Explore 5 rubber tyred crane types, their designs, capacities & practical applications for yards, ports, shipyards, and construction sites. Get rtg crane!
Introduction
What Are Rubber Tyred Cranes?
Rubber tyred cranes are a type of mobile gantry crane that runs on large, heavy-duty rubber wheels instead of fixed steel rails.
This simple design difference makes a big change in how they work. They can move freely across open yards, construction sites, ports, and other large work areas without being tied to one spot.
In practice, that means no costly rail installation, no digging up the ground, and no waiting for permanent tracks to be built. You can park them exactly where the lifting job is and move them again when the task changes.
Why They're Popular
The demand for rubber tyred gantry cranes has grown steadily in ports, steel yards, container terminals, and even large fabrication workshops. This comes down to three very practical advantages:
No fixed installation needed – you don't need a crane runway or rail system.
Operates on various surfaces – from smooth concrete to compacted gravel.
Direct load handling – lift, move, and position heavy loads right where they are needed, without additional transport equipment.
Because of this flexibility, they're often the first choice for facilities that need to rearrange operations, adapt to seasonal workloads, or share one crane across different parts of a site.
Purpose of This Guide
This guide will walk you through five main types of rubber tyred cranes:
Single Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane
Double Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane (A-Frame)
Double Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane (U-Frame)
Rubber Tyred Straddle Carrier
Boat Lift Rubber Tyred Crane
We'll look at how each design is built, what kind of loads they handle best, and where you'll usually find them in operation.
By the end, you'll know which type fits your worksite needs - whether you're moving containers in a busy terminal, lifting boat hulls in a marina, or stacking steel in an outdoor yard.
If your operation involves frequent boat handling or maintenance, this crane provides mobility, safety, and efficiency that fixed cranes or forklifts cannot match.
Quick Comparison Table
Crane Type Main Structure Typical Capacity Common Applications
Single Girder RTG One main girder
Light frame 10–20t Small yards
Workshops
Handling small containers, steel beams, precast parts
Double Girder RTG – A-Frame Two girders
A-shaped legs 50–100+t Steel mills
Mid-size container handling
Large construction projects
Double Girder RTG – U-Frame Two girders
Wide U-shaped legs 100–200+t Container terminals
Intermodal yards
Oversized cargo lifting
Rubber Tyred Straddle Carrier Self-propelled frame
Straddles loads 20–60t Port and rail container yards
Logistics hubs
Boat Lift RTG (Mobile Boat Hoist) U-frame
Adjustable slings 10–500t+ Marinas
Shipyards
Yacht storage and transport
Practical Notes:
Capacity ranges are approximate; specific models may vary.
Choice depends on load type, height clearance, and mobility needs.
U-frame and straddle carriers excel where wide loads or container stacking is required.
Boat lift RTGs are specialized for marine applications with delicate handling requirements.
Conclusion
Rubber tyred cranes come in many shapes and sizes, and each type has its own advantages. From compact single girder cranes perfect for workshops and smaller yards to massive U-frame cranes designed for container terminals, there's a model to fit almost every operation.
When deciding which crane to choose, consider these practical factors:
Load type and weight – what will you be lifting most often?
Space and mobility needs – how much room do you have, and how far does the crane need to move?
Industry-specific requirements – ports, steel yards, shipyards, or construction sites all have different demands.
For the best results, it's wise to consult an experienced manufacturer. They can provide precise specifications, suggest the right configuration, and ensure the crane will meet both your current needs and any future expansion plans.
With the right guidance, a rubber tyred crane can improve efficiency, reduce handling time, and make your operations safer and more flexible.
