Overhead cranes are characterized by which of the following features?

Overhead cranes are designed primarily for lifting and moving heavy loads within a specific area, typically in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. The most characteristic feature of an overhead crane is a moveable hoist, which allows for the efficient vertical and horizontal movement of materials.

The hoist is attached to a trolley that travels along a beam, enabling it to lift items to various heights and move them across the loading area. This flexibility in movement is crucial for handling diverse loads in a confined workspace, providing significant advantages in terms of productivity and safety in material handling.

Other features like a fixed loading area, detachable platform, or rotating base may apply to different types of cranes or equipment but do not define the overhead crane's operational capabilities to the same extent as a moveable hoist.