A crane buffer is a hydraulic device that has the characteristics that it extends easily under its own internal spring but, on compression, the device reacts with a large damping force. The disadvantage of using a hydraulic device is that they are expensive and a monitoring program must be implemented to ensure that the devices are always operable. Buffers or stops are placed at the ends of sections of travel trackage, but the crane is not supposed to strike them. If the crane should suffer the high deceleration accompanying a buffer strike, it would surely overturn. Instead automatic brake trappers are placed at a distance from the buffers. The buffers serve only in the event that the brakes fail to stop the crane fully in the allotted distance.

The crane bumpers are designed to prevent the crane from running off the end of the track. These bumpers have more energy absorbing capacity per volume and weight than comparable urethane or rubber bumpers.

Crane cabs are constructed as compactly as possible so that when the crane rotates along with the cab there is a little overhang, which may strike other objects as possible and to generally allow the maximum freedom of movement for the cab and crane. In addition, such cabs are usually formed largely of glass, at least in the upper portions, to increase the visibility from the cab and consequently the safety of the crane operation.

The crane that is finally selected for the project should be properly certified. Many, if not all, states have standards with which erection subcontractors must comply. Prudent contractors make certain they have available at the jobsite documentation attesting to the cranes certification. The contractor should also obtain a certificate of liability insurance from the erection subcontractor.

Crane crash avoidance sensor is used as an early warning sensor for preventing collision of overhead cranes running of the same rails. These are installed face-to-face on adjacent overhead cranes running on the same rails. When one crane approaches the detection area of an adjacent crane, its sensor detects the microwaves transmitted by the sensor mounted on the opposite crane and an alarm is generated, thus preventing collision.