1. Definition of gantry cranes
Gantry cranes are large lifting machinery erected on ground tracks, usually with one or more legs to support the main beam of the crane, forming a gantry or frame-shaped structure. The main beam of a gantry crane usually spans two fixed tracks, and the lifting trolley runs on the main beam to lift materials through the lifting mechanism. Due to its flexible structural design, gantry cranes are mainly used for large-scale outdoor cargo handling and loading and unloading, such as yards, ports, docks, etc.
Gantry cranes can carry and lift materials over a wide range, and are particularly suitable for occasions that require long-distance horizontal handling and large-tonnage lifting. It is often used in open-air work areas and can withstand environmental factors such as wind and rain.
2. Classification of gantry cranes
According to different standards, gantry cranes can be classified as follows:
2.1 Classification by structural form
Single-beam gantry crane:
The main beam is a single beam structure, usually with a monorail trolley or electric hoist. It has a simple structure and low cost, and is suitable for small and medium-sized lifting operations.
Features: Suitable for light-weight and medium-load operations, commonly used in medium-span and outdoor occasions.
Double-girder gantry crane:
The main beam is a double-girder structure, and the trolley usually runs on the track of the two beams. This type of crane has a strong load-bearing capacity and a large span, and is suitable for large-tonnage lifting operations.
Features: Widely used in heavy-load operations and large-scale cargo handling, such as container yards, large-scale cargo loading and unloading, etc.
2.2 Classification by leg form
A-type gantry crane:
The legs are in the shape of "A", usually used for wide-span and large-tonnage lifting operations, and the structure is relatively simple and stable.
U-type gantry crane:
The legs are in the shape of "U", suitable for handling large and wide-body cargo, such as containers. The span between its legs is large, which is convenient for passing wide-body cargo.
L-type gantry crane:
The legs are in the shape of "L", which is convenient for cargo to enter the lifting area on one side of the crane, and is suitable for operations where cargo needs to be frequently loaded and unloaded from the side.
2.3 Classification by crane structure height
Ordinary gantry crane:
Gantry cranes of ordinary height are usually used for daily material loading and unloading operations, and the lifting height is general.
Elevated gantry crane:
It has a higher lifting height and is suitable for storage yards or places where high-altitude operations are required, such as dock stacking.
2.4 Classification by cantilever form
Gantry crane with cantilever:
One or both sides of the crane main beam are equipped with cantilevers, which can be used to lift materials that extend beyond the track range, increasing the flexibility of the operating range.
Gantry crane without cantilever:
There are no cantilevers at both ends of the main beam, and the hook can only operate within the span of the main beam. It is usually used in places with large spans and no need to lift beyond the track range.
2.5 Classification by purpose
General gantry crane:
It is used in warehouses, open-air material yards and other places to transport various types of goods. Its lifting device is usually an electric hoist or a lifting trolley with different forms of lifting equipment, such as hooks, grabs, etc.
Special gantry crane: Designed for specific operating occasions, such as container gantry cranes, metallurgical gantry cranes, etc., with specific functions and operating requirements. Container gantry crane: Specially used for handling, stacking and loading and unloading containers. Metallurgical gantry crane: Used for handling high-temperature materials such as steel billets and molten steel in steel and metallurgical plants, with special high-temperature resistance and protection design.
2.6 Classification by walking method
Fixed gantry crane: The crane is fixedly installed in one position and is usually used in a specific work area with a limited walking range.
Mobile gantry crane: It moves on the track through the trolley running mechanism, which can cover a larger working area and is suitable for occasions that require large-scale material handling, such as docks and yards.
2.7 Classification by operation method
Manual gantry crane: It is lifted and operated by manpower through a manual hoist or manual mechanism, suitable for small tonnage and light operations.
Electric gantry crane: It is lifted and operated by an electric hoist or motor drive, and is often used in medium and large lifting operations, with a high degree of automation and convenient operation.
