1-20 Ton Hoist Gantry Crane Price & Specs Guide
Key Point: A 1-ton gantry crane typically costs between $4,400 and $7,400, a 2-ton model ranges from $5,900 to $8,900, a 3-ton unit from $5,900 to $10,400, a 5-ton crane from $8,900 to $14,800, a 10-ton unit from $17,800 to $29,600, a 16-ton model from $26,600 to $41,400, and a 20-ton crane from $32,500 to $51,800. Pricing varies with span, lifting height, hoist model, and travel mechanism. This article provides reference quotations and selection guidance by tonnage.
Gantry cranes are among the most widely used lifting equipment in freight yards, manufacturing workshops, and open storage areas, with lifting capacities ranging from 1 to 20 tons and standard spans from 7.5 to 31.5 meters. Kelude Heavy Industry manufactures a full range of gantry cranes, including MH-type electric hoist gantry cranes, MHhs-type truss gantry cranes, and MHB-type semi-gantry cranes. Below is a tonnage-by-tonnage reference price guide to help procurement professionals quickly narrow down their budget based on specific requirements.
The price of a gantry crane varies significantly depending on its structural configuration. The MH-type single-girder box design is the most cost-effective option, the MHhs-type truss structure suits large-span applications, and the twin main girder configuration is ideal for heavy-duty operations. For a detailed breakdown of models, parameters, and pricing, refer to the Gantry Crane Model Guide: Parameters, Prices & Selection Tips.
Gantry crane structural diagram
Gantry Crane Price Reference by Tonnage
| Lifting Capacity | recommended span | Recommended Configuration | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1t | 7.5~12m | MHSingle Girder | 3~50,000 CNY |
| 2t | 8~16m | MHSingle Girder | 4~60,000 CNY |
| 3t | 8~18m | MHSingle Girder | 4~70,000 CNY |
| 5t | 10~22m | MH/MHhs | 6~100,000 CNY |
| 10t | 12~28m | MH/MHhs | 12~200,000 CNY |
| 16t | 14~28m | MHhs/double girder | 18~280,000 CNY |
| 20t | 14~31.5m | MHhs/double girder | 22~350,000 CNY |
The prices above are ex-works reference prices inclusive of tax, excluding transport, installation, rail foundation, and busbar/electrical feeder costs. Final quotations are determined based on lifting capacity, span, lifting height, structural type (MH single-girder / MHhs open-web truss / twin main girders), travel method (rail-mounted or rubber-tyred), and operation mode (remote control or cabin). Price increases by approximately 8%–15% for every additional 3 m of span, and rubber-tyred (mobile) models are priced roughly 20%–30% higher than their rail-mounted equivalents.
Gantry Crane Model Comparison: Structural Features & Applications
MH Type Single-Girder Box Gantry Crane: The main girder features a box-section design with an I-beam rail, offering a simple structure and short manufacturing lead time — standard 5–10 t models ship in approximately 20–30 days. Well suited for steel fabrication shops, small freight yards, and precast concrete plants. Available in spans of 10–35 m with lifting capacities from 5 to 20 t. The box-section provides excellent torsional rigidity, making it ideal for heavier loads or applications requiring precise positioning.
MHhs Type Open-Web Truss Gantry Crane: The main girder uses a triangular or trapezoidal truss configuration, weighing only 40%–60% of a comparable box-section design. Its low wind resistance makes it particularly suitable for large-span outdoor yards in coastal or windy regions. Spans up to 50 m with lifting capacities from 5 to 50 t. Truss joints are fabricated with T-type or K-type weld seams, requiring high welding quality standards. Manufacturing time runs approximately 30%–50% longer than box-section cranes, but steel consumption is significantly reduced.
MHB Type Semi-Gantry Crane: One outrigger travels on a floor-level rail while the other side is suspended from a corbel on the factory building column. Ideal for existing facilities with partial outdoor operation. Priced between the MH and MHhs models. Available in spans of 10–25 m with lifting capacities from 5 to 20 t.
MHE Type Twin-Hook-Point Gantry Crane: Equipped with two electric hoists or a twin-hook-point hoisting mechanism, rated from 10 to 50 t with spans of 12–30 m. The dual hook points solve load-balancing issues when lifting long workpieces, making it ideal for steel sections, timber, and concrete piles. The two hoists can be operated independently or in synchronized mode.
Rubber-Tyred Gantry Crane: Uses rubber wheels instead of crane rails, eliminating the need for a rail foundation and allowing flexible site relocation. However, individual wheel loads are relatively high (approximately 150–300 kN per wheel), requiring ground bearing capacity of at least 200 kPa. Rubber-tyred gantry cranes are priced roughly 20%–30% higher than equivalent rail-mounted models.
Gantry Crane Parts & Optional Extras Pricing
- Conductor rail (busbar) power supply: Priced per metre of main girder length, approximately RMB 80–150/m (installation included)
- Cable reel: Spring-type approximately RMB 3,000–8,000; motor-driven type approximately RMB 5,000–15,000
- Operator cabin: GRP/fibreglass approximately RMB 10,000–30,000; steel approximately RMB 15,000–40,000
- Remote control system: Wireless remote control approximately RMB 2,000–5,000 per set
- Anemometer: Mechanical type approximately RMB 1,500–3,000; ultrasonic type approximately RMB 5,000–12,000
- Rail clamp / anchor device: Manual approximately RMB 2,000–5,000 per set; electric approximately RMB 5,000–15,000 per set
- Crane rail: P43 rail approximately RMB 400–600/m; QU80 approximately RMB 600–900/m
- Rail foundation: Concrete strip foundation approximately RMB 200–400/m (including anchor bolts)
Gantry Crane Pricing FAQ
Q: Which is more cost-effective — a truss gantry crane or a box-girder gantry crane?
A: The open-web truss (lattice) gantry crane is generally cheaper to manufacture for the same span and capacity because it uses significantly less steel (40%–60% lighter than box-section designs). For example, a 10 t/22 m MH single-girder box crane costs approximately RMB 120,000–180,000, while an MHhs truss model runs about RMB 100,000–160,000. However, the truss structure has more welded joints and takes longer to fabricate, so the cost advantage is most pronounced in batch production.
Q: Does the gantry crane price include the rail and foundation?
A: No — the prices quoted above are ex-works equipment prices and do not include rail, foundation, or installation. Rail and foundation costs vary significantly depending on site conditions: P43 rail runs approximately RMB 400–600/m, concrete foundation approximately RMB 200–400/m (including anchor bolts and embedded parts), and installation typically adds 8%–15% to the equipment price. Kelude can supply a complete turnkey package covering rail supply, installation, and commissioning.
Q: Does a larger gantry crane always cost more?
A: Yes. For every additional 3 m of span, the main girder section and dead weight increase, pushing the price up by approximately 8%–15%. For every additional 3 m of lifting height, wire rope and drum sizes grow, adding roughly 5%–10% to the cost. We recommend sizing the crane to your actual maximum load dimensions with a reasonable allowance — oversizing the span unnecessarily will only add cost.
Q: Which offers better value — an electric hoist gantry crane or a wire-rope hoist (trolley) gantry crane?
A: The electric hoist gantry crane (MH type) is best suited for light-to-medium duty applications in the 5–20 t range — it costs less and is simpler to maintain. The wire-rope trolley hoist gantry crane (twin main girders with a trolley hoist) is designed for loads above 20 t and high-frequency heavy-duty cycles; it costs more but offers superior durability. For loads under 20 t, the electric hoist configuration is usually the more economical choice; above 20 t, the decision should be based on the required work duty classification. Kelude can supply both configurations for comparison.
For a detailed selection and quotation, contact the Kelude technical team with your lifting capacity, span, lifting height, and site conditions to receive an accurate price.
