A gantry crane is a type of crane used to lift and lower a load from a bridge supported by legs. The main beam that straddles the workspace and load is the gantry or I-beam. This beam holds the hoist and trolley frame. Similar to an overhead crane, a gantry is typically one that is mobile and can be moved on a series of wheels or rails.

Gantry cranes are extremely versatile but there are some variables you need to consider when purchasing one. The type of gantry you purchase depends upon what the application will be. When you are looking to purchase an aluminum gantry crane, you will need to consider a few things:

• What will you be using your crane for?
• How heavy are the loads you will be lifting?
• Will you be moving those loads?
• How large is your work area?
• Will you need multiple setups?

Function

What will you be using your gantry crane for? Will it be used on a daily basis? How heavy do you anticipate that your loads will be?

Height

One of the first considerations you have is the overall height you will need. An adjustable gantry crane affords flexibility with a range of heights. The height of the I-beam needs to be considered in accordance with the area you will be working in.

Obstructions will have an effect on your height limitations. Ceilings, sprinkler systems, support beams or any other obstruction should be carefully considered in order for the gantry to be moved or erected as needed within those constraints.

Span

The span of the crane is the total width of the unit and, again, must be considered in accordance with the space you will be in.

I-Beam Flange Width

This is the width of your I-beam. Important to consider is that the wider the I-beam, the higher the load capacity. It is also important to make sure that all your accessories are compatible with this.

Mobility

Portable aluminum gantries are often considered when your load needs to be moved from one area to another. Portability is more versatile but some heavier loads may require a fixed crane for loads that will remain stationary.

Load Capacity

Your crane’s load capacity is the maximum weight that the crane will be able to move safely.

Material

Two options are available when it comes to gantries: aluminum and steel. Aluminum cranes are lighter and have lower weight capacities. They are more versatile, portable, and cost-efficient. Steel gantries are heavier, typically have higher weight capacities, and will be more expensive. Each crane will have different specifications so it’s important that these be checked out for each model considered. If your crane will be coming into contact with corrosive materials, aluminum has a higher resistance than steel.

Ease of Use

Depending on your needs, you will want to consider how easy your crane will be to use. Will you want to move it around or assemble and disassemble it in order to store it?

The Benefits of Portable Gantry Cranes

Cranes are used throughout industry for a myriad of functions. From huge downtown projects to intricate movement within confined areas, cranes have served us over the years to move large and heavy objects in safe and efficient ways. The portable aluminum gantry is the most versatile of these cranes.

Versatility

Aluminum gantry cranes are the most innovative in the industry. The portable aluminum gantry has a versatility unlike any other type of crane.  Smaller aluminum gantries can even be assembled or broken down by one person.

Because of the adjustable height, these gantries can be used for multiple tasks and are easily adaptable. With 5 position height adjustments, adjustable or fixed leg widths, and extended or removable telescoping break-down legs, these gantries are highly flexible for any situation. This means that your aluminum gantry crane will not only be useful for one task but can instead be adaptable to multiple situations.

Ease of Assembly

The aluminum gantry crane requires only four steps to completely assemble and disassemble. Its ability to fold and its light weight makes it highly transportable and allows it to be taken in areas where other cranes would not be able to be transported to or fit. When not in use, it can easily be disassembled and stored compactly.

Strength

Despite their lighter weight, aluminum gantries can lift extremely heavy weights. Our aluminum gantries have a safe lifting, lowering, and suspending capability from 500 pounds to 4 tons. Considering that most larger permanent cranes used in industry are expensive and not always portable, our portable aluminum gantries are a useful alternative for many applications.

Affordability

Our aluminum gantries are affordable options to other lifting methods and traditional cranes. In addition, our gantries can be easily customized depending on your needs. Our diverse line includes affordable products for a variety of applications:

• Air/pneumatic tire cranes

• All-terrain gantries

• Fixed leg frame gantries

• Portable aluminum gantries with various load capacities

• Removable leg gantries

• Stainless steel gantries

• Customizable

Why Choose an Aluminum Gantry Crane Over a Steel One?

If you have considered purchasing a gantry crane for your operation, you may have wondered what the difference is between a conventional steel frame crane and one that is made of aluminum.

Whether you choose steel or aluminum will depend on your application. There are some jobs that demand the heavier structure of steel. But there are applications that require more versatility and portability than a steel frame may afford. Here is how to make that decision.

Both steel and aluminum models are available in fixed models or ones that can be adjusted and both have the availability of different materials in casters and wheels. But when considering what your applications will be, will you require portability and lightweight versatility? In that case, a steel model may not be your best choice.

Aluminum

Contrary to what you may be thinking, aluminum is extremely durable and has some important advantages when it comes to gantry cranes. Aluminum cranes are capable of lifting heavy loads and have the ability of positioning with the same efficiency as those made of steel. The benefit of aluminum cranes is their strength when considering their weight.

Lightweight Portability

Aluminum gantry cranes are extremely portable and allow you to easily move them from one area to another. At only 36 to 44 pounds depending on their capacity, this lightweight material allows you the versatility of moving your crane from one site to another with ease.

Durability, Stability, and Movement

Aluminum gantry cranes are highly durable and provide incredible stability and movement. These highly versatile cranes come in a variety of models and also have multiple options to customize height, wheel spans, and removable legs. Because of their lightweight nature and portability.

Easy Assembly

Not only are aluminum gantry cranes extremely durable, lightweight, and versatile, but they can also be assembled and disassembled very easily. This is important for companies that need to transport their cranes from one job to another in smaller service vehicles. In most cases, an individual can handle the disassembly, transport, and reassembly easily. In addition to its portability, aluminum does not corrode so it is a perfect material for controlled environments.

Endless Possibilities

Aluminum gantry cranes are extremely stable and designed to meet the rated load capacity. In many applications and with a variety of options and accessories, these systems can serve your purposes with endless possibilities.

Contact us for more information about our extensive line of portable aluminum gantry cranes.