Gantry Crane For Containers

Types of Container Gantry Cranes

1. Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) Crane

Mobility: Runs on rubber tires (no rails needed).

Use Case: Container stacking in yards, intermodal terminals.

Stacking Height: Typically 4-5 high (1-over-4).

Power Options: Diesel, electric (E-RTG), or hybrid.

2. Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) Crane

Mobility: Moves on fixed rails.

Use Case: High-density terminals, automated ports.

Stacking Height: Up to 6-7 high (1-over-6).

Power: Typically electric (grid-powered).

3. Ship-to-Shore (STS) Gantry Crane

Mobility: Runs on rails along the quay.

Use Case: Loading/unloading ships (ship-to-land transfer).

Lifting Capacity: 50-100+ tons (for ultra-large vessels).

4. Mobile Gantry Crane (Smaller, Portable)

Mobility: Wheeled or track-based for temporary setups.

Use Case: Construction sites, small depots, emergency logistics.

Lifting Capacity: 10-50 tons.

 

Choosing the Right Gantry Crane

For flexibility & mobility → RTG

For high automation & dense stacking → RMG

For port quayside operations → STS

 

RTG vs. RMG vs. STS Gantry Cranes

Feature	RTG Crane	RMG Crane	STS Crane
Mobility	Rubber tires	Rails	Rails (quayside)
Stack Height	4-5 high	6-7 high	N/A (ship-to-land)
Automation	Possible	Common	Advanced
Cost	Medium	High	Very High
Best For	Medium yards	High-density terminals	Port quays

 

Core Components PLC, Engine, Bearing, Gearbox, Motor, Pressure vessel, Gear, Pump

Place of Origin Henan, China

Warranty 1 Year

Weight (KG) 30000 kg

Application Precast yard, construction site, warehouse, etc.

Product name 40 ton straddle carrier rubber tired single girder gantry cranes

Crane Type A Type, Single Girder, Double Girder Straddle Carrier

Lifting mechanism Customer Requirements

Control Method Cabin Control+Remote Control

Lifting Capacity 5~1200 Ton

Multiple Steering Modes Go straight, transverse traveling, carousel steering, etc.

Install On-site and online

Motor Famous brand

Work Duty A3~A5

 

A container gantry crane is a complex machine designed for efficient handling of shipping containers. Below is a detailed breakdown of its major components:

 

1. Structural Components

A. Gantry Frame (Main Bridge)

The primary load-bearing structure spanning the work area.

Made of high-strength steel to withstand heavy loads.

Supports the trolley, hoist, and spreader.

B. Legs & End Carriages

Vertical supports that hold the gantry frame.

Equipped with:

Rubber tires (RTG) for mobility.

Rail wheels (RMG/STS) for guided movement.

Some models have hydraulic legs for stabilization.

C. Boom (For STS Cranes)

Extendable arm for reaching over ships.

Luffing (adjustable-angle) or fixed design.

2. Lifting & Handling System

A. Hoisting Mechanism

Electric or hydraulic motors power the lifting.

Includes:

Wire ropes & sheaves (for lifting).

Drums & pulleys (for cable management).

Lifting capacity: 30–100+ tons (depending on type).

B. Trolley System

Moves horizontally along the gantry beam.

Carries the hoist and spreader for precise positioning.

Can be manual, semi-automated, or fully automated.

C. Spreader (Container Lifter)

Attaches to containers via twist locks.

Adjustable for 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and high-cube containers.

Some have auto-latching for faster operations.

3. Mobility & Drive System

A. Travel Mechanism

RTG: Rubber tires (8–16 wheels) for free movement.

RMG/STS: Rail-guided wheels for precise alignment.

B. Drive Motors & Power Source

Diesel-electric (traditional RTGs).

Electric (E-RTG) via cable reel or battery.

Hybrid (diesel + battery for fuel savings).

C. Steering & Braking

RTG Steering Modes:

Crab steering (diagonal movement).

90° steering (tight turns).

Braking System:

Disc brakes + regenerative braking (for E-RTGs).

Emergency stop functions.

4. Control & Automation Systems

A. Operator Cabin

Mounted on the gantry for visibility.

Equipped with joysticks, touchscreens, and cameras.

B. Remote Control (Optional)

Wireless operation from ground level.

Enhances safety in busy yards.

C. Automation & Smart Features

Anti-sway system (smoother load handling).

Laser scanners & cameras (obstacle detection).

GPS/RTK positioning (for automated stacking).

AI-based optimization (for route planning).

5. Safety & Auxiliary Components

A. Outriggers/Stabilizers

Extendable supports to prevent tipping during lifts.

B. Wind Resistance Systems

Anemometer (wind speed sensor).

Auto shutdown in high winds.

C. Lighting & Sensors

LED work lights for night operations.

Load sensors (prevents overload).

Proximity sensors (collision avoidance).

6. Optional Add-Ons

Generator sets (backup power).

Battery packs (for electric RTGs).

Automated stacking software (for smart terminals).

 

Sketch

 

 

Advantages of Container Gantry Cranes:

High Efficiency

Rapid container handling (30-50 moves/hour for RTGs)

Faster than reach stackers or forklifts

Simultaneous horizontal/vertical movement capability

Space Optimization

Vertical stacking (up to 7 containers high for RMGs)

Narrow working aisles (as little as 15m for RTGs)

40-60% better yard space utilization than ground slots

Operational Flexibility

Mobile RTGs can be repositioned as needed

Handle multiple container sizes (20'-53')

Can work in all weather conditions

Cost Effectiveness

Lower labor costs (1 operator per crane)

Reduced fuel consumption (E-RTGs use ~50% less energy)

Minimal ground infrastructure required

Automation Potential

Fully automated versions available

Integration with terminal operating systems

Remote monitoring and control capabilities

Safety Features

Anti-collision systems

Load moment indicators

Automatic sway control

 

Port Container Terminals

Yard stacking and retrieval

Truck loading/unloading operations

Inter-terminal transfers

Intermodal Facilities

Rail-to-truck transfers

Container yard management

Cross-docking operations

Depot Operations

Empty container storage

Container maintenance and repair

Equipment staging areas

Specialized Applications

Project cargo handling

Heavy lift operations

Military logistics support

 

1. Design stage: Determine the parameters of the crane, such as rated load, span and lifting height, according to the customer's needs and working environment. Carry out detailed structural design, including main beam, end beam, crane, lifting mechanism, etc., to ensure that the design meets safety standards and usage requirements. Select appropriate materials according to the design, usually high-strength steel to ensure the stability and durability of the structure.

2. Manufacturing stage: Prepare the required raw materials and parts according to the design drawings. Cut, bend and shape the steel to prepare structural components such as main beams and end beams. Weld the various components and assemble them into an overall structure. This step requires guaranteed welding quality to ensure strength and stability.

3. Machining: Machining key components such as motors, gears, bearings, etc. to ensure that their size and accuracy meet the requirements. Anti-corrosion treatment of components, such as painting and galvanizing, increases the durability and aesthetics of the equipment.

4. Electrical system installation: Install electrical components such as motors, controllers, switches, sensors and alarm systems. Connect and wire cables to ensure the normal operation of the electrical system.

5. Assembly phase: Assemble all components and systems as a whole, connect the lifting mechanism, trolley running mechanism and control system. Perform a comprehensive inspection of the assembled crane to ensure that all components and systems are working properly, and perform preliminary debugging.

6. Testing phase: Perform static load test on the crane to check the structural strength and stability. Perform dynamic test on the crane, including tests on lifting, moving, braking and other functions, to ensure that its performance meets the design requirements. Check the functions of safety devices, such as limit switches, overload protection, etc., to ensure the safety of the equipment during operation.

7. Quality control: Perform quality control on each link in the production process to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. Record various data and inspection results in the production process for subsequent traceability and analysis.

8. Delivery and installation: Pack and prepare the completed crane for transportation to ensure that it is not damaged during transportation. Deliver the crane to the customer's site for installation, and perform on-site debugging and acceptance. Provide operation training to customers to ensure that they are proficient in the use and maintenance of the crane.

Workshop view:

The company has installed an intelligent equipment management platform, and has installed 310 sets (sets) of handling and welding robots. After the completion of the plan, there will be more than 500 sets (sets), and the equipment networking rate will reach 95%. 32 welding lines have been put into use, 50 are planned to be installed, and the automation rate of the entire product line has reached 85%.