This blog helps buyers understand the capabilities of gantry cranes and highlights key features to enable them to select the right gantry for their facility and application.
It was written by Tim Battersby, business development manager at Reid Lifting, which provides a range of gantry cranes for sale by FAD Equipment Store, as we’ll showcase later.
Gantries are used widely across a number of different industries for lifting materials as well as supporting personnel for working at height or confined space entry.
Gantries are used widely across a number of different industries.
How does a gantry crane work?
Gantry cranes are comprised of four basic components:
The two frames stand upright at each end of a single beam, while the trolley runs along the beam using rollers.
The frames can be raised and lowered to change the height of lift. Usually, the gantry has castors on each frame that allow it to be rolled around once it is fully assembled.
How to choose the right gantry
The right gantry for each application depends on a few factors:
There are other application specific requirements that can then come into play, like low headroom indoors, for example.
How to use a gantry crane
Once the gantry is assembled, a hoist—either manual or electric—can be attached to the trolley and used for lifting materials. The gantry can be used solely for lifting vertically, or it can be used to lift vertically, then traverse horizontally along the beam.
Trolley movement along the beam can be carried out manually, or on some more specialized gantries, using gearing or rope control.
Gantry crane applications
We know that gantries are used widely across a number of different industries for lifting materials as well as supporting personnel for working at height or confined space entry.
We recently provided gantry cranes for:
Best gantry cranes for different uses
Where portability is key, aluminum gantries are the best option. They provide the ability to carry into position easily, then set-up manually, and use—without needing additional lifting equipment. If even more portability is needed, folding gantries, like the Porta-Gantry Rapide (see below), can allow a single person to carry out a task that previously would have required several more.
Reid Lifting Porta-Gantry Rapide.
Gantry crane storage
Most gantries are left out in the elements, which can become an issue for steel structures as they rust fairly quickly. Aluminum gantries on the other hand will not rust and will likely have a longer lifecycle. Regardless of what gantry is being used, if the environment is corrosive (chemical plants or high salt areas, like the coastline) then all efforts should be taken to protect that gantry by regularly spraying it down with fresh water. It should also be inspected regularly to make sure the structure has not been corroded at all.
Gantry crane safety tip
The most important safety tip for gantry use is to stay within the manufacturer’s set limits. Every gantry will come with a manual outlining what that specific gantry’s limits are. All gantries are not the same, so it’s important to read the manual before use.
Gantry cranes can be installed in a huge variety of environments. Here, would you believe that a seal pup is being rescued?
Buying your gantry crane
Here’s more information about a few of our favorite and most popular gantry cranes:
Porta-Gantry Rapide
We referenced this gantry earlier. The Rapide is available in three capacities:
You can also select your adjustable height range and desired beam length.
A lightweight, portable, folding, aluminum lifting system, each Porta-Gantry Rapide offers three height and length options, meaning nine variations are available at each capacity. The Rapide is especially suited to the rigors of the industrial market. It can be one, two, or three-person ANSI-compliant for fall arrest.
Due to its portability and ease of assembly, it is often used as a safer alternative to a tripod for confined space work, but it has been used in applications as varied as art galleries, water treatment works, and solar panel installation on floating pontoons.
Porta-Gantry System (Intermediate)
This gantry is available in 4,400-lbs. capacity. The adjustable height range is between 5 ft., 2.25 in. and 8 ft., 2.5 in. There are five options, however, when it comes to beam length and adjustable clear span.
Again, it is a lightweight, portable, folding, aluminum lifting system, that offers three height and length options, meaning nine variations are available at each capacity. The Porta-Gantry System (Intermediate) can be one, two, or three-person ANSI-compliant for fall arrest.
Porta-Gantry System (Tall)
This 11,000-lbs. capacity gantry crane leverages the other benefits we’ve spoken about but offers the user more headroom.
Adjustable height range is from 9 ft., 4.25 in. and 13 ft., 3.5 in. This time, there are two options when it comes to beam length and adjustable clear span.
Once more, the Porta-Gantry System (Tall) is a lightweight, portable, folding, aluminum lifting system, that offers three height and length options, meaning nine variations are available at each capacity. The system can also can be one, two, or three-person ANSI-compliant for fall arrest.
What users say
Gantry crane users generally point to three major characteristics that suit these lightweight gantry cranes to their varied usage:
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Likuang.
These products are used on projects from the maintenance of multi-billion dollar petrochemical facilities to rescuing seals trapped by rocks. The ability to use a gantry on a short-term basis for such a variety of tasks creates great utilization. The ease of assembly further suits the Porta-Gantry concept to the marketplace because little time is spent erecting the lifting devices versus alternative solutions. They can also be quickly dismantled and moved onto the next task within a workplace or at the next jobsite.
Case study
In one recent project, a Porta-Gantry was used to anchor a solar system on a lake. The floating array featured approximately 3,700 pontoon modules and 3,520 solar panels. The gantry crane was onsite for three weeks at varying intervals during the eight-week project.
The gantry crane was onsite for three weeks.
The gantry enabled the user to drop the anchor blocks for the sea flex anchoring system. They used it to pull the ropes from the anchor block to a set tension to the attached floating array. This allows for the rise and fall of the structure. They found the solution online and it turned out to be a successful material handling method that they would implement again.
What could you use a gantry crane for?
Mobile gantry cranes are essential equipment for various industries, offering flexibility and cost-effective solutions for lifting and moving heavy loads. Choosing the right mobile gantry crane for your business needs is crucial for ensuring efficiency and safety. In this guide, we will explore key factors to consider when selecting the best mobile gantry crane for your operations.
According to a report from GlobeNewswire on industry trends and analysis for mobile gantry cranes, there is significant anticipated growth in the market sector. The global mobile crane market was valued at USD 17.2 Billion in and is predicted to increase from USD 18.35 Billion in to reach USD 30.83 Billion by the year with a projected growth rate of around 6.7% over the estimated period (-). The heightened focus on safety measures in industries like construction and oil & gas is creating a surge in demand for safety features, which is seen as a key growth driver for the global mobile crane market.
Industries like construction and manufacturing facilities use Portable Gantry Crane as they are versatile equipment supported by wheeled legs that can be easily moved around to lift heavy loads and transport them within the premises or, to other locations as needed.
The mobile gantry crane market offers a variety of options to suit diverse needs. Here are some of the main types:
These structures are usually crafted to manage weights ranging from 1 to 1 ton or 1 to 5 tons at times too. They commonly showcase an A-shaped framework with a beam and petite wheels or casters—an excellent choice for handling light tasks in workshops or warehouses. The frame of the gantry is typically operated by hand.
These cranes with the ability to lift between 5 to 10 tons are commonly employed in manufacturing and warehouse environments. They typically operate along a track for linear movement. Are equipped with an electric hoist and motor for lifting and mobility purposes. Single girder configurations are popular, in this weight capacity range.
These cranes are designed for lifting loads of over 10 tons in weight, regularly used in places like ports and construction sites to move very heavy materials efficiently.
Numerous mobile gantry cranes can be modified in both height and width to align with particular operational demands. Moreover, you can customize the crane according to your lifting needs without incurring substantial additional expenses.
These cranes utilize rubber tires or tracks or rails, which enables them to maneuver easily across different surfaces like beam factories and ports, as well as outdoor locations requiring flexibility.
Choosing the mobile gantry crane requires careful thought and assessment of various important factors.
Make sure to figure out the weight you’ll have to lift and the distance between the Electric Mobile Gantry Crane’s legs that your workspace needs to cover, ensuring that the crane’s capacity is a bit more than what you’ll be lifting, to prevent it from getting overloaded.
When deciding on moving the crane around spaces you might find that using a crane with casters could work for smaller areas; however, larger sites may require rubber options, for better mobility.
Indoor cranes usually need to meet design criteria compared to outdoor cranes because they have to withstand corrosion and weather conditions better indoors, where these factors are less of a concern. Truss gantry cranes could be a suitable choice if you plan to use them outdoors.
Certain cranes require movement while others are equipped with electric motors for both traveling and lifting functions. When deciding which type of crane to use, take into account whether you’ll need controls, pendant controls, or even a control cabin.
Make sure the crane complies with the safety regulations and has functions such as overload protection mechanisms and emergency shutdown controls in place. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate a crane monitoring system and an LED load display, as safety components.
In industries, mobile gantry cranes play a crucial role.
They are commonly employed to lift and transport materials, aid in constructing buildings, and load and unload machinery.
They assist in relocating parts efficiently and enhancing the flow of production lines, while also supporting maintenance activities.
They are commonly employed to facilitate the transfer of goods and materials, while also streamlining storage efficiency.
Giant mobile gantry cranes are essential for transporting containers and heavy cargo.
They are also employed in industries such as mining and energy, as well as in transportation sectors where effective heavy lifting is crucial.
When you’re choosing a mobile gantry crane to buy or rent for your needs, make sure to look for these features:
Seek out a structure crafted from top-grade steel materials such, as Q (ISO EN S355, DIN ST52) and ASTM A 572 Grade 50). Ensure that welding adheres strictly to the guidelines set forth by ISO and AWS D14.
The lift needs to operate and be positioned accurately while ensuring high safety reliability is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting a suitable hoist based on its capacity and intended use. Options range from electric chain hoists to wire rope hoists and open winches.
Seek out control panels that adhere to IEC guidelines and include attributes such as IP55 enclosures for protection against dust and water ingress, as well as socket plug-ins for convenient connectivity with various devices and equipment from reputable brands worldwide. Take into account options such as control functionality for managing operations from a distance or using pendant or cabin controls for closer interactions based on your needs and preferences.
Crucial safety features consist of safeguards for overheating during lifting operations and overload limit switches based on load cells and position limits for both downward movements, along with phase sequence relays in place. Optional enhancements comprise monitoring systems for cranes and displays using LED technology to show the load weight.
Make sure the crane has undergone the anti-corrosive treatment like shot blasting to ISO SA 25 grade and received high-grade paint for the base coat as well, as intermediate and top layers.
Nante Crane offers a comprehensive range of mobile gantry crane solutions tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. We specialize in girder gantry cranes ideal for light to medium-duty lifting, available in various configurations including box girder, truss girder, and L-shape girder designs. These cranes feature low headroom and monorail hoists for simplified installation and maintenance. For heavier lifting, our I-beam gantry cranes, equipped with hoists or open winches, handle moderate to heavy-duty tasks with a focus on durability, safety, and reliable performance.
For outdoor applications requiring exceptional mobility, Nante provides rubber-tired gantry cranes. We also offer easily assembled and transportable portable mobile gantry cranes for ultimate convenience. Nante Crane is committed to quality, using premium steel materials and adhering to recognized international standards, including FEM, CMAA, ISO, EN, BS, and GB. Rigorous quality control protocols ensure superior product performance.
Our cranes are equipped with advanced safety features, such as overload limit switches, and utilize high-quality gear motors from trusted brands. We incorporate reliable control panels, corrosion-resistant protective coatings, and offer customized solutions to maximize efficiency and productivity across various industries. Nante Crane’s focus on innovation and personalized service ensures that we can deliver the perfect lifting solution for your specific requirements.
Before you decide to buy something expensive like a crane for lifting heavy objects or equipment at work or home or wherever you plan to use it often in the future, also check if it suits your needs perfectly by considering factors, like how heavy the things you usually lift are, and how often you’ll be using it, and where exactly it will be working most of the time.
Explore models and brands to discover a crane that suits your requirements and fits your budget well. Seek out companies known for their quality and customer support services. One notable example is Nante Crane, which boasts a service network and a proven history of delivering dependable machinery.
When deciding on a mobile gantry crane to purchase, it’s wise to look beyond the initial price tag and think about the lasting advantages it can bring in terms of saving on labor expenses and enhancing productivity and safety measures over time. Even though opting for a pricier crane initially might seem daunting at first glance, in reality investing in a higher-end crane can prove cost-effective in the long haul due to lesser upkeep requirements and enhanced dependability. Make sure to factor in all expenses, like shipping fees as well as setup and ongoing maintenance costs into your decision-making process.
Taking into account these aspects and selecting the mobile gantry crane model for your company’s needs will greatly enhance its material handling efficiency and lead to increased operational achievements.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Electric Gantry Crane.