If you're looking at Demag cranes for the first time—especially for a UK operation—the process can feel overwhelming. I manage purchasing for a mid-sized manufacturing facility, and when I was tasked with ordering our first overhead crane system (a Demag, based on the engineering spec), I had to learn fast. Here's the checklist I wish I'd had from day one. It covers the five critical steps from initial spec to final sign-off, based on my experience handling a single girder crane, a chain hoist, and a bunch of related Demag parts and service contracts.
Step 1: Lock Down Your Specs Before You Call Anyone
This is the step everyone wants to skip. You have a rough idea—'something like a 5-ton Demag crane'—and you want to get a price. My advice: don't. Every time I've started with a vague spec, I've ended up with quotes that are impossible to compare apples-to-apples.
Before you reach out to Demag dealers or parts suppliers (especially for Demag parts UK), write down:
- Capacity (SWL): What's the heaviest single lift you'll ever do? Add 25% margin. For us, we needed 5 tons, but I specified 6.3 tons.
- Span & Lift Height: Exact distance between runway rails, and how high you need to lift. This is not a ballpark figure.
- Duty Cycle: Is this for occasional maintenance or heavy production use? Demag offers different motor and hoist classes (e.g., FEM/ISO duty classifications). Getting this wrong means paying for a Ferrari when you need a work truck—or vice versa.
- Power Supply: UK standard is 400V 3-phase. But is your site using a specific transformer tap or a VFD? Specify voltage and frequency clearly.
- Controls: Pendant (corded) or radio remote? How many speeds?
My mistake: The first time, I assumed 'crane' included the runway and electrification. It didn't. That was a painful add-on cost. Clarify exactly what the quote includes: crane bridge, end trucks, hoist, controls, wiring, runway, installation, and commissioning.
Once you have a spec sheet, you get clean quotes. You also get fewer follow-up questions that slow the process down.
Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes—But Structure the Same
I know, 'get multiple quotes' sounds like Procurement 101. But for a capital item like a Demag overhead crane, you need to compare total installed cost, not just the crane price. I got quotes from three suppliers for our Demag installation. Here's what I found.
Pricing reference (Q1 2025, UK market, based on quotes received):
A single girder Demag crane (5-ton, 10m span, 6m lift, wireless remote) with standard hoist: £18,000 – £25,000.
Including runway, electrification, installation, and commissioning: £28,000 – £38,000.
Demag chain hoist (as a standalone unit, 1-ton): £1,200 – £1,800.
Prices are rough estimates; verify with current Demag dealers. Setup fees and delivery are typically included in the 'installed' quote for cranes.
Red flag I learned the hard way: One supplier quoted a 'Demag' hoist—but it was a DR model, and the bridge was from a non-Demag manufacturer. That's not a 'Demag crane.' Demag cranes typically have a specific structural design and hoist integration. If you need 'Demag,' make sure the entire lifting mechanism (hoist, trolley, and often the end trucks) is genuine Demag. Otherwise, you're buying a 'crane with a Demag hoist,' which might be fine—but know the difference.
Also, ask about lead times. Demag parts UK might be available immediately for common components, but a full crane could be 12-16 weeks from order to delivery. Plan accordingly.
Step 3: Verify Installation & Commissioning Scope
You think installation is included. Check. Then check again.
I almost fell for this trap: Supplier A quoted a lower crane price than Supplier B. But Supplier A's installation scope ended at 'crane in place and powered.' They didn't include:
- Wire rope/chain reeving and adjustment
- Load testing (mandatory UK LOLER inspection)
- Warranty activation paperwork
- Technical documentation (CE/UKCA declaration)
Supplier B's installation was a full 'turnkey' package: they handled everything, including the third-party LOLER thorough examination required before first use. Supplier B was more expensive upfront but had zero surprises. The first 90 days of reactive support were also included.
Rule of thumb for admin buyers: If an installation quote is significantly cheaper, ask 'what else?' Usually, something is missing. For Demag crane installation, ensure the scope covers mechanical assembly, electrical connection, full function testing, load test, and handover training.
Step 4: Check Demag Parts Availability (and Service)
Six months after installation, my first issue: a worn brake lining on the hoist. Everyone said 'Demag parts UK are widely available.' They are—if you know the part number and you're not in a rush. If you need it same day? No chance unless you're near a major stockist.
I now keep a small stock of critical spares—common chain, a spare set of brakes, and electrical contactors. But the real lesson was about the service network.
Not all Demag service engineers are created equal. Some are factory-trained. Some are general crane mechanics who 'know Demag.' When you're on the hook for downtime, the difference is night and day. For our facility, I asked for a service contract from the Demag dealer who installed the crane. Their SLA: 4-hour phone response, 24-hour engineer on-site for critical breakdowns. That's worth paying for—I learned that when a failed part on a different brand cost me 8 hours of production downtime.
Tip for parts ordering: Always ask for the Demag OEM part number. Generic parts are cheaper but void warranty on certain components (like hoist motors or safety components). I got burned once by ordering a 'compatible' brake coil. It didn't fit properly. Now I stick with genuine Demag parts for anything safety-related.
Step 5: Plan the Handover & Operator Training
You might think this is someone else's job. It's not. As the person who ordered the crane, you inherit the responsibility for a safe handover.
After installation and commissioning, do not sign off until you have:
- LOLER thorough examination report (required by UK law, from a competent person, before first use).
- User manual and maintenance log book in English.
- Operator training for at least 2-3 people. Demag cranes have specific limit switches, emergency stop procedures, and daily checks. Do not assume people 'know how to use a crane.' We had a near-miss because someone bypassed the upper limit switch to 'test' it.
- Record of spare parts numbers (at least the common ones).
- Service contact phone number—not a generic helpline, but the specific engineer or local service manager.
One more thing: After the crane is in service, do the monthly and annual inspection checks diligently. Demag cranes are reliable, but like any machinery, they need routine TLC. I keep a simple spreadsheet with inspection dates and any faults found. That spreadsheet saved us when we had a recall on a batch of hoist limit switches—I could immediately identify our unit's serial number and know it wasn't affected.
Three Things I'd Do Differently
If I could go back to day one of my Demag crane project:
1. I'd involve the operations team earlier. We spent weeks negotiating crane specs, but the operators didn't see the pendant layout until training. They wanted a different button arrangement. I could have saved a change order by getting their input during Step 1.
2. I'd ask about warranty exclusions up front. Our warranty was 12 months, but it excluded wear items like brake pads and electrical contacts. That's normal, but I didn't know which spares to stock until a problem happened. Now I keep a small inventory.
3. I'd verify the Demag parts supply chain beforehand. A friend in another facility had his crane down for 3 weeks waiting on a Demag part that turned out to be in stock at a different UK supplier. He didn't know the second supplier existed. I now maintain a shortlist of two Demag parts UK distributors, just in case.
But those are minor refinements. Overall, the Demag crane itself has been rock-solid. The process to buy and install it? That I would do differently—but with this checklist, you're already ahead of where I was.
— An administrative buyer who now knows more about Demag cranes than I ever expected to.
