The portal crane, often called a gantry crane, is large-scale lifting equipment whose structure resembles a movable “gate”. It consists of a portal frame (including legs and upper crossbeam), a hoisting trolley, a traveling mechanism for the main girder and an electrical control system. It can perform three-dimensional movements longitudinally, laterally and vertically on fixed tracks or specific sites. This type of overhead crane does not rely on the building structure of the factory. It has strong outdoor operation capabilities and large-span working characteristics, making it a backbone equipment in the field of heavy material handling.
From an engineering perspective, the core advantage of a gantry crane lies in its self-supporting structure design. It directly transfers the load to the ground track or foundation through stable legs, a feature that makes it particularly suitable for open spaces without overhead support. Whether it is handling hundreds of tons of prefabricated components or standard containers, the gantry crane can provide reliable and efficient solutions.
The diverse designs of gantry cranes enable them to adapt to various site conditions and operational requirements. They can mainly be classified into the following categories:
1. Full-Girder Cranes and Semi-Girder Cranes
Full-girder cranes have both sides of their legs running directly on ground tracks, forming a complete “door” shape structure, providing the most extensive working coverage and stability. They are commonly found in large storage yards and ports.
Semi-girder cranes have one side of their legs running on tracks while the other side is supported by factory columns or specific foundations. They are particularly suitable for operation areas along the edges of buildings, effectively saving space.
2. Single-Girder Cranes and Double-Girder Cranes
The single-girder structure is relatively light in self-weight and has a lower manufacturing cost. It is suitable for applications with smaller lifting capacities (typically not exceeding 50 tons) and medium spans, such as general cargo yards or the periphery of workshops.
The double-girder structure, on the other hand, offers greater rigidity and strength, capable of handling heavier loads (up to hundreds or even thousands of tons) and larger spans. It is the preferred choice for large power stations, heavy equipment manufacturing, and major infrastructure projects.
3. Tyre-Mounted Cranes and Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes
Rail-mounted gantry cranes run along fixed steel rails laid down, offering precise positioning, smooth operation and convenient power supply. They are the standard configuration for most fixed material transfer areas.
Tyre-mounted gantry cranes stand out for their high mobility. They do not require fixed rails and can move and turn flexibly on flat and solid ground. They play an irreplaceable role in container yards and can quickly adjust their positions according to operational needs.
In addition, there are specialized variants for specific needs, such as shipyard cranes with extremely high lifting heights for shipyards, and container quay cranes that combine the functions of cranes and loading bridges.
The application of gantry cranes runs through almost all the important links of modern industry and logistics:
Port terminals and container yards: This is the main battlefield for rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG) and rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMG), responsible for unloading containers from ships, stacking them, and loading them onto trucks. Their operational efficiency directly determines the port’s throughput capacity.
Large logistics warehouses and railway freight stations: They are used for loading and unloading packaged goods, wood, steel, and large containers, facilitating the rapid turnover of goods between trucks, storage yards, and warehouses.
Power stations and heavy equipment manufacturing plants: In thermal, hydro, and nuclear power projects, they are used to lift core heavy components such as generator rotors and boiler drums; in heavy machinery factories, they are used for the assembly and transportation of large structural components.
Shipbuilding and marine engineering: Giant shipbuilding gantry cranes have extremely high lifting heights and large lifting capacities, capable of hoisting hundreds of tons of ship sections, making them key equipment in modern shipbuilding.
Large infrastructure construction sites: They are used for lifting and transporting prefabricated bridge segments and concrete components, supporting the rapid construction of high-speed railways, highways, and other projects.
In the global industrial equipment market, it is crucial to choose a gantry crane manufacturer with solid technology, rich experience, and a reliable reputation.
We are well aware that a high-quality gantry crane is not merely a combination of steel but rather a result of exquisite craftsmanship, rigorous engineering, and reliable components. Yangyumech insists on controlling quality from the design stage, using advanced finite element analysis for structural optimization to ensure that each crane not only has outstanding strength but also is economically viable. Our product line includes various types of gantry cranes, and we can provide flexible customized solutions based on the specific site conditions, process requirements, and budget of our customers.
Our strength is not only reflected on the production line, but has also been widely verified in the international market. Yangyumech’s lifting equipment has been successfully exported to dozens of countries around the world, from infrastructure construction in Asia to logistics centers in Europe, from industrial plants in the Americas to energy projects in Africa. Our products are operating stably all over the world, helping customers improve efficiency and create value. This global footprint demonstrates the outstanding adaptability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of our products.
We firmly believe that successful business relationships are built on a foundation of mutual benefit. Yangyumech looks forward to working hand in hand with our customers and partners. Whether it’s providing a standard crane or jointly designing a complex material handling system, we will offer professional technical support and comprehensive services to ensure the success of your projects.
Welcome to contact us at any time to start our journey of win-win cooperation.
