How are gantry cranes classified? What are the characteristics of each?

Gantry cranes have many different classification methods and can be divided into multiple types according to their structural characteristics, operation methods, uses and other factors. Here are some common gantry crane classifications and their characteristi

1. According to the gantry structure:
   • Single-girder gantry crane: This type of crane has only one main girder and has a simple structure. It is suitable for situations where the load-bearing capacity is small.
   • Double-girder gantry crane: It has two main girders, which is relatively stronger and more stable, and is suitable for handling heavy objects with a large carrying capacity.
2. Follow the operation mode:
   • Orbital gantry crane: runs on a fixed track and can perform linear or trajectory motion, suitable for long-distance operations.
   • Rubber tire gantry crane: Equipped with rubber tires, no tracks are needed, it has good maneuverability and can move freely on hard and flat ground.
3. According to the usage occasion:
   • Port gantry crane: mainly used for loading and unloading port cargo, usually with large lifting capacity and working radius.
   • Factory gantry cranes: generally used for material handling and assembly within factories, mostly with customized specifications to meet the needs of specific production processes.
   • Construction gantry cranes: Used on construction sites, often in conjunction with tower cranes, to move construction materials and equipment.
4. According to the hanging form:
   • Hook-type gantry crane: uses hook claws as hangers, suitable for hoisting various standard parts and large parts.
   • Grab gantry crane: Equipped with a grab, it is mainly used to transport bulk materials, such as ore, sand and gravel, coal, etc.
   • Magnetic gantry crane: uses large electromagnets as hangers and is suitable for handling steel materials.

Characteristics of different types of gantry cranes:

• Single-girder gantry crane: simple structure, low cost, easy maintenance, but limited lifting capacity, relatively small span and lifting height.
• Double-girder gantry crane: has strong lifting capacity, good stability, and is suitable for lifting heavier materials, but the cost of construction and maintenance is high.
• Rail-mounted gantry crane: suitable for transportation over longer distances and fixed routes, with precise operation, but installing rails increases the initial cost.
• Rubber tire gantry crane: It has good flexibility, is not restricted by ground tracks, and can adapt to various ground conditions, but its lifting capacity and stability are usually not as good as those of the track type.
• Port gantry crane: It has a high degree of automation and remote control capabilities, and can work stably in harsh marine environments.
• Factory gantry crane: The design is more diverse and can be customized according to the production process within the factory, with the focus on improving the efficiency of the production line.
• Construction gantry cranes: require high reliability and safety, and adapt to different construction site environments.

When selecting a gantry crane, you need to consider the type of material to be handled, lifting weight, lifting height, span, working environment and specific job requirements to determine the most suitable type and specification.