What Is A Gantry Crane?

A gantry crane is a heavy-duty lifting device distinguished by ground-supported legs (unlike overhead cranes hung from roofs), with a horizontal main girder spanning between its legs. It handles 5-300 tons, suiting medium-to-heavy tasks. Available in single-girder type (for lighter loads, 1-20 tons) or double-girder type (for heavier tasks, 5-800 tons).

Here, a gantry crane is explained in detail, including its definition, structure and components, working principle, application, specs etc. This article will make you learn more info about a gantry crane for your needs.

(This is a 3D double girder gantry crane structure narration video.)

The gantry crane mainly consists of one or two main girders, supporting legs, traveling trolley, hoisting mechanism, crane traveling mechanism, electrical power system, safety devices, (driver's cab) and other crane spare parts.

The functions of each structure or component are as follows:

• Main Girder: The top load core structure that supports the traveling trolley and the weight of lifted goods.
• Support Legs: Vertical structures connecting the main girder to the ground, ensuring the crane’s stability; some have wheels for moving on ground rails.
• Traveling Trolley: Moves along the rails on the main girder, carrying the hoisting mechanism to realize horizontal transport of cargo.
• Cơ chế nâng hạ: Includes motor, drum, and steel rope; drives the hook up and down to complete the lifting and lowering of heavy objects.
• Crane Travel Mechanism: Installed at the bottom of support legs, driving the entire crane to move along ground rails for long-distance operation.
• Electrical System: Comprises control cabinet, buttons, and motors; controls the start, stop, and speed of all mechanisms.
• Safety Devices: Such as height limiters and overload protectors; prevent equipment damage or accidents caused by improper operation.

Single Girder Gantry Cranes have two common types:

• MH Single Girder Gantry Crane: As the most standard and widely used single girder model, it features a single box-type beam, with a trolley that runs along the beam’s top rail. It has a moderate capacity (typically 5–32t), a lightweight structure, and lower costs. Users use it in small freight yards, workshops, warehouses, or construction sites, mainly to lift packages, steel pipes, small mechanical parts, or building materials.

• L Type Single Girder Gantry Crane: It has an L-shaped supporting leg. One side is short (closely attached to walls, columns, or other fixed structures), and the other side is a standard long leg. This design saves horizontal space and is suitable for narrow working areas. It has a similar load capacity to the MH type (usually 5–20t). It strongly adapts to limited spaces, such as narrow workshops, factory edge areas, and small logistics yards.

Double Girder Gantry Cranes have two common types:

• U Type Double Girder Gantry Crane: Features a U-shaped main girder structure (no upper flange on the inner side of the girders), which allows long or bulky goods (e.g., steel beams, large profiles) to pass through the girder gap easily. It has a medium-to-high load capacity and good lateral stability. Users apply it in steel plants, profile processing workshops, or yards.

• A Type Double Girder Gantry Crane: With A-shaped supporting legs—this design reduces wind resistance, enhances structural rigidity, and saves space at the leg base. It has a high load capacity and a high working class, suitable for open-air heavy-duty scenarios like ports, large freight yards, or heavy machinery factories to lift containers, large castings, or heavy equipment.

Semi Gantry Cranes have two types:

• BMH Single Girder Semi Gantry Crane: Features a single main girder, with one set of supporting legs and the other side relying on factory walls or concrete columns. It has a medium load (typically 5–32t), compact structure, and saves ground space. It is ideal for narrow workshops, small yards, or scenarios where one side is adjacent to buildings. It’s cost-effective, easy to install, and suitable for handling steel pipes, packages, or small machinery.

• BMG Double Girder Semi Gantry Crane: Adopts two parallel main girders, with one side having supporting legs and the other side supported by fixed structures. It offers higher load capacity (10–100t) and stronger stability, with a higher working class (able to withstand frequent heavy-duty operations). It’s widely used in heavy industry workshops and large freight yards to lift large steel components, mold equipment, and semi-finished heavy products.

Truss Gantry Cranes have two main types:​

• Single Girder Truss Gantry Crane: Features a single truss main girder (lightweight, material-saving structure) with an offset trolley running along one side of the girder. It has a medium-low load (usually ≤50t), has lower self-weight and cost, and is easy to install/maintain. Common in small factories, warehouses, or yards for handling steel plates or packages.

• Double Girder Truss Gantry Crane: Adopts two parallel truss main girders, with the trolley moving between the two girders. It boasts high load capacity (up to hundreds of tons), strong stability, and a high working class. Ideal for heavy-duty operations in ports, large freight yards, or heavy industry plants, used to lift containers, large steel beams, or heavy machinery.

Single Girder Gantry Crane Specification

Double Girder Gantry Crane Specification