Apr. 13th, 2023
What is a Gantry Crane, Types, Selection, Features, Parts, Application
What is a gantry crane? The gantry crane is a type of crane that is typically used to lift and move heavy loads in a variety of industrial applications. It consists of a large structure that spans a workspace or area, with two legs on either side. And the whole structure seems like a big gate, we call it Gantry Crane. The crane's horizontal beam, also known as a bridge or girder, runs along the top of the legs and is supported by a trolley that moves back and forth along the length of the beam.
Gantry cranes are commonly used in ports, shipyards, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities to lift and move heavy materials and equipment. They can be powered by electricity or other energy sources and can be operated manually or with remote controls. Gantry cranes come in a range of sizes and configurations, from small, portable models that can be moved from site to site, to massive, fixed installations that can lift hundreds of tons. They are designed to provide efficient and safe lifting and handling of heavy loads, making them a critical component in many industrial operations.
Different Types of Gantry Crane and Price
There are several different types of gantry cranes, each designed for specific applications and environments. Some common types of gantry cranes include:
► Full Gantry Crane
Full gantry crane systems are the most popular configuration—consisting of two legs and a horizontal beam that runs along the top of the legs. They typically run in a straight line in a dedicated work area. This design allows motorized equipment like scissor lifts, fork lifts, carts, and trucks to roll over it and cross through underneath the crane. Full gantry cranes include single girder gantry crane and double girder gantry crane. The typically range in price from $50,000 to $500,000 or more. The price can vary depending on the load capacity, span, height, and level of customization required.
► Single Girder Gantry Crane
Single girder gantry crane is a type of gantry crane that is supported by two upright legs and a single bridge girder that spans the distance between the legs. Single girder gantry cranes are typically used in applications where the lifting and moving requirements are moderate and the work area is relatively small. They are typically less expensive than double girder gantry cranes and require less space to operate. Some common applications include: warehouses, workshops, shipping yards, construction sites, etc.
► Double Girder Gantry Crane
Double girder gantry crane is a type of gantry crane that features two bridge girders supported by upright legs on either side. Double girder gantry cranes are typically used in applications where heavier lifting and moving requirements are needed, as they have higher load capacities than single girder gantry cranes. They are commonly used in heavy manufacturing plants, shipyards, and construction sites where large loads need to be lifted and moved over long distances. The common applications of double girder gantry cranes include: steel mills, power plants, shipping yards, construction sites.
► Truss Gantry Crane
Truss gantry crane is the structural form of truss structure welded by angle steel or I-beam has the advantages of low cost, light weight and good wind resistance. However, due to more welding points and the defects of the truss itself, the truss beam also has disadvantages such as large deflection, low stiffness, relatively low reliability and frequent testing of welding points. It is suitable for sites with low safety requirements and low lifting weight. Usually the price ranges from $50,000 to $300,000.
► Rubber Tired Gantry Crane
Rubber tired gantry crane(RTG) is a type of crane that has wheels and is used to move containers in ports and container yards. They are designed to be able to move quickly and easily over rough terrain. The typically range in price from $10,000 to $500,000.
► Semi Gantry Crane
Semi gantry crane is similar to a full gantry crane but has only one upright leg, while the other end of the crane is supported by a wall-mounted structure or columns. The full trellis gantry crane is widely used in outdoor operations, and its ventilated structure can withstand strong winds above level 8 in outdoor operations. Semi Gantry Cranes: Semi-gantry cranes are usually less expensive than full gantry cranes and typically range in price from $10,000 to $50,000. However, the price can vary based on the load capacity, span, and height of the crane.
► Portable Gantry Crane
Portable gantry crane is a type of crane that can be moved easily from one location to another. They are often used in smaller workshops or factories, and are designed to lift and move smaller loads. Portable gantry cranes are the most affordable type of gantry crane and typically range in price from $1,000 to $5,000. However, the price can increase depending on the load capacity, span, and height of the crane.
Features Of Gantry Cranes
• Gantry cranes are designed to provide efficient and safe lifting and handling of heavy loads in a variety of industrial applications. Some common features of gantry cranes include:
• Load Capacity: Gantry cranes are available in a range of load capacities, from small portable models that can lift a few hundred pounds, to large, fixed installations capable of lifting hundreds of tons.
• Span: The span of a gantry crane refers to the distance between the legs or uprights. The span can be customized to fit the specific needs of the application.
• Lifting Height: The lifting height of a gantry crane refers to the maximum height at which it can lift a load. This can be customized based on the height of the building or other structures in the workspace.
• Mobility: Gantry cranes can be fixed in place, or they can be designed to move along a rail or track. Portable gantry cranes can be moved from one location to another as needed.
• Controls: Gantry cranes can be operated manually or with remote controls. They may also feature automated controls for improved efficiency and safety.
• Safety Features: Gantry cranes may include a range of safety features, such as overload protection, emergency stop buttons, and limit switches to prevent the crane from moving beyond its safe range of motion.
• Customization: Gantry cranes can be customized to fit the specific needs of the application. This may include modifications to the load capacity, span, lifting height, and other features.
Gantry Crane Parts
♦ Gantry cranes consist of several key parts that work together to lift and move heavy loads. Some common parts of a gantry crane include:
♦ Uprights: The uprights are the vertical supports that hold up the horizontal beam or girder.
♦ Horizontal Beam or Girder: The horizontal beam or girder runs along the top of the uprights and provides a platform for the trolley to move along.
♦ Trolley: The trolley is a wheeled device that moves back and forth along the length of the beam or girder. It is used to lift and move the load.
♦ Hoist: The hoist is a device that is mounted on the trolley and is used to lift and lower the load. It typically consists of a motor, a gearbox, a drum or reel, and a hook or lifting device.
♦ End Trucks: The end trucks are the wheeled assemblies that support the horizontal beam or girder and allow it to move along the length of the uprights.
♦ Wheels: The wheels are used to move the gantry crane along a rail or track, or over the ground in the case of a rubber-tired gantry crane.
♦ Controls: The controls are used to operate the crane, including the hoist, trolley, and movement of the gantry crane itself.
♦ Other components of a gantry crane may include safety features such as limit switches, overload protection, and emergency stop buttons. The specific parts and features of a gantry crane will vary depending on the application and load capacity of the crane.
What Gantry Cranes are Used for
Gantry cranes are essential tools for moving heavy loads in a variety of industrial and commercial settings. They are designed to provide efficient and safe lifting and handling of heavy loads, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the application.
Construction: Gantry cranes are often used on construction sites to lift and move heavy materials such as steel beams, concrete blocks, and precast panels.
Manufacturing: Gantry cranes are used in manufacturing plants to move heavy machinery, raw materials, and finished products along assembly lines.
Warehousing: Gantry cranes are used in warehouses to move heavy goods such as pallets, crates, and shipping containers.
Ports and Shipping: Gantry cranes are used in ports and shipping yards to move shipping containers from ships to trucks or trains.
Railways: Gantry cranes are used to load and unload cargo on railway cars.
Mining: Gantry cranes are used in mining operations to move heavy equipment and materials in and out of mines.
Energy: Gantry cranes are used in the energy industry to move heavy equipment and materials in power plants and other facilities.
Military and Defense: Gantry cranes are used in military and defense applications for the loading and unloading of heavy equipment and vehicles, as well as in maintenance and repair operations.
Aerospace: Gantry cranes are used in the aerospace industry to move heavy aircraft components during the assembly and maintenance of aircraft.
How Does a Gantry Crane Work?
A gantry crane works by using a hoist and trolley mechanism to lift and move heavy loads. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how a gantry crane works:
The gantry crane is positioned over the load that needs to be lifted and moved.
The hoist is lowered down to the load, and the load is attached to the hoist using a lifting hook or other attachment.
The hoist then lifts the load off the ground and moves it horizontally along the crane's gantry or bridge.
The trolley mechanism is used to move the load along the length of the gantry or bridge, and the hoist is used to lift and lower the load as needed.
Once the load has been moved to the desired location, the hoist lowers the load to the ground or onto a surface, and the attachment is removed.
The gantry crane can then be moved to a new location and the process can be repeated.
In addition to the hoist and trolley mechanism, a gantry crane also includes several other components, such as the bridge or gantry, legs, and end carriages. These components work together to provide stability and support for the load being lifted and moved, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the crane.
How to Select a Gantry Crane
Choosing the right gantry crane option will control the cost of the gantry crane to a greater extent. There are several factors to consider in the selection of gantry cranes.
Single Girder Or Double Girder Gantry Crane?
The structure and span of the crane is an important factor affecting the quality and cost of the crane. Generally speaking, the lifting capacity is less than 50 tons, the span does not exceed 35m, and there are no other special features, we recommend choosing a single girder gantry crane. If the working conditions require larger lifting capacity, wider span, and higher working speed, and often have to lift heavy loads, double girder cranes are a better choice.
Wheelbase Determination Principle
♦ Meet the crane running stability along the track direction.
♦ The maximum outer dimension of the object can pass the outrigger clearance.
♦ Pay attention to make the wheelbase and span have a certain proportional relationship in the form of B=(1/4-1/6)
Gantry Crane Span Size
When working, there should be a safe space between the outer dimension of the crane and the travel route of the goods and vehicles so that there is enough space for loading and unloading operations. The forklift should be about 0.7m away from the crane legs during span operation. When the crane is not working, the hook should be 0.5m above the vehicle; when the cargo comes out from the outrigger, it should be 0.5m away from the outrigger.
If you do not know how to choose a gantry crane, please feel free to contact the team of Huada Heavy Industries, we will customize and design the most suitable and economical material handling solution for you.
