Gantry Cranes

A type of overhead crane characterized by a bridge supported by two or more legs that run on wheels or rails directly on the ground. Unlike bridge cranes, they do not require a building structure for support, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use. Goliath cranes are a specific type of gantry crane.

Types of Gantry Cranes

Full Gantry Cranes (Goliath Cranes): Both legs run on ground rails. Suitable for very heavy loads and large spans.

Semi-Gantry Cranes: One leg runs on a ground rail, the other on an elevated runway (often attached to a building column). Maximizes floor space.

Portable Gantry Cranes (A-Frame Gantry): Smaller, often on wheels, used for lighter loads and temporary lifting.

Adjustable Gantry Cranes: Height and/or span can be adjusted.

Container Gantry Cranes (RTG/RMG): Specialized for container handling in ports and intermodal yards.

Truss Gantry Cranes: Utilize a truss structure for the girder, often lighter for longer spans.

Applications in Various Industries

Manufacturing: Lifting and moving heavy components in factories, assembly lines.

Shipyards & Ports: Handling ship sections, containers.

Precast Concrete Industry: Moving large concrete elements.

Steel Mills: Handling steel coils, plates.

Construction Sites: Lifting structural components.

Warehousing & Logistics: Loading/unloading large items in outdoor storage.

Hydroelectric Dams: Gate lifting, maintenance.

Technology:

Structural Design: Engineered for high loads, wind resistance, seismic forces (if applicable).

Hoisting Mechanism: Wire rope hoists (single or double drum) for heavy lifting.

Trolley: Moves the hoist along the bridge girder.

Gantry Travel Drives: Electric motors with gearboxes and brakes for movement along the ground rails.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): For smooth, precise control of all motions.

Safety Features: Limit switches, overload protection, anti-collision systems, storm anchors, wind speed sensors, emergency stops.

Remote Control & Cab Control: Operator interfaces.

Automation: Semi- or fully autonomous operation for specific applications (e.g., container handling).

Material Selection Considerations

• Structural Steel: High-strength structural steel (e.g., ASTM A572 Grade 50, A36, European equivalents like S355, S275) for girders, legs, and main frame.
• Rails: High-carbon steel crane rails.
• Wheels: Forged steel, hardened for wear resistance.
• Gears: High-strength alloy steels, often hardened.
• Wire Rope: High-tensile steel wire.
• Motors & Gearboxes: Cast iron, robust steel housing.
• Electrical Enclosures: Galvanized steel, stainless steel for outdoor protection.
• Coatings: Multi-layer industrial paint systems or hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection in outdoor environments.