What Is Gantry Crane?

Gantry cranes are a type of overhead crane with a single or double girder configuration supported by freestanding legs that move on wheels or along a track or rail system. Unlike a bridge crane, a gantry crane does not need to be attached to the building’s support structure. Gantry cranes are particularly useful for outdoor applications or in situations where a bridge crane would be impractical due to structural constraints.

Definition of Gantry Crane

A gantry crane is an overhead crane built atop a gantry, which is a structure used to straddle an object or workspace. Gantry cranes are capable of lifting heavy objects, sometimes over 100 tons, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are commonly found in shipyards, rail yards, special construction sites like steel mills, and in factories.

Cases For You

Various Type Of Gantry Cranes

A gantry crane is lifting equipment with single or double girder configuration supported by one leg or two legs. It moves on wheels or along a track or rail system. Different from overhead cranes, a gantry crane does not need to be tied into a building’s support structure.

Single Girder Gantry Crane

A single girder gantry crane features one main girder that supports the trolley and hoist. It is simpler and lighter than a double girder crane, making it suitable for lighter load applications. Single girder gantry cranes are cost-effective and easier to install and maintain.

Double Girder Gantry Crane

A double girder gantry crane has two main girders that support the trolley and hoist. This design allows for greater lifting capacities and spans, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. Double girder gantry cranes provide better stability and are capable of lifting heavier loads to higher heights compared to single girder cranes.

Portable Gantry Crane From Our Company

Portable gantry cranes are small, lightweight cranes mounted on wheels. These portable gantry cranes can be moved around a facility as needed, making them ideal for workshops and small factories where flexibility and mobility are crucial.

With small size, lightweight and simple structure, it is easy to install, operate and move. Besides, it has a high-cost performance.

Semi-Gantry Crane

A semi-gantry crane has one leg that runs on a rail system on the ground and another leg that runs on a runway system attached to the building’s support structure. This configuration of semi-gantry crane is often used in facilities with limited floor space but available overhead support.

Other Gantry Cranes You May Need

Our company also have other types of gantry cranes for sale like rubber tyred gantry crane, truss gantry crane, etc.

Truss gantry cranes are usually designed as a full crane structure. And they are commonly used in outdoors. Truss cranes are not often used one, but they are quite ideal for working places where have strong winds. Because they have powerful wind resistance.

Features Of Gantry Cranes

• Full remote control and manual operation choices
• Smooth starting and ending
• Stable performance, less maintenance
• High efficiency, low noise
• Green production, no harm to the environment in the production process
• Simple structure, easy to install, operate and maintain
• Wide range of applications, indoors and outdoors
• Wide range of applications, indoors and outdoors

Components and Accessories of Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are composed of several key components and can be equipped with various accessories to enhance their functionality. The main components include:

Bridge/Girder

The bridge or girder is the main horizontal beam that supports the trolley and hoist. It spans the distance between the legs and provides the structural integrity needed to lift and move heavy loads. Single girder cranes have one main beam, while double girder cranes have two beams for added strength and stability.

Legs

The legs are vertical supports that hold up the bridge. In a full gantry crane, there are two legs that move along tracks or wheels on the ground. In a semi-gantry crane, one leg is supported by the ground track, while the other is attached to the building’s structure.

Trolley

The trolley is the mechanism that moves horizontally along the bridge and carries the hoist. It allows for precise positioning of the load along the length of the bridge. Trolleys can be manually operated or powered by an electric motor.

Hoist

The hoist is the lifting mechanism attached to the trolley. It consists of a drum or lift-wheel around which the rope or chain wraps. The hoist is powered by an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor and is responsible for raising and lowering the load.

Wheels/Tracks

Wheels or tracks allow the gantry crane to move along the length of the workspace. Full gantry cranes typically run on rails embedded in the ground, while portable gantry cranes are equipped with wheels for mobility. Tracks ensure the crane moves smoothly and accurately along its path. The crane mounted on rails is rail mounted gantry crane. The crane with wheels is rubber tyred gantry crane.

Control Systems

Control systems for gantry cranes can be manual, wired, or wireless. Modern gantry cranes often feature advanced control systems with wireless remote controls, automated positioning, and load management systems. These controls enhance safety, precision, and efficiency in crane operations.

Accessories

Gantry cranes can be equipped with a variety of accessories to improve their functionality and adapt to specific tasks. Common accessories include:

• Spreader Beams: These are used to distribute the load across multiple points, reducing stress on the hoist and crane structure. The container gantry crane can be equipped with special spreader to lift the container safely.
• Magnetic Lifters: Suitable for lifting ferromagnetic materials like steel plates and pipes.
• Vacuum Lifters: Ideal for handling non-magnetic materials such as glass and sheet metal.
• Load Cells: Devices that measure the weight of the load and ensure it is within the crane’s capacity.
• Anti-Sway Systems: Technologies that minimize the swaying of the load during lifting and transport, enhancing safety and precision.

What Are Gantry Cranes Used For?

Because of the high efficiency and good performance, gantry cranes have a highly wide range of applications. On the one hand, we can find them in indoor places, such as the warehouse, workshop, garage, manufacturing, and maintenance factory, etc. On the other hand, it is widely used for outdoor applications like the port, dock, freight yard, shipyard, etc.

Full gantry crane or semi gantry crane are commonly applied for heavy fabrication uses, or in some type of outdoor yard – shipping yard, rail and container yards, and steelyards. Portable gantry cranes are used for small service and it offers more flexibility than a jib crane or workstation crane.

Gantry cranes are used across a wide range of industries due to their versatility and ability to handle heavy loads. Key applications include:

• Shipbuilding: Gantry cranes are used to lift and position large ship components and materials. The extensive span and heavy load capacity of double girder gantry cranes make them ideal for this industry.





• Rail Yards: Rail mounted gantry cranes are employed to load and unload containers and other cargo from trains. Their ability to straddle multiple tracks and lift heavy loads efficiently makes them indispensable in rail yards.



• Construction Sites: Portable and adjustable gantry cranes are used to move construction materials around the site. Their mobility and flexibility are crucial for efficient material handling in construction projects.



• Manufacturing: In manufacturing facilities, gantry cranes are used to lift and position heavy machinery, parts, and raw materials. Their ability to span large areas and handle heavy loads improves productivity and safety in manufacturing processes.



• Warehousing and Logistics: Gantry cranes are used to organize, load, and unload goods in warehouses and logistics centers. Their ability to handle a wide range of load types and sizes makes them valuable assets in these environments.

Advantages of Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes offer several advantages that make them suitable for various applications:

• Versatility: Gantry cranes can be used indoors and outdoors, making them adaptable to different environments and applications.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to bridge cranes that require a fixed overhead structure, gantry cranes are often more economical to install and maintain.
• Mobility: Portable and adjustable gantry cranes offer excellent mobility, allowing them to be easily moved and repositioned as needed.
• Heavy Load Capacity: Double girder gantry cranes can handle extremely heavy loads, making them suitable for demanding applications such as shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing.
• Customization: Gantry cranes can be customized with various accessories and features to meet specific operational requirements, enhancing their functionality and efficiency.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when operating gantry cranes. Key safety considerations include:

• Regular Inspections: Routine inspections ensure that all components are in good working condition and that any issues are addressed promptly.
• Load Limits: Adhering to the crane’s load capacity limits is crucial to prevent overloading and potential accidents.
• Operator Training: Operators should be adequately trained to handle the crane safely and effectively, understanding all control systems and emergency procedures.
• Safety Features: Modern gantry cranes are equipped with safety features such as overload protection, anti-sway systems, and emergency stop buttons to enhance operational safety.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the crane in optimal condition and ensure safe operation.

Gantry cranes are versatile, powerful lifting machines that play a crucial role in various industries, from shipbuilding and rail yards to manufacturing and logistics. Understanding the different types of gantry cranes, their components, and their applications is essential for selecting the right crane for specific operational needs. By leveraging the advantages of gantry cranes and adhering to safety best practices, industries can enhance their productivity, efficiency, and safety in material handling operations. Aicrane provides different kinds of gantry crane to suit your need. Please feel free to contact us and get a free quote.

Videos Of Gantry Cranes

3D Videos

Case Videos