A gantry crane is a type of overhead crane that uses legs to support the bridge, trolley, and hoist. These legs travel on along the ground on wheels or ride on rails implanted in the ground. A gantry crane is typically used for outdoor applications or for lifting capability below existing overhead bridge crane systems. Gantry cranes are often used in manufacturing facilities, shipyards, scrap yards, railyards, special construction sites, steel mills, and other applications.

Unlike a bridge crane, a gantry crane does not need to be attached to a building’s support structure. This design eliminates the need for support columns and permanent runway beams.

Larger gantry systems can travel on rail or track embedded in the ground, typically running in a straight line or covering a work area. Smaller gantry systems run on wheels or casters that can move throughout a facility for light fabrication work or maintenance.

Lifting and moving heavy materials does not need to involve installing expensive equipment or permanently changing your facility because they can be relocated easily. Yuantai Gantry Cranes have a greater degree of flexibility than stationary cranes or permanently installed systems. They can be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly, which makes them ideal for use in multiple work areas or rented facilities.

Additionally, Yuantai Gantry Cranes are designed to be moved under load, unlike most other gantry cranes. Yuantai Gantry Cranes are also unsurpassed in design, durability, strength, and quality construction. Their precision tolerances and welding ensure operational stability and component alignment.

Spanco uses standardized quality wide flange beams and American I-beams. All nuts, pins, and bolts are plated for corrosion resistance. Spanco Cranes have capacities from 250 pounds to 15 tons and the ability to move under load, which makes them an effective material handling solution for many applications.

Purchasing an overhead crane system is a long-term investment that can dramatically improve operations, streamline production, and increase worker safety. Selecting the best system for your application and facility will ultimately save you money in the future. However, choosing the right crane can be overwhelming and confusing. There are a lot of factors to consider, but we can make that process a little easier by providing critical information that will help you to make the right choice—and the best possible investment.

It’s important to consider what types of overhead cranes are available and become familiar with them. There are four main types of overhead cranes: gantry cranes, monorail cranes, workstation bridge cranes, and jib cranes. Knowing what each type of crane does and how it is designed will help you to select the right system for your application. Check out our Products page for additional information about each type of crane, or contact us to request a brochure or to speak with a material handling expert.

Once you have a general understanding about the different overhead cranes available, there are two major categories that will help you to select the right crane for your operation: application and facility. Each category includes a set of factors, which are broken down to provide a basic overview that will help you to select a crane.

Analyze Your Application

Starting with an honest evaluation of your material handling needs is a fundamental part of selecting the right system. Choosing a crane that is inappropriate for your application could be a dangerous, inefficient, and costly mistake. Consider the needs of your specific application and what you would like to achieve by integrating a new overhead lift system into your facility.

To help you develop a detailed analysis of your application and material handling needs, we have broken down the application category into five parts: capacity and service rating, structural components, mechanical and electrical components, motor controls, and operator controls.

1. Capacity and Service Rating

The load rating capacity is the maximum load weight a crane can handle. It’s important to note the load capacity and frequency of operation. Operating a crane above its load rating capacity is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to your new system. Be sure that the maximum weight requirements of your application are less than the load rating capacity of the crane. Knowing this information will also help you to identify the right service rating classification for your new crane.

2. Structural Components

Most overhead cranes are made from welded steel plates or aluminum sections. The more steel, the heavier the crane. Consider your service classification and compare it to the type of crane you are interested in purchasing. Gantry Cranes, for example, can either be steel or aluminum. Whereas aluminum gantry cranes are designed for lightweight applications and total portability, a steel gantry crane will provide a higher load rated capacity and is designed for heavier applications. Understanding these options will help you to make the best choice for your operation and control some of the structural elements that impact the weight of the crane and its cost.

3. Mechanical & Electrical Components

Overhead cranes in general provide a variety of options beyond design and structure. Choosing the best mechanical and electrical options can be a daunting task without the right approach. But, if you consider the needs of your application and facility first, you can eliminate some of that confusion. There are multiple mechanical and electrical component options for each type of overhead crane we manufacture. Knowing what each component does and how it will impact your particular application will help you to decide which options are necessary.

In some instances, you might find that your application requires something that just doesn’t work in your facility. For instance, a telescoping bridge crane is a viable option for applications that require extended reach, especially when there are a lot of obstructions in or around your work area. The telescoping bridge travels beneath the bridge track, providing a larger scope of reach and the ability to move beyond a support column or under a mezzanine.

If your operation requires a system that can easily transport materials from one work area to another, you can leverage your system’s flexibility by using a mixed capacity bridge crane. Using heavier capacity runways with multiple smaller capacity bridges increases your coverage and provides a more versatile system. Depending on your application, adding or altering mechanical components can mean the difference between the wrong system and a highly effective system. Defining the needs and limitations of your application and facility will give you the opportunity to choose a system with the right components.

Depending on your operation, electrical components may also contribute to the overall efficiency of your new crane system. For applications and facilities that require workers to move materials in and out of hard-to-reach areas and around obstacles, adding a tractor drive to motorize the bridge or hoist trolley is extremely helpful. If your application requires workers to lift and transport heavy machinery, you can motorize the rotation of your jib boom for ease of use and increased efficiency. For assembly applications that require workers to move materials along a fixed path, an electric track-mounted gantry may be the best solution. Track mounting ensures that the crane moves along its fixed route, and adding the electrical component provides motorized travel for ease of use and increased productivity. Take the time to discuss key components with your supplier to decide which electrical components, if any, are suited for your application.

4. Motor Controls & Operator Controls

Another important option to consider when choosing the right system for your operation is the use of motor controls. Electrical control systems allow you to manipulate bridge and trolley motions for increased precision and safe, controlled lifting. These components also impact the cost of the crane, so making the best choice for your operation is crucial. If you choose to purchase a motorized system, ask your supplier if they provide speed control. A variable frequency drive, for instance, is an adjustable-speed drive used to control motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage.

For more information about overhead crane standards, regulations, and guidelines, contact us.

Developing a system that meets the needs of your application doesn’t necessarily mean creating a brand new overhead crane. Usually, a qualified manufacturer can recommend specific components or even make small changes to the crane’s structure to make it more efficient for your operation.

The following list highlights unique examples of pre-engineered systems and components that can be slightly altered or used unconventionally for a particular application.

1.) Articulating

Developing a system that meets the needs of your application doesn’t necessarily mean creating a brand new overhead crane. Usually, a qualified manufacturer can recommend specific components or even make small changes to the crane’s structure to make it more efficient for your operation.
The following list highlights unique examples of pre-engineered systems and components that can be slightly altered or used unconventionally for a particular application.

1.) Articulating Jib mounted to a bridge crane to increase the scope of coverage and extend the functionality of the system:
Mounting an articulating jib on an existing bridge crane is not unheard of. It is, however, a unique combination that demonstrates how flexible overhead crane systems can be. If your bridge crane isn’t providing adequate coverage or you need more versatility to improve the efficiency of your operation, mounting an articulating jib directly on your bridge crane might be the answer.
Articulating jib cranes can lift loads around corners and columns, reach into machinery and containers, and service any point between the pivot anchor and the far reach of the boom.
An articulating jib crane provides 200-degree rotation for the inner arm, and 360-degree rotation for the outer arm. Their outstanding headroom allows them to be installed in tight locations such as low ceilings or crowded facilities.

2.) Dual Telescoping Bridge Crane to extend crane reach beyond runways on both ends:
If you’re looking to install an overhead crane for a busy factory floor, you may consider installing a ceiling mounted bridge crane. The ceiling mounted crane will free up floor space and provide increased efficiency in your operation.
But, if you need a ceiling mounted bridge crane that is designed to reach beyond the runways to lift materials from aisles or small spaces outside of your crane’s coverage area, you can extend your crane’s reach by including a telescoping bridge.
Including a telescoping bridge is relatively simple, but what if you need the bridge crane to extend past its runways on both ends? Your crane manufacturer might recommend installing a customized dual telescoping bridge to extend reach in both directions.
Telescoping bridges allow you to easily place parts into machinery or into a nearby workstation. Dual telescopic bridge cranes also enable you to reach beyond a support column or under a mezzanine on either side of the system. Anti-kick-up wheels keep the telescoping bridge’s movement smooth, even when carrying up to 2,000 pounds.

3.) Mixed Capacity Bridge Cranes to leverage system capability and reduce bridge dead weight:
Using heavier capacity runways with multiple smaller capacity bridges will help to leverage your system’s capability and provide multiple lift solutions within one coverage area.
For instance, a 2,000-pound capacity runway can run two 1,000-pound bridges or four 500-pound bridges. Not only does it leverage system capability and offer more flexibility, it also reduces bridge dead weight. Workers can use multiple bridges side-by-side to transport loads without overloading the system.

4.) Aluminum Track Bridge Cranes and Runways to reduce the overall system weight and increase spanning capabilities:
Aluminum track bridge cranes provide a unique material handling solution for facilities where lower bridge weight is essential. Aluminum track systems mean less weight on your roof support structure.
The low weight also results in easier movement, which can improve safety and productivity in work areas.
Our aluminum track systems, for example, can span up to 29 feet—depending on desired capacity—and the aluminum enclosed track provides spark resistant, durable, maintenance-free, and non-corroding performance that is well suited for clean rooms, refrigerated areas, acidic environments, R&D labs, moisture-laden environments, and anywhere requiring lightweight durable enclosed track systems.
Aluminum track systems are extremely flexible because they allow interchangeable use of aluminum bridges on steel runways. Aluminum bridges work with aluminum runways and steel runways, and aluminum monorail systems are a great option for applications that need full coverage of the facility.

Low-capacity gantry cranes operating on flat, even surfaces may only require standard pneumatic wheels to function adequately. But, if your application requires a system that can travel easily over uneven or rocky surfaces.They also work well with larger, non-motorized gantry cranes.

Jib mounted to a bridge crane to increase the scope of coverage and extend the functionality of the system:

Mounting an articulating jib on an existing bridge crane is not unheard of. It is, however, a unique combination that demonstrates how flexible overhead crane systems can be. If your bridge crane isn’t providing adequate coverage or you need more versatility to improve the efficiency of your operation, mounting an articulating jib directly on your bridge crane might be the answer.

Articulating jib cranes can lift loads around corners and columns, reach into machinery and containers, and service any point between the pivot anchor and the far reach of the boom.

An articulating jib crane provides 200-degree rotation for the inner arm, and 360-degree rotation for the outer arm. Their outstanding headroom allows them to be installed in tight locations such as low ceilings or crowded facilities.

If you want to customize your new crane, you can contact us for more discussion.  We will according to your factory give your best choice!

Proper inspection of overhead cranes is important because it helps ensure safe equipment operation. Thoroughly inspecting overhead cranes improves operator safety and prevents operator injury. Proper inspection has many advantages:

• Reducing time lost caused by equipment breakdown
• Detecting potentially hazardous conditions
• Reducing the costs of repairs by correcting defects before equipment is seriously damaged
• Uncovering dangerous conditions which are not evident to your operators

To conduct a proper inspection, employees/operators need to know the following:

• Items to inspect
• Proper use of the equipment
• Lock out/tag out procedures
• How to document the inspections
• Who to contact if a product requires service or repair
• Any additional information listed in the manufacturer’s operation manual

According to Yuantai, the inspection procedure for overhead cranes is “divided into two general classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as ‘frequent’ and ‘periodic.’”

Here is a list of frequent inspection points that should be inspected daily:

• All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation
• Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems
• Visual inspection of hooks with deformation or cracks
• Visual inspection of hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer’s recommendations
• All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components
• Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer’s recommendations

Yuantai also states that in addition to the daily inspection, inspect hooks and hoist chains monthly to ensure they have a maintained certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected.

Here is a list of periodic inspection points:

• Deformed, cracked, or corroded members
• Loose bolts or rivets
• Cracked or worn sheaves and drums
• Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices
• Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets
• Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies
• Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety requirements
• Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch
• Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit switches and pushbutton stations

If your overhead crane has been idle for a period of one month or more—but less than six months—the crane must be inspected according to the frequent inspection points list above. If the overhead crane has been idle for more than six months, the overhead crane must be inspected according to both the frequent and periodic inspections points lists above.

As the economy continues to struggle, companies are reluctant to make large investments, especially in the material handling industry. Large permanent lifting solutions are costly, so companies are looking to solve their material lifting needs without making large investments. gantry cranes are a great alternative to large, permanent systems because gantry cranes offer up to a 15-ton lifting capacity and are completely mobile. There are several advantages to purchasing a gantry crane:

• Complete mobility
• Quick assembly with bolt-together components
• Versatile
• Easily customized
• Available power drive kits

Gantry cranes are versatile because they can be used indoors or outdoors, in steel or aluminum construction, with adjustable heights, spans, or treads.  Adjustable heights, spans, and treads allow loads to fit easily through doorways or around obstacles during transportation. A gantry crane can simply be rolled into an employee’s workstation and be lifting in seconds. If the gantry will always follow the same path, fixed-path gantry cranes make moving the crane simple and fast. If space is an issue, a single leg gantry can provide a lifting solution using a wall-mounted I-beam and a single A-frame leg. Different wheel options allow the gantry to have the right wheels for specific applications.

Power drive kits further compliment the versatility of gantry cranes. Our gantry cranes have three different power drive kits:

• V-Groove Track Drives: Two motors drive rigid steel V-groove wheels along a fixed path.
• Guide Angle Drives: Ideal for installations where the gantry runs along a wall, two motors drive polyurethane wheels that are guided on one side by a guide angle. The guide angle bolts to the floor, typically at the base of a wall. The kit includes guide rollers on one drive and one idler assembly, each equipped with polyurethane bumpers.
• Trackless Drives: Ideal when you need to keep your shop floor clear of any tracks or angle guides, a selector switch on the control pendant selectively turns each motor on and off to move the gantry.
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Gantry cranes are typically used in general industry for mechanical contractors, power generation facilities, water treatment plants, and metal fabricating facilities. However, if you’re looking for mobility and flexible heights, spans, and treads, a gantry crane is what you want. Gantry cranes aren’t the best and most efficient lifting solution for every application, but they are a versatile investment that costs less than a permanent solution. The right investment will go a long way.

European cranes have the characteristics of small space occupation, overall flexibility, low failure rate, convenient maintenance, safe operation, advanced technology, good maintenance-free performance, and high work continuity, so they are widely used in various industries.

The European crane is optimized to make the structure more compact and the height shorter. Under the same plant conditions, the installation of the European-style crane can increase the lifting height. If you build a new plant, use a European-style crane to reduce the height of the plant; if you rebuild or modify the old plant, use a European-style crane to reduce the total cost.

European cranes pay great attention to the lifting of the upper limit of the hook. The size of the hook to the uppermost edge is infinitely compressed, which greatly reduces the distance from the hook head to the bottom of the factory building, increases the lifting height, and reduces energy consumption. Multiple protection devices ensure the accuracy and smooth running of the whole machine.

Because the European crane has the characteristics of light weight and low wheel pressure, the new workshop space can be designed to be smaller and more complete. Smaller workshop means that the initial construction will reduce customer investment, make full use of workshop space, and improve production efficiency.

Therefore, in the same requirements, the working lifting height can be maximum increased, while the civil work, such as supporting beams, tracks and columns investments will be reduced.

Big &Automatic Cranes are more popular

Before 2013, the largest crane sales on the market is below 10T, which take up 50% of the total sales. Due to more and more manufacturers, the price is out of control. Benefit from the demands for lifting machinery of related industries, big cranes demands are growing rapidly.

As a result, the market for large-tonnage products has received increasing attention from domestic enterprises, and all manufacturers have increased their efforts to develop large-tonnage products and improve their product series. Yufei is one of them and is a pioneer. Safety is the key factory need to be considered during the design and manufacture of big cranes, while automatic control benefits from the development of electrical control technology, the control technology used on bridge cranes is gradually developed, the bridge crane will gradually install the torque limit system in accordance with the requirements of the relevant specifications to meet the requirements of safe operation.

In addition, the use of Remote Control operation mode can improve the safety and convenience of operation, and adapt to various different working environments. Under the condition of satisfying the use of safety, the wireless remote control operation mode can effectively improve working conditions, increase labor productivity, and avoid any accident.

Except safety, automatic, big cranes operated with grab, magnets, C hook etc. to increase the functions, which is very popular among clients.

As a pioneer, Yuantai is professional in design, manufacture and supply cranes with automatic and multifunctional functions. By maximize meet the various demands of users, Yuantai is always on the way to realize it.