RTG cranes for sale must match the container block and handling cycle. Confirm under-spreader capacity, rows plus truck lanes, stacking clearance and block-transfer requirements before selecting the power system. One published 2026 guide lists USD 800,000–1,400,000 for 40–50 t diesel RTGs in a 6+1 layout; electric and automation packages differ substantially.
01Choose a container-yard RTG, not a generic rubber-tyred crane
Container RTGs use a spreader to handle containers between stacks and trucks. Other rubber-tyred gantries move machinery, precast components or boats. They may share a mobility description while having different geometry, ratings and work cycles.
Review the container RTG arrangement against the loaded-container mass and container mix. Under-spreader capacity describes the handled container; the hoisting design must also account for the spreader and other suspended equipment.
02Set the yard geometry before comparing prices
A 6+1 description usually identifies six container rows plus one truck lane, but confirm each offer’s drawing and terminology. Required stack tiers do not translate directly into a universal lifting height: container height, spreader depth and clearance above the stack all matter.
Check the travel route, turning arrangement and block changes. Pavement design must address the selected wheel loads and operating conditions. Rubber tyres remove fixed rails from the travel path; they do not remove the need for suitable ground support.
Compare loaded and unloaded speeds against the complete handling cycle. A higher headline hoist speed may add little value when alignment, truck waiting or yard traffic controls the cycle.
03RTG crane price ranges by power system
The following USD ranges come from one public 2026 supplier guide checked on 28 October. The source labels these 40–50 t, 6+1 container-yard ranges as FOB equipment references. Confirm the named shipment port and delivery terms in the offer; these are budget guidance rather than firm project quotations.
| Power arrangement | Published guide range, USD per unit | Project interface |
|---|---|---|
| Standard diesel RTG | 800,000–1,400,000 | Engine, fuel supply and maintenance arrangements |
| Hybrid RTG | 1,000,000–1,700,000 | Engine/battery package and replacement responsibilities |
| Electric RTG | 1,300,000–2,500,000 | Cable or collector connection and yard electrical supply |
Other public guides give different ranges without identical specifications. Do not combine them into a single market average. Confirm the spreader, controls, power package and test scope in an itemized offer; freight, duties, pavement work, yard power infrastructure, erection and site commissioning may sit outside the equipment price. Remote operation or automation needs its own defined scope.
04Diesel, hybrid or electric?
Diesel avoids a continuous external cable connection and can suit block changes. Hybrid operation combines an engine with stored energy, but savings depend on the actual duty, control strategy and battery life. Electric operation can reduce on-crane combustion emissions; its benefit depends on the yard supply and transfer arrangement.
Compare ownership costs using your moves per year, operating hours, fuel or electricity tariff and maintenance plan. Include batteries, cable equipment and infrastructure where applicable. A universal fuel-saving percentage is not a sound investment calculation.
05Used RTG or fixed-rail alternative?
For used equipment, confirm structural history, tires, engines or drives, spreader condition, control support and available records. Dismantling, relocation and recommissioning can materially change a low asking price.
For a fixed, well-defined block, compare a rail-mounted container gantry. RMG selection trades RTG block mobility for a fixed rail and electrical interface; the better choice follows the yard plan.
06Buyer questions
Does a 40 t rating mean a 40 t container can always be lifted?
Confirm whether the rating is under the spreader or at the lifting mechanism, then check the spreader and approved configuration. Container gross mass and spreader mass have different roles in the rating.
Is an electric RTG suitable for frequent block changes?
It depends on the power-feed and transfer design. Compare the disconnection, reconnection and travel procedure with the required operating cycle.