A railway gantry crane is a type of gantry crane designed for loading, unloading, and handling heavy materials, containers, or equipment along railway tracks. It features a structure supported by two or more legs running on fixed rails, allowing it to span across and move along the tracks.
Types of Railway Gantry Crane
There are several models of railway gantry crane. They can be divided into different types based on their structure. There are single girder railway gantry crane and double girder railway gantry crane.
Single Girder Railway Gantry Crane
There are two models of single girder railway gantry crane. The AQ-MH single girder gantry crane has double cantilever which offers extensive reach on both side. The AQ-NMH one doesn’t have cantilever. Both of these single girder gantry crane move on rails.
AQ-MH Single Girder Railway Gantry Crane
The AQ-MH single girder railway gantry crane is equipped with regular hoist. Usually it can lift up to 20 ton.
| Capacity | t | 3 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 |
| Span | S(m) | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 8（0.8/8） | 8（0.8/8） | 7（0.7/7） | 3.5（0.35/3.5） | 3.3（0.33/3.3） |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 20(30) | 20(30) | 20(30) | 18 | 14 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 20(30) | 20(30) | 20(30) | 20(30) | 20(30) |
| Work duty | A3~A4 | A3~A4 | A3~A4 | A3~A4 | A3~A4 | |
| Track type | P24 | P24 P30 | P30 P38 | P38 | P38 P43 |
AQ-NMH Single Girder Railway Gantry Crane
The AQ-NMH single girder railway gantry crane is equipped with European standard hoist. THe European standard hoist has more compact structure and better quality than the regular hoist.
| Capacity | t | 3.2 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 |
| Span | S(m) | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 | 8~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~12 | 6~12 | 6~12 | 6~12 | 6~12 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 0.8/5 | 0.8/5 | 0.8/5 | 0.66/4 | 0.66/4 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 2~20 | 2~20 | 2~20 | 2~20 | 2~20 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 3~30 | 3~30 | 3~30 | 3~30 | 3~30 |
| Work duty | A5 | A5 | A5 | A5 | A5 | |
| Track type | P24 | P24 P30 | P30 P38 | P30 P38 | P38 P43 |
Double Girder Railway Gantry Crane
There are two models of double girder gantry railway. They are AQ-MG and AQ-RMG. They all moves on rails which provide high stability. The AQ-RMG double girder gantry crane is often used for container handling. It is a rail mounted container gantry crane.
AQ-MG Double Girder Railway Gantry Crane
The AQ-MG double girder railway gantry crane has wide load capacity range. It can lift from 5 to 500 ton based on different application.
| Capacity | t | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 32 |
| Span | S(m) | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 11.5 | 8.5 | 7.9 | 7.2 | 6 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 37.2 | 37.4 | 40.1 | 40 | 37 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 37.7 | 37.7 | 40.1 | 40.1 | 38 |
| Work duty | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | |
| Track type | P43 | P43 | P43 QU70 | P43 QU70 | P50 QU80 | |
| Capacity | t | 50 | 75 | 100 | 160 | 200 |
| Span | S(m) | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 5.9 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 31.3 | 38.2 | 33.9 | 22.5 | 29 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 44 | 38.3 | 32.3 | 28 | 28 |
| Work duty | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | |
| Track type | QU80 | QU80 | QU100 | QU100 | QU100 | |
| Capacity | t | 250 | 320 | 400 | 450 | 500 |
| Span | S(m) | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 | 6~18 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 28 | 16.6 | 10 | 10 | 11.5 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 50 | 28 | 18 | 18 | 16 |
| Work duty | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | A3-A7 | |
| Track type | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 |
AQ-RMG Double Girder Railway Gantry Crane
The AQ-RMG double girder railway gantry crane is mounted on rails and usually used for container handling operation. It can be applied in many scenarios like logistics station or port.
| Capacity | t | 30 | 35 | 40.5 | 45 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span | S(m) | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 | 18~35 |
| Lifting height | m | 12.3~21 | 12.3~21 | 12.3~21 | 12.3~21 | 12.3~21 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 12.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.8 | 9.2 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 56 | 48 | 48 | 45 | 45 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 50 | 44.3 | 44.3 | 42 | 42 |
| Container | 20' 40' | 20' 40' 45' | 20' 40' 45' | 20' 40' 45' | 20' 40' 45' | |
| Work duty | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | |
| Track type | QU80 | QU80 QU100 | QU80 QU100 | QU100 QU120 | QU100 QU120 |
Customer Cases of Railway Gantry Crane
Aicrane provides many railway gantry that can be applied in different scenarios. They help our clients’ business to boost the working efficiency.
45 Ton Railway Container Gantry Crane for Logistic Station in Kazakhstan
A leading logistics company from Kazakhstan specializing in railway cargo handling implemented a 45 ton gantry crane system for logistic business. The company faced challenges with manual cargo handling processes that were time-consuming and posed safety risks. Aicrane recommended a railway gantry crane that transformed their operations, leading to significant improvements in productivity and safety.
Railway Gantry Solution
The logistics company opted for a gantry railway system equipped with the latest technological advancements, including:
IoT Integration: Real-time monitoring and remote management capabilities ensured continuous oversight and efficient operation.
Automation: The crane’s automated functions reduced the need for manual intervention, increasing speed and precision in cargo handling.
Enhanced Safety Features: Automated emergency stop systems, collision avoidance technology, and load monitoring sensors significantly improved workplace safety.
This 45 ton container gantry crane has a span of 38 meters and a lifting height of 15 meters. This rail mounted gantry crane is capable of handling containers stacked 4+1 high. This will make it efficient for container stacking operation.
Gantry Crane Implementation Process
Engineers conducted a thorough site assessment to determine the best configuration for the gantry crane system. Detailed planning ensured minimal disruption to ongoing operations. The railway gantry crane was installed and tested, with adjustments made to ensure optimal performance. The integration of IoT devices and automation systems was carefully managed to align with the company’s existing infrastructure.
This railway gantry crane meet the customers’ railway handling goal. They are looking forward for future cooperation.
32 Ton European Style Railway Gantry Crane for Kazakhstan
Aicrane provides a 32 ton European style railway gantry crane for our customer in Kazakhstan.
Cutomer’s Requirement & Choice
Our customer in Kazakhstan needs container gantry crane that can handle both 40-foot and 20-foot shipping containers. After knowing their requirement, our engineer recommended the AQ-MGH European style double girder gantry crane with a lifting capacity of 32 tons, a span of 30 meters, a lifting height of 13 meters. It is designed for A5 work duty and equipped with hooks with a basic container spreader. The customer accept this offer.
Production & Shipment of Container Gantry Crane
After receiving the customer’s initial payment, we promptly began the crane’s manufacturing process. During production, our customer service team kept the client informed with regular updates, sharing photos and videos to document the progress. Once production was complete, we coordinated with the freight forwarder to finalize transportation logistics, ensuring the crane equipment arrived smoothly and on schedule at the customer’s site. To ensure safe delivery to Atyrau, the crane was packaged following international transportation standards.
Installation and Commissioning of Container Handling Crane
To support the local team, we created a 3D installation video, facilitating the smooth setup of the crane’s steel structure, lifting mechanism, and trolley operation. Our engineers provided on-site assistance with the electrical components and commissioning, ensuring normal operation within two days. The 32 ton gantry crane for Kazakhstan and its accessories have since been thoroughly tested and work reliably.
The customer in Kazakhstan is satisfied with the outcome of the 32 ton gantry crane. They praised the services of our team.
Application & Usage of Railway Gantry Crane
Railway gantry cranes are crucial in various industries due to their ability to handle heavy loads with precision and efficiency. Their primary applications and uses include:
- Freight Terminals: Railway gantry cranes are extensively used in freight terminals to load and unload goods from trains. They facilitate the efficient transfer of containers and other cargo between trains and trucks, optimizing the logistics and supply chain process.
- Intermodal Transport Facilities: In intermodal transport facilities, these cranes play a vital role in transferring containers between different modes of transportation, such as rail, road, and sea. This capability ensures seamless integration and movement of goods, enhancing overall transport efficiency.
- Railway Yards: In railway yards, gantry cranes assist in the handling of materials required for railway maintenance and construction, such as rails, sleepers, and other heavy equipment. Their ability to span multiple tracks allows for flexible and efficient material handling across large areas.
- Ports and Harbors: At ports and harbors, railway gantry cranes facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo from ships to trains, enhancing the efficiency of maritime logistics. They are essential in handling bulk materials and containers, ensuring smooth operations at port facilities.
Advantages of Railway Gantry Cranes
Railway gantry cranes offer several advantages across various industries due to their specialized design and capabilities. Here are key advantages supported by evidence:
- High Load Capacity: Railway gantry cranes are designed to handle heavy loads efficiently. This capability is crucial in industries where large and bulky items need to be lifted and transported. For instance, typical railway heavy duty gantry cranes used in freight terminals can have lifting capacities ranging from 20 tons to several hundred tons, depending on the model and application requirements.
- Exceptional Stability: One of the key advantages of a mobile gantry crane is its exceptional stability. These cranes are designed with robust structures and advanced engineering to handle heavy loads consistently and safely. The wide base and sturdy framework ensure minimal swaying and vibration during operations, even when lifting and transporting large and bulky cargo. This stability enhances the safety of the operations.
- Efficiency in Operations: Railway gantry cranes enhance operational efficiency by reducing loading and unloading times. These cranes significantly improve turnaround times for trains and ships. By efficiently transferring cargo between different modes of transport, they contribute to smoother logistics operations and lower overall transportation costs.
Technological Innovations and Future Developments
As technology continues to advance and market demands evolve, the field of railway gantry cranes is experiencing rapid development. The following are some noteworthy technological innovations and future development trends that enhance the performance and efficiency of railway gantry cranes, providing users with greater operational convenience and safety assurances.
01Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Control Systems
The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) has made railway gantry cranes more intelligent. By installing various sensors and connected devices on the cranes, real-time monitoring and remote management of the equipment are possible. For instance, IoT technology can monitor operational parameters of the crane, such as load, temperature, and vibration. When any abnormal condition is detected, the system immediately triggers an alert and takes appropriate action. This not only improves the reliability of the equipment but also significantly reduces maintenance costs.
Smart control systems have introduced more straightforward and efficient operations. Using human-machine interfaces (HMI) and automated control software, operators can easily set and adjust operating parameters, achieving precise load positioning. These systems often include advanced features such as automated routing, load management, and collision avoidance, which enhance operational efficiency and safety.
02Automation and Robotics
The integration of automation and robotics into railway gantry cranes is changing the industry. Automated cranes can perform repetitive and complex tasks with higher precision and speed compared to manual operations. Robotics can handle heavy lifting, positioning, and stacking of materials, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic arms can work in tandem with railway gantry cranes, streamlining the loading and unloading processes. These technologies not only increase productivity but also improve workplace safety by reducing the risk of accidents associated with manual handling of heavy loads.
03Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability
Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly important in the design and operation of railway gantry cranes. Manufacturers are focusing on developing energy-efficient motors and drives that consume less power while delivering high performance. Additionally, regenerative braking systems are being implemented to recover and reuse energy during crane operations, further reducing energy consumption.
Green technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines can be integrated into the crane’s power supply system, promoting the use of renewable energy sources. This not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainable industrial practices.
04Predictive Maintenance and Data Analytics
The adoption of predictive maintenance strategies is transforming the maintenance of railway gantry cranes. By leveraging data analytics and machine learning algorithms, predictive maintenance systems can analyze historical and real-time data to predict potential failures and schedule maintenance activities proactively.
Condition monitoring sensors continuously collect data on the crane’s operational health, such as vibration levels, temperature, and wear. This data is analyzed to identify patterns and trends that indicate impending issues, allowing maintenance teams to address them before they lead to costly downtimes or accidents.
Aicrane Services
Aicrane is renowned for providing comprehensive and exceptional crane services that cater to diverse industrial needs. Our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the crane manufacturing and service industry. Here’s an overview of the services we offer:
- Customized Solutions: Aicrane specializes in designing and manufacturing gantry cranes tailored to meet the specific requirements of various industries. Whether you need an overhead crane, gantry crane, marine travel lift, or any other type, we ensure our solutions are precisely aligned with your operational needs, spatial constraints, and budget.
- Consultation and Planning: Our expert team offers detailed consultation and planning services to help you choose the right gantry crane system for your project. We conduct thorough site assessments, understand your operational challenges, and provide recommendations that enhance efficiency and safety.
- Installation Services: We provide professional installation services to ensure your railway gantry crane system is set up correctly and efficiently. Our experienced technicians handle all aspects of the installation process, from assembling the components to calibrating the system for optimal performance.
- After-Sales Service: Aicrane is dedicated to providing exceptional after-sales service. Our support team is always available to address any issues, provide technical assistance, and supply replacement parts when needed. We aim to ensure your crane system continues to operate smoothly and efficiently long after the initial purchase.
Aicrane’s comprehensive service offering reflects our commitment to delivering superior crane solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Whether you are looking for customized crane solutions, expert installation, reliable maintenance, or ongoing support, Aicrane is your trusted partner in achieving operational excellence.