Choosing a gantry crane involves understanding the various factors and elements associated with it. First, you need to evaluate your own operations and the potential applications of the crane. Choosing the incorrect crane can be dangerous in the long run. Apart from being inefficient, it can also result in unexpected expenses down the line. As a result, your choice crane must address current and future needs. Look at the following guide when you want to buy a gantry crane for sale.
What Is a Gantry Crane?
First, you need to understand what is a gantry crane? This is a type of overhead crane, which itself is supported by its steel legs. This is generally used when it is not possible to install overhead runways due to practical or other reasons. Gantry cranes tend to be sturdier. They can support more weight than a similar model of overhead crane.
Here are a few of the things that you must consider when selecting a gantry crane:
The Height Considerations: The height is one of the main features of a gantry crane.
Lowest Overhead Obstruction: Find out the object with the lowest height in the workspace
where the crane is going to be used. It is essential to ensure that the gantry crane can move and operate without hitting something.
Overall Height: This is generally the distance between the floor and the I-Beam’s top. Some gantry cranes have adjustable overall heights. They might be more suitable in certain applications.
Hook Height Requirement: This is a critical measurement. This is an indicator of how high you can lift your loads, which has a direct impact on your operations.
Chain fall: This plays an important role in the operations. This denotes the amount of chain that is available for the lifting operations. As a result, make sure that it is accounted for during your selection process.
Height Adjustment: If you are choosing a gantry crane for sale whose height can be adjusted, it is a good idea to get a height adjustment kit. It will help you to adjust the height more easily. If you want to make the adjustments easier, you may consider getting an aluminum crane instead of a steel one.
The Span: While considering the span, there are two measurements to consider. The overall width is one of them. This is the distance between the two outside edges of the crane. There are end stops in a gantry crane. This prevents the trolley from rolling off. As a result, the trolley will not be moving over the beam’s entire length. The distance that will be traversed by the trolley is the usable width.
The Capacity: Like other cranes, a gantry crane will have its own specific capacity limits. Generally, the capacity of the trolley, the hoist and the crane will be the same. Consider the maximum load weight that your operations generally entail. The crane’s capacity must exceed this limit. Remember that your maximum load weight must never be greater than the capacity rated by the manufacturer.
Other Points to Consider
When buying a gantry crane for sale, there are a few other points that you might want to consider. Here are some of them:
- The List of Features: These days, gantry cranes have quite a few features. Check if the crane offers the features that you need in your facility.
- Materials: Although steel is widely used for making these cranes, you may also opt for aluminum.
- Controls: Gantry cranes can be operated in different ways. Find one as per your requirements.