How to do Gantry Crane Design

A gantry crane for sale uses its own legs for support rather than a beam or other fixture within the facility. Indoor gantry cranes may have a single or multiple girders, with multiple girder models better suited to heavy-duty work. There are four primary styles of gantry crane, each suited to specific applications:

• Full gantry cranes.The most popular style, full gantry cranes have two legs that run along a track. That track is typically embedded into the work surface, so trucks, forklifts, and other vehicles can easily cross it.

• Semi gantry cranes.This type of gantry crane has one leg. The other side of the crane runs along a track on the wall to save space. Both full and semi gantry cranes are common in heavy-lift manufacturing applications.

• Portable gantry cranes.These cranes are fixed on wheels, allowing them to be moved throughout a facility and easily stored out of the way. Portable gantry cranes are best-suited for lighter lifting tasks. Portable gantry cranes are often used to hold a load so workers can easily access it for maintenance or modification. Portable gantry cranes have a myriad of uses in manufacturing and warehouse environments.

• Adjustable gantry cranes.Another light-duty option, adjustable cranes allow adjustment of the span or the height of the cranes to manage different types of loads. These cranes see frequent use in warehouses and in manufacturing environments with variable loads.

Primary Factors that Affect Gantry Crane Design

It’s important to choose the right crane for the job. Depending upon your application, you may require a custom gantry crane design. This ensures the crane suits its intended working conditions, facility layout, and load requirements. The following factors impact gantry design:

Arm and Span Length

When determining arm and span length, first consider the size of the work area and the size and weight of the maximum load. This is where gantry crane design begins. Determine how big the crane needs to be, and how much weight it must support or lift reliably.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

The operating environment of the crane will determine the ideal materials and finishes used to fabricate its various components. Consider temperature extremes and fluctuations, weather exposure, and harsh operating conditions to help guide the selection of the proper materials and finishing processes.

Fixed or Rotating Axle End Trucks

Indoor cranes typically use fixed axle end trucks because they largely stay in one place. Outdoor cranes may need to move across yards where they can gather dirt and debris that will impact performance. Rotating axle end trucks have fewer parts and use lubrication to block dirt and debris.