At its most basic level, a gantry crane is a machine that can move heavy objects. It moves these objects by suspending them from cables and pulleys which attach to an overhead rail. There are many different types of cranes, but the primary purpose is always the same: lifting heavy loads for construction and manufacturing purposes. This article will explore what you need to know about this important piece of machinery.
What is an Overhead Gantry Crane?
The umbrella term “gantry crane” describes several different lifting systems. Therefore, it is essential to understand what a gantry crane is explicitly and the systems that fall under this category.
First and foremost, a gantry crane is built on top of a gantry, a structure used to straddle an object or workspace. Gantry cranes can range in size from full gantry cranes that lift some of the heaviest loads globally to a semi gantry crane utilized for lifting objects like car engines.
Gantry cranes lift and move things or equipment between locations regularly. From workshops and warehouses to massive rail and shipping yards, the uses for Gantry cranes are endless.
First and foremost, the ability of gantry cranes to work both inside and outside is one of their most noteworthy features. Smaller Gantry cranes are often of use inside warehouses where larger machinery cannot fit. Larger Gantry cranes are commonly seen in rail yards, shipping companies, and other industrial areas that handle large amounts of goods daily.
How Does a Gantry Crane Work?
Gantry cranes often have one or two inverted V-shaped legs and a crossbeam that connects them. The top crossbeam of the crane can be equipped with several lifting mechanisms. To move the lifting mechanism up and down on the top crossbeam, many variants of the Gantry crane include wheels or a track/rail system.
Why are Gantry Cranes Important?
Gantry cranes serve a variety of functions in the world today. One reason is that they can be built to work indoors or outdoors, allowing them to move items between loading bays and warehouses on one end of the building while easily transporting goods from rail yards or docks for further delivery at the other end.
Another reason they are so popular is that most Gantry cranes allow for full 360-degree movement, allowing them to be used both inside and outside without issue.
Gantry cranes have become essential in many construction projects for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. They allow heavy lifting capacity to be completed quickly with minimal effort on the part of the crane operator. Overall, this can save both time and money when compared to other lifting methods.
Types of Gantry Cranes
Gantry cranes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are many different types, each suited for its own purpose:
- Full Gantry Crane: One of the most common gantry cranes, it has two supporting legs that move across fixed rails. This crane typically works in a designated area and easily allows vehicles to pass underneath. The trolley moves within the main span, and the main beam has no overhang.
- Semi Gantry Crane: Most semi-gantry cranes have a single leg that runs along the surface and another that runs along a runway system fastened to a wall or other vertical structure. However, the difference in height between the two legs is a matter of your site or needs.
- Portable Gantry Crane: This gantry crane is easy to assemble and dismantle on worksites; it provides greater flexibility than most. However, it is small and can only handle small loads.
- Adjustable Height Gantry Cranes: An adjustable gantry crane can be portable or immobile. However, it has a customizable design with varying height and span possibilities. Depending on your demands, you may alter the base’s width, height, and horizontal beam length.
- Single Girder Gantry Crane: A single girder and rail are necessary for this type of crane. The trolley and hoist are usually under-hung. They operate beneath the bridge surface. Moreover, it is a light-to-medium-duty crane that is suits work environments with little headroom. In addition, it offers cost-effective lifting options.
- Double Girder Gantry Crane: This type of crane consists of two girder beams that make up the bridge. It also generally consists of a top running trolley and hoist. It is best for heavy-duty purposes.
Gantry Crane Applications
There are many different applications for gantry cranes. Some of the most common include:
- Warehouse/storage facilities: Gantry cranes come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the size and weight of the cargo. You can use a variety of gantry cranes, ranging from small single girder variants to giant double girder versions. Small gantry cranes with rubber tires allow you to move without having to rely on any tracks.
- Manufacturing plants ( especially those with large machinery): Gantry cranes are of use in various industries, from small to big, including automobile, steel production, and airplane manufacturing. Automotive, steel production and aircraft manufacture are some of the most prevalent industries that employ gantry cranes. Depending on your needs, you can use single or double girder, portable, and adjustable types of gantry cranes.
- Railroads and ports: Because of their portability and ease of setup, gantry cranes are ideal for use at ports. They load cargo onto ships via rail or truck. Importantly, most of these types of gantries move without too much hassle if needed.
- Shipping yards and docks: If you manage a port or shipping yard, gantry cranes make it easier to load and unload cargo from trucks and ships. Additionally, they allow items to move easily within the yards themselves.
- Airports: Gantry cranes can be of use in airports to load and unload cargo from aircraft. However, because of the sheer size and weight involved, you will need a heavy-duty gantry with double girder beams for this purpose.
Gantry Cranes for Your Business
We offer gantry cranes for efficient, dependable use. From small single girder models to large double-beam systems, we can provide a variety of equipment options depending on your business’s needs.
Our gantry crane design is cost-effective, durable, and efficient for your company over the long term. Overall, we provide quality systems that will meet or exceed industry standards while also being easy to use and maintain. You get more productivity out of it than other comparable systems on the market – contact us today!
