A service brake is used to slow or stop motion during normal operation (dynamic braking). It must dissipate heat, provide stable deceleration, and handle repeated stops—common on trolley and bridge travel. A holding (parking) brake is primarily designed to prevent movement when stopped (static holding). On cranes, the hoist brake is often a holding brake first, because its main job is to hold a suspended load safely at rest.
Many crane braking systems combine both functions, but it’s a mistake to assume every holding brake can handle frequent dynamic stops. If a hoist brake is used repeatedly as the primary stopping device in high-duty applications, it can overheat and wear quickly unless it’s designed for that duty class. With VFD drives, electrical braking can handle routine deceleration, while the mechanical brake provides fail-safe holding and emergency stopping.