Gantry cranes are a highly versatile piece of lifting equipment.  However, not all gantry cranes are created equally. Gantry cranes can be used in a wide variety of lifting applications across the construction, waste and wastewater, plant maintenance, material handling, building transit and a host of other industries.  Choosing the right gantry crane for your application is an important decision, as it can make a big difference in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost.

Consider the Crane’s Lifting Capacity

The lifting capacity of a gantry crane is an important factor to consider when selecting the right crane for your needs. Knowing the weight of the load you need to lift is essential to determine the right crane size and capacity. If the crane is too small, it will not be able to lift the load and useless for the desired task. If the crane is too large, it will be more expensive and take up unnecessary space.

Consider the Constraints of the Environment

The type of crane and its lifting capacity will also depend on the environment it will be used in. If you are in an indoor environment, there may be overhead or floor constraints such as piping, venting or electrical obstacles that you will need to navigate to successfully execute your lift.  The constraints will dictate how adjustable your gantry crane needs to be.  Fixed height gantry cranes are inflexible and can’t adjust to the environment.  Gantry cranes that can adjust both the height of the lift range and the clear span of the beam are the most flexible, offering the most versatility for its user.   

How Heavy is the Crane

When it comes to choosing the right gantry crane, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the crane itself.  The weight of the crane will often determine how easy it is to transport to different locations, how simple it is to set up and how much manpower is required to construct the crane.  Steel gantry cranes are typically the heaviest and require multiple people and equipment to construct the gantry crane.  Aluminum gantry cranes are lighter weight, easier to move and may be constructed by just one or two operators, depending on the size of the aluminum crane.  

Think About the Features You Want the Crane to Have

When choosing a gantry crane, it is important to consider the features that are necessary for the job. Some features to consider include the type of control system, the presence of safety features, and the ability to adjust the height and span of the crane.

The crane should also be able to perform the necessary lifting, moving, and positioning tasks. Furthermore, the crane should have the ability to adjust the height, span, and reach to fit the job requirements. Finally, the crane should be able to move the load smoothly. Taking all these features into account will help ensure that the right gantry crane is chosen.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right gantry crane for your needs is a crucial decision. With all of the factors mentioned above in mind, you can make an informed decision which will ensure you have a safe and efficient crane which meets your needs.

Get the right lifting gantry crane for your needs with the help of Easily Moved Equipment. We have the largest portfolio of aluminum gantry cranes in North America. From the high-quality North American sourced components we use in manufacturing, to our obsessive focus on safety and testing, through to our rapid turnaround and delivery times, we are focused on customer success. Get in touch with us today!