How to choose a gantry crane?

As a type of gantry crane that operates on rails and can carry cantilevers, gantry cranes are widely used in open-air places such as freight yards, storage yards, power stations, and ports due to their large operating range and wide adaptability. Compared to bridge cranes, their selection requires consideration of more specific factors in outdoor environments. Choosing a suitable gantry crane is a complex system engineering, and it is not just about comparing prices. Following these steps will help you make the wisest decisions.

Step 1: Clarify your core needs

This is the foundation of all work and the most crucial step. You need to become an expert in your own application scenarios and clearly communicate the following information to suppliers:

Core performance parameters:

Lifting capacity: What is the maximum weight that needs to be lifted? It is necessary to consider the safety factor and leave room for possible future production expansion. For example, it is recommended to increase redundancy by 15% -25% on the maximum required weight.

Span: The vertical distance between the wheels at both ends of the crane beam. Accurate measurement of the distance between tracks is required.

Lifting height: The vertical distance from the ground to the highest point of the hook. It is necessary to meet the stacking layers and the possible workspace required below.

Usage intensity and work level:

Usage frequency: Is it occasional use every day or continuous work in three shifts? This determines the working level of the crane (A3-A7), directly affecting the selection of motors, electrical components, and structural parts.

Load type: Is it lifting standard components, or valuable items that are flammable, explosive, high-temperature, or require precise installation? This is related to the selection of lifting equipment and the requirements for smooth operation.

Venue and environmental conditions:

Venue restrictions: Is there space to install an outer cantilever? Is the track foundation made of concrete or crushed stone? What is the bearing capacity of the foundation? Are there any obstacles?

Environmental factors: indoor, outdoor or seaside? Environmental temperature, humidity, wind speed, and presence of corrosive gases (such as ports and chemical plants)? This directly affects the protection level of the crane (such as IP54 dust and water resistance), the selection of anti-corrosion coatings, and electrical components.

Step 2: Determine whether is single beam or double beam

Similar to bridge cranes, gantry cranes are also divided into single beam and double beam types, which are the core choices that affect performance and cost.

Preferred single beam gantry crane (MG type):

• The lifting capacity is generally ≤ 20 tons.
• The usage frequency is not high and the work level is low.
• High requirements for site clearance, hoping for a lightweight structure.
• The budget is relatively limited.
• Typical scenarios: warehouses, logistics centers, small and medium-sized freight yards, equipment maintenance workshops.

Preferred double beam gantry crane (ME type):

• Lifting capacity>20 tons, or the need to lift large and valuable equipment.
• Extremely frequent use, requiring high-intensity, continuous operation (work level A5 or above).
• The span is large, requiring extremely high rigidity and operational stability of the main beam.
• It is necessary to install primary and secondary hooks on the car, or there may be a need for automation upgrades in the future.
• Typical scenarios: large ports, metallurgical workshops, heavy equipment manufacturing plants, hydropower stations.

Step 3: Key Configuration Selection

The same gantry crane, different configurations will bring completely different user experiences and prices.

Driving mode:

• Centralized drive: One motor simultaneously drives the wheels on both sides of the large vehicle. Low cost, but with a large turning radius and easy rail gnawing.
• Separate drive: The two sides of the large vehicle are driven by independent motors. Smooth operation and good synchronization are currently the mainstream choices, especially suitable for large-span cranes.

Control system:

• Conventional control (contactor): The lowest cost, but the start stop impact is large and the positioning accuracy is poor.
• Variable frequency control (VF): Highly recommended. By using a frequency converter to achieve soft start/stop of the motor, the operation is extremely smooth and the positioning is precise. It can effectively reduce the shaking of goods, protect equipment and goods, and is a standard configuration for modern operations.

Operation method:

• Ground operation (joystick/remote control): most commonly used. Remote control operation (wireless) is particularly popular, with good visibility for operators, flexible mobility, and high safety.
• Driver’s cab operation: suitable for working conditions with high workload, complex environment, or requiring better visibility. The driver’s cab is available in both open and enclosed (with air conditioning) options.

Track type:

• P-type railway track: with strong load-bearing capacity, suitable for heavy-duty and large-span cranes.
• QU type crane dedicated track: more wear-resistant than P track, it is currently the most commonly used choice.
• Square steel track: Low cost, but poor load-bearing and wear resistance, only suitable for extremely lightweight cranes.

Step 4: Supplier Evaluation and Decision making

Once the technical solution is clear, choosing a reliable supplier is equally important.

Qualifications and reputation: Check the production qualifications of suppliers, such as special equipment production licenses, past cases, and industry reputation.

Delivery capability: Excellent suppliers can not only manufacture cranes, but also provide one-stop services from track foundation design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning to inspection and certification. This is crucial as it can save you a lot of coordination work.

After sales service: Understand the supplier’s after-sales response speed, spare parts supply capability, and regular maintenance services. Cranes are long-term assets, and reliable after-sales service is the guarantee of production continuity.

Comprehensive cost: Do not just look at the quotation. To comprehensively compare the initial purchase cost, installation cost, energy consumption, daily maintenance cost, and expected service life. A crane with higher configuration and slightly more expensive price may be more valuable due to its lower failure rate and longer lifespan.

Summary

Before making the final decision, please confirm again against this list:

• Core parameters: lifting capacity, span, and lifting height have been clearly defined.
• Usage scenario: Frequency of use, environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor/corrosive) have been evaluated.
• Structure type: Single beam or double beam has been determined according to the requirements.
• Key configuration: The driving mode, control system (frequency conversion strongly recommended), and operating mode have been determined.
• Supplier screening: Evaluated supplier qualifications, cases, service capabilities, and comprehensive quotations.

By following the above steps, you can transition from passive inquiry to actively proposing precise technical requirements, thereby purchasing a gantry crane that not only meets current production needs but also creates long-term value for the future.