Gantry Crane vs. Overhead Crane - The Right Choice for You

06 Jan.,2025

 

Gantry Crane vs. Overhead Crane - The Right Choice for You

To a layman, on first glance a gantry crane might look a lot like an overhead crane. The most noticeable element of each crane is the large beam (girder) that supports the lifting mechanism, with a trolley that allows movement of the load perpendicular along the length of the beam.

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Both types of cranes can be designed to lift extremely heavy loads and move those loads over distances. 

So, the choice of which crane is best for your business &#; a gantry crane or overhead bridge crane &#; may not be as simple as it seems. Luckily the crane experts at O&#;Brien Lifting Solutions can work with you to select the best crane solution for your business, with the features you need at an affordable cost.

What is More Important in your Work Process &#; Portability or Strength?

The most important question when considering a gantry crane vs overhead crane is portability &#; how far do you need to move your loads? Gantry cranes are designed to maximize movement. 

With a gantry crane, you don&#;t need supporting steelwork. The girder is supported by vertical beams (legs). The legs can be fitted with wheels or casters allowing the entire structure to be moved independently or on a rail system.

This makes gantry cranes ideal for outdoor environments, or for work processes that require flexibility in movement of the load.

By contrast, the girder on an overhead crane moves along a structure that is attached to a building&#;s structural supports. The added building support gives overhead cranes the edge when it comes to lifting the heaviest loads.

But the choice is not as simple as that &#; within the range of lifting solutions, there is a range of available options to provide the best solution for your lifting needs.

Gantry Crane For Flexibility and Portability

Portable gantry cranes are smaller crane structures on wheels &#; they&#;re completely mobile and lightweight, available in fixed and flexible heights and girder spans up to 40 feet. While the structure is lightweight, portable gantry cranes can be designed to lift loads up to 10,000 lbs.

Full gantry cranes and semi-gantry cranes are even tougher. 

A semi-gantry crane can be designed to lift up to 20,000 lbs. While not as portable as their smaller cousins, they are designed to fit into tighter spaces where an overhead crane or full gantry crane is not suitable.

Full gantry cranes are the workhorses of this crane type. Able to lift loads up to 50,000 lbs or more, you&#;ll often see these cranes in shipyards or steelyards where the industrial processes require heavy loads to be moved over large distances.

Overhead Crane to Maximize Lifting Power

As previously mentioned, overhead cranes are mounted to the building&#;s structure &#; walls or other structural supports. This allows overhead cranes to support the heaviest loads.

O&#;Brien overhead cranes set the industry benchmark &#; they&#;re built to sustain multiple work environments. Our double-girder top-running overhead cranes can lift loads up to 25 tonnes. While gantry crane designs maximize portability, overhead crane systems can be designed to support complex industrial processes with custom movements or specific combinations of crane speeds and duty ratings.

Gantry Crane or Overhead Crane &#; Your Best Choice is O&#;Brien Lifting Solutions

With more than 60 years in the business, O&#;Brien has the experience, equipment, and expertise you need to select the right crane system to maximize your productivity. Our team of engineers and technicians will work with you to design the ultimate lifting solution, taking into account safety, productivity, and price. Even better, we pride ourselves on designing and building systems quickly and efficiently to get your business up and running fast. 

And of course, all our crane designs meet or exceed CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) specifications.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Wonder Machinery sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Reach out for a consultation by calling us at 1-866-706- or contact us online.Follow O&#;Brien on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Overhead Cranes vs. Mobile Cranes: Choosing the Right Crane

Selecting the Right Crane for Your Project: Overhead Cranes vs. Mobile Cranes

Introduction

In the construction industry, cranes are an essential tool used for transporting heavy loads and equipment around a job site. With various crane types available, it can be challenging to choose the appropriate one for your project. In this article, we will compare two popular types of cranes, overhead cranes and mobile cranes, to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes move heavy loads horizontally, making them ideal for industrial settings such as manufacturing facilities and warehouses. They can lift and move loads ranging from steel beams to heavy machinery and are capable of carrying loads that weigh several tons.

Types of Overhead Cranes

Several types of overhead cranes exist, such as bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes. Bridge cranes are the most common type of overhead crane, moving along a runway system mounted on the ceiling or walls of a building. Gantry cranes are similar to bridge cranes, but they are mounted on legs or wheels that run along a track on the ground. Jib cranes are smaller overhead cranes used in workshops or manufacturing facilities, with a boom that extends from a vertical mast, allowing them to lift and move loads horizontally.

Pros and Cons of Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes are versatile, easy to operate in confined spaces, and can be used in various applications. However, they are more expensive to install than mobile cranes, limiting their mobility and outdoor use.

Overview of Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are mounted on a mobile platform, such as a truck or trailer, and are commonly used in construction sites, allowing for easy movement around the job site.

Types of Mobile Cranes

Several types of mobile cranes exist, such as truck-mounted cranes, rough terrain cranes, and all-terrain cranes. Truck-mounted cranes are the most common type, mounted on a truck or trailer, allowing easy transportation to different job sites. Rough terrain cranes are designed for uneven or rough terrain and mounted on a four-wheel drive chassis, allowing them to navigate through difficult terrain. All-terrain cranes are similar to rough terrain cranes but are designed for both rough terrain and highways and typically mounted on a six or eight-wheel drive chassis.

Pros and Cons of Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are versatile and easy to transport to different job sites, making them ideal for outdoor use. However, they may not be as powerful as overhead cranes, limiting their load capacity. They are also more prone to tipping over than overhead cranes, which restricts their use in some applications. Additionally, mobile cranes are not suitable for indoor use, requiring a large open space to operate.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Overhead Cranes and Mobile Cranes

When selecting a crane, several factors need to be considered, including load capacity, mobility, cost, and available space on the job site. Overhead cranes are more potent than mobile cranes, but they require a fixed runway system, limiting their mobility. Mobile cranes, on the other hand, are easy to transport, but they may not be as powerful as overhead cranes, and their mobility is limited by the job site's terrain.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate crane for your project can be challenging. By considering the factors above, you can make an informed decision that meets your project's needs. Remember to consider the crane's load capacity, mobility, cost, and space requirements when selecting between overhead cranes and mobile cranes.

FAQs

Which is more expensive, an overhead crane or a mobile crane?

Overhead cranes are typically more expensive to install than mobile cranes.

Which type of crane is better for outdoor use?

Mobile cranes are better suited for outdoor use than overhead cranes.

Can mobile cranes lift as much weight as overhead cranes?

Mobile cranes are typically less powerful than overhead cranes and may not be able to lift as much weight.

Can overhead cranes be used in confined spaces?

Yes, overhead cranes are designed to operate in confined spaces, making them ideal for use in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.

Which type of crane is more versatile?

Both overhead cranes and mobile cranes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications. The best choice depends on the specific needs of the project.