Gantry cranes are a type of heavy-duty material handling equipment that is widely used in ports, steel fabrication plants, warehouses, logistics parks and hydroelectric power stations, among other settings.

Performance requirements can vary significantly depending on the application. For example, ports require high-tonnage container gantry cranes, whereas small-to-medium factories may only need cranes with a capacity of under 10 tons. Outdoor operations require wind and rain protection, whereas indoor workshops prioritise space utilisation.

I. Define Requirements
1. What do you need to lift? Load characteristics determine fundamental parameters. Consider the heaviest single-lift object and allow a safety margin of 10–20%.
2. Where will it be used? The installation environment influences the structural design. Measure the length, width and height of the workspace to determine the span and lifting height of the gantry crane.
3. How will it be used? Work intensity determines the equipment's lifespan.    - Daily operation of ≤5 hours and lifting cycles of ≤30: select an A3–A4 duty class.    - 24-hour continuous operation: Choose an A6–A8 duty class.
II. Detailed gantry crane parameters
1. Span and cantilever length
Span directly affects operational coverage. Considerations during selection:
- Standard spans: 5 m, 10 m, 16 m, 20 m, 30 m (custom non-standard spans available).
- Cantilever length: Select 0–10 m single- or double-sided cantilevers based on site requirements. Avoid excessive cantilever length.
2. Lifting height: The distance from the ground to the highest point of the hook must exceed the height of the material stack + a 1 m safety margin.
3. Drive system selection:
- Rail-mounted gantry crane: Suitable for fixed routes. Stable operation above 50T. Requires track installation.
Tyre-mounted gantry crane: Offers flexible mobility and is suitable for multi-area operations. Ideal for 10–50 tonnes.
Crawler-mounted gantry crane: Adaptable to muddy/rough terrain, but slower speed and higher cost
Automated container crane: Enables unmanned operation
III. Gantry crane selection solutions for different industries
1. Ports and terminals: Container gantry cranes
Core requirements: High tonnage, efficiency and wind resistance
Recommended models: 40–100-ton rail-mounted container gantry cranes (RTGs)
Key configurations: Dual-container spreader, anti-sway system, GPS positioning and wind-resistant anchoring devices
Henan Mine Case Study: A customised 60-tonne container gantry crane was supplied to a Southeast Asian port, achieving a handling efficiency of 30 containers per hour with typhoon resistance up to Category 12.
2. Steel Structure Factories: Portal cranes
Core requirements: Precise positioning, frequent lifting and adaptability to workshop environments.
Recommended model: 10-50 ton electric hoist gantry crane (MH type).
Key features: - Variable frequency drive
- Auxiliary hook (for lifting small components)
- Limit switches
Advantages: Henan Mine's steel structure gantry cranes utilise high-strength Q355B steel, reducing self-weight by 15% and energy consumption by 10%.
3. Warehousing & Logistics: Compact gantry cranes: flexible mobility, space-saving and easy operation.
Recommended model: 1-10 ton tyre-mounted gantry crane
Applications: Warehouse cargo transfer and temporary container storage
Features: - Foldable design saves 50% storage space when idle
- Battery-powered models suitable for areas without a power supply
4. Hydropower stations: Portal hoists: high reliability, moisture resistance and precise control.
Recommended model: 20–200-tonne fixed gantry crane
Special design: Waterproof motor (IP67), rustproof treatment and remote monitoring system.
Application case: A custom 160-tonne portal hoist was installed at a domestic hydropower station, achieving gate lifting precision of ±2 mm.
IV. Common misconceptions in gantry crane selection
1. Focusing solely on price: Selecting the lowest-priced standard model without considering specific operational needs. Prioritise critical configurations before considering cost.
2. Overestimating site load capacity: Installing rail-mounted gantry cranes without first verifying the ground's load-bearing capacity.
3. Neglecting maintenance accessibility: Selecting models with complex structures and specialised components.
As a leading crane supplier, Henan Mine's products cover the full range from 5 t-1200 t. With 428 service centres worldwide, we provide comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle, including complimentary site surveys, solution design, installation commissioning and regular maintenance, delivering a complete service.