An RTG or “rubber-tired gantry” crane is typically used in an intermodal application, but the key difference between this type of crane and others is its mobile capabilities. In other words, an RTG crane wasn’t designed for stationery use. Project managers who are in the market for this type of crane should research the product as thoroughly as possible and learn as much as you can in order to make a well-informed decision. Here are a few things to be aware of:

Different Hoisting Heights – Different types of RTG cranes will typically have differing hoisting heights just like the way their spans will differ. While the hoisting ability on some is limited, others can hoist loads and materials much higher. The lowest hoisting height is usually one container. However, RTG cranes with a hoisting height of up to 6 containers are not uncommon. Cranes with that much hoisting height will most likely be equipped with anti-sway technology.

Different Span Sizes – There are different types of RTG cranes available on the market. Consequently, no two cranes are the same. Certain models have wider spans than others. For example, the smallest will span 5 containers while the largest will usually span 8. Therefore, the amount of span needed to accommodate your application is a key factor to consider when purchasing an RTG crane. As a general rule of thumb, the wider the span, the higher the price.

Powered by Generators – In most cases, some type of generator is an RTG crane’s power source. Since the crane is mobile, the electric grid cannot be its power source. Furthermore, they are equipped with resistor packs because they have no way of dumping the electricity that is produced. As a result, the power will dissipate whenever you are lowering or raising its load.

Smoother Operations, Fewer Accidents – Although you might think that an RTG crane is clunky when operating, they are renowned for their ability to operate smoothly when moving. These cranes are required to finish precision tasks. Consequently, they move with total precision. Most importantly, their smooth operation drastically reduces the risk of accidents and other types of incidents from occurring. For this reason, RTG cranes are becoming increasingly more popular.