So, how do you pick a single-girder gantry crane?

Single-girder gantry cranes are great for small-to-medium-sized cargo yards, workshop production lines, warehouse loading/unloading areas, and small precast yards. They're simple to set up and use, and they're really cost-effective.

Classification of Single-Girder Gantry Cranes1. By Structural Form: This crane can be used in different site spaces.

It's a full-gantry single-girder gantry crane. It's got enclosed outriggers that give you full coverage under the main girder, making it super stable. It's perfect for open yards and outdoor precast sites. You'll often see it in outdoor warehouse single-girder gantry cranes, where it allows for 360° material transfer without any blind spots.

L-Type Single-Girder Gantry Crane: It's got an L-shaped outrigger on one side, with the other side mounted close to the factory wall. This design saves floor space and is specifically engineered for narrow workshops. This model is great for workshop single-girder gantry cranes, especially in environments with lots of factory columns. It helps to stop collisions between equipment and structures.

Semi-Gantry Single-Girder Gantry Crane: One side runs on rails on the ground, and the other is supported by the factory crane beam. This design is great at making the most of space and how much it can carry, so it's perfect for areas where it's a bit of a mix between inside and out. For example, single-girder gantry cranes in steel mill auxiliary material zones often use this type.

2. Classification of lifting capacity

Micro single-girder gantry cranes: The maximum weight it can lift is 1 ton. They're lightweight, so they're great for small warehouses and laboratories. For example, there are these precision parts single-girder gantry cranes, which stop ground damage during small instrument handling because they're so light.

Light-duty single-girder gantry cranes are great for: It can hold 1-5 tons. This is the most common type of market, and it's great for transferring workshop components and installing small equipment. The 5-ton single-girder gantry crane is a real workhorse! It can be used in all sorts of situations, from electronics factories to machinery plants.

Medium Single-Girder Gantry Cranes: They can lift between 5-20 tons, so they're pretty strong. They're great for handling medium-sized components like the 10-ton single-girder gantry crane, which is a common sight in precast yards moving small T-beams around, and for handling bulk cargo at ports.

3. Classification by Drive Type

Manual Single-Girder Gantry Cranes: You can lift and move it manually, and it's simple to put together and pretty cheap. But they're not very efficient, so they're only suitable for small lifting capacities (≤3 tons) and infrequent operations, like small warehouse manual single-girder gantry cranes that are sometimes used for inventory transfers.

Electric Single-Girder Gantry Cranes: The motor-driven hoisting and travel mechanisms make them super easy to use and really efficient. They're all about variable frequency speed control, which is what's hot right now. These electric single-girder gantry cranes are great for all sorts of situations, from workshop assembly lines to yard handling. Some of the models are pretty clever too, in that you can operate them remotely.

4. Classification by Special Purpose: Tackling Complex Operational Demands

Explosion-Proof Single-Girder Gantry Cranes: They use explosion-proof motors and electrical control systems, so they're safe to use in places where there might be flammable or explosive materials, like chemical plants and oil depots. Chemical-specific single-girder gantry cranes effectively prevent safety incidents caused by electrical sparks during operation.

High-Temperature Resistant Single-Girder Gantry Cranes: They've got high-temperature resistant hooks and insulation devices, so they're perfect for use in steel mill smelting workshops and glass factory melting zones. Steel mill high-temperature single-girder gantry cranes can operate stably in environments exceeding 300°C.

Why are single-girder gantry cranes the go-to choice for light to medium-duty applications?

1. Great value for money

Cost is a key factor to consider, and single-girder gantry cranes are a great option here. Their simple single-girder design needs fewer materials, so the purchase cost is 30%-50% lower than double-girder gantry cranes with the same lifting capacity. A 5-ton electric single-girder gantry crane will set you back about half the price of a double-girder model with the same spec.

2. Site Adaptability

Single-girder gantry cranes are great for confined spaces and densely spaced columns, which is exactly what you find in many light-to-medium duty applications. Models like L-shaped or semi-gantry designs can be installed close to walls or integrated with existing factory structures, so there's no need for extra operational space. Compact single-girder gantry cranes can even manoeuvre around in workshops as narrow as 8 metres wide, so you don't have to worry about them hitting production lines or shelving.

3. Simple to use

Single-girder gantry cranes have control systems that are designed for everyday needs, so there's no need for any special training. The electric models come with handheld control handles or compact cabs, with a simple one-touch control system for lifting and movement. New operators can work independently after just 1-2 days of training, which significantly reduces labour costs. Some of the smart single-girder gantry cranes also have visual operation screens that show real-time info like load weight and lifting height. They automatically trigger alarms and locks when there's an overload or over-travel situation, making sure everyone's safe, even if they're not as experienced. This is perfect for places where a lot of people come and go.

4. Versatility at its best

Single-girder gantry cranes can be tailored to fit any situation. Light-duty single-girder gantry cranes are great for basic tasks like moving components around and loading and unloading cargo. For those tricky scenarios, we've got explosion-proof, high-temperature resistant, and corrosion-resistant models that can handle it all. Chemical explosion-proof single-girder gantry cranes can operate safely in flammable/explosive environments, steel mill high-temperature single-girder gantry cranes can withstand intense heat, and port corrosion-resistant single-girder gantry cranes can resist marine air corrosion. Also, these cranes can handle all kinds of materials, like steel, bulk cargo and precision components, by swapping lifting attachments like electromagnetic chucks or grabs. This means they can get more than 80% of their equipment out of action.

5. Easy installation and set-up: Get things set up quickly without messing around with project timelines

Single-girder gantry cranes are made with simple, easy-to-move parts, so they're a lot easier to get from A to B than double-girder models. Usually, manufacturers offer "on-site installation and commissioning" as one-stop services. A 10-ton single-girder gantry crane takes only 3-5 days from equipment arrival to finished installation and commissioning—half the time of double-girder models. This is really important for new projects that need to get up and running quickly or for temporary sites, because it speeds up how long it takes to get the equipment set up and stops any delays to the schedule while it's being installed.

Core Selection in 4 Steps

Once you've got the lowdown on gantry crane classifications, just follow these 4 steps based on what you need:

So, first things first: let's talk about lifting capacity, span, and height. These three things are basically the "basic threshold" for gantry cranes, and they're super important in making sure the equipment meets our operational needs.

Lifting Capacity: Go for a capacity that's 10%-20% higher than the usual max.

Span: The span is the distance between the centres of the two legs. It should be 1-2 metres wider than the work area.

Lifting height: The lifting height is the distance from the ground to the hook's highest position. It's got to be higher than the maximum lifting height for the material.

Step 2: Matching Operating Environment

Different environments have totally different requirements when it comes to material selection and protection ratings for single-girder gantry cranes. If you make the wrong choice, it can really shorten the lifespan of your equipment:

Indoor Scenarios: For workshops or warehouses, standard electric single-girder gantry cranes are enough. Just check that the equipment width fits the factory entrance. For example, small workshop single-girder gantry cranes can use compact outrigger designs to make it easier to get into the workshop.

Outdoor Scenarios: If you're working on an open-air yard or a precast facility, make sure you choose models with rain and wind protection. The electrical control box of outdoor single-girder gantry cranes has to meet the IP54 protection rating to stop water getting in and short circuits happening. Coastal areas need extra anti-corrosion coating to protect against sea air erosion.

Special Environments: Chemical zones need explosion-proof single-girder gantry cranes with Ex d IIB T4 or higher explosion-proof rating; steel mills' high-temperature zones need heat-resistant models with hooks made of heat-resistant alloy steel; humid regions need corrosion-resistant models with galvanized outriggers.

Step 3: Core Configuration

How you set up the configuration is key to how well and how safely single-girder gantry cranes will work. The price difference between similar equipment is often down to the configuration. Here are three things to focus on:

Hoisting Mechanism: Choose motors from well-known brands to avoid frequent breakdowns of unbranded motors. Opt for high-strength galvanised steel wire ropes to reduce wear and tear and minimise strand breakage. Make sure your hooks come with anti-disengagement devices and load sensors to trigger overload alarms. Single-girder gantry cranes that are smart can also show the weight being lifted in real time.

Travel Mechanism: Use variable frequency drive (VFD) systems for a smoother operation and higher positioning accuracy (error ≤5mm) compared to traditional resistor speed control. For example, precision positioning single-girder gantry cranes minimise material sway and collisions when handling precision equipment in electronics factories. Choose wheels made of cast steel that can take a bit of wear and tear to extend the rail service life.

Electrical Control System: It supports both local operation (with cab/control handle) and remote control, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It's got all the safety protection devices you could need, like overload protection, anti-collision protection, emergency braking and limit switches, to make sure everything's safe and sound.

As a top global supplier of cranes, Henan Mine Crane has a wide range of products from 5 to 500 tons. We'll provide custom designs based on site drawings, load characteristics and environmental parameters. Our full lifecycle services offer all-in-one solutions, from site surveys and design planning to installation and commissioning, plus regular maintenance.
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