Whether they’re handling crucibles of molten metal or pouring architectural spans of concrete, metal workers need overhead cranes to get the job done. But choosing the right type of crane is crucial.
While bridge cranes have their supporting runways built into the structure of the facility, gantry cranes rest on wheels or floor tracks that allow them to be moved around a facility. This gives them a greater flexibility of use.
Lifting
For high-volume industrial lifting, gantry cranes are a great solution. They can lift heavy materials, equipment, and tools across a manufacturing or warehouse environment. They are also ideal for areas that require infrequent lifts or cannot accommodate a permanent structure like a bridge crane. They offer a cost-effective, portable, and reliable lifting solution that can be moved throughout the facility on rails or wheels.
An overhead gantry crane can be fitted with a wire rope hoist or chain hoist, depending on your material lifting needs. The girders, frame, and legs are the essential components that differentiate a gantry crane from an overhead crane or bridge crane.
Rotating
The main advantage of gantry cranes is their ability to move a load up, over and around. These systems are also ideal for locations where the load cannot be positioned in a predictable space. They can be used in a variety of applications, including ship-to-shore loading and unloading and industrial workstations. They can be designed with single or double girders and come in semi or portable designs.
The gantry crane’s legs are usually attached to a building or on rails embedded in the floor. They travel along the runway, which eliminates the need for support columns and permanent runway beams. These types of cranes are typically used in manufacturing facilities, scrap yards, special construction sites, and steel mills.
Transporting
The use of gantry cranes for transporting loads is common in steel and lumber mills, foundries, train and shipyards, and general manufacturing/warehousing. These cranes can handle high volumes of lifts and operate quickly. They also operate well in areas with foot or motor traffic, as long as the load is not oversized or damaged.
The reeving of the wire rope or chain and the blocks and drum determine the headroom, lifting speed, and capacity of the crane. Power for the hoist, trolley, and bridge is provided by a busbar or receiving station. The power can be direct AC, induction AC, or synchronous DC.
Storage
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to store an overhead crane, then a storage gantry crane is the perfect solution. These units are designed to save space by storing the hoist and trolley on one side of the crane while the other is anchored to the wall or roof of the facility. They also feature smart features that make the operation of a crane safer and more efficient.
These units are also a great option for outdoor applications since they allow forklift trucks and other motorized traffic to run underneath them. However, it’s important to note that gantry cranes must be secured during storms and other emergency shut down situations.
