expressed in metric tonnes per square metre, is the maximum load the shed's floor slab can bear — critical for heavy machinery, die-storage, racking systems or vehicle movement. A floor built for light assembly work will not necessarily support a heavy press or a fully loaded pallet racking system.

• Confirm floor loading capacity for both static loads (machinery, racking) and dynamic loads (vehicle movement)
• Ask whether the figure applies uniformly or only to specific bays
• For heavy manufacturing, request the structural design basis rather than relying on a verbal figure

Why This Matters Before You Sign

Retrofitting a shed for a higher crane capacity, taller clearance or stronger floor loading after occupation is expensive and sometimes not possible within the existing structure. Verifying these three specifications against your actual equipment and process — before finalising commercial terms — avoids a costly mismatch later.

Next Steps

CIPL's industrial background means every facility is evaluated against these specifications before it is offered to an occupier. Talk to our advisory team or submit your requirement.