MH Type Single-Girder Gantry Crane: Specs & Prices
Key Points The MH-type single-girder gantry crane is a light-duty gantry crane that uses an electric hoist as its hoisting mechanism. Rated lifting capacity ranges from 1 to 32 t, spans from 7 to 35 m, and lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. Available in rail-mounted (MH standard), rubber-tyred (MHhs), and semi-gantry (MHB) configurations. Price reference: 1–5 t approx. $3,000–$7,400; 10 t approx. $7,400–$14,800; 16–20 t approx. $14,800–$29,700; 32 t approx. $29,700–$59,300. Per TSG Q7016-2016, units must pass installation supervision inspection; cranes with a rated lifting capacity of ≥3 t fall under special equipment regulation.
The MH-type single-girder gantry crane — also referred to as the MH-type gantry crane or electric hoist gantry crane — is the most widely used light-duty gantry crane on the market. It pairs an electric hoist with a single main girder, offering a simple structure, low cost, and easy installation and maintenance. These cranes are commonly used for outdoor material handling in freight yards, warehouses, precast yards, batching plants, construction sites, and metro construction projects. Kelude manufactures a full range of MH-type single-girder gantry cranes, including rail-mounted, rubber-tyred, and semi-gantry models, with complete solutions covering capacities from 1 to 32 t.
1. MH Series Product Line
MH Standard (Rail-Mounted): The MH-type electric hoist gantry crane (model MH) features a box girder main beam with box-section outriggers. The electric hoist travels along an I-beam rail, while the crane bridge moves on steel rails. Available with rated lifting capacities from 1 to 32 t and spans from 7 to 30 m, this is the most versatile and economical single-girder gantry crane model, suited for outdoor operations in freight yards, warehouses, and workshops with existing crane rails. View MH standard specifications
MHhs Rubber-Tyred (Rail-Free): Built on the MH standard design, this version replaces the rail-mounted crane travel with rubber-tyred wheels, allowing the crane to move freely on paved surfaces without the need for crane rails. The main girder is available in three structural types: fully enclosed box, box top with lattice bottom, and lattice/truss. Ideal for temporary sites such as precast yards, batching plants, and metro construction projects where the crane needs to be relocated frequently. View MHhs rubber-tyred specifications
MHB Semi-Gantry: Designed for confined spaces, this configuration has one outrigger running on a crane rail while the other is supported on a building column or wall-mounted rail. Rated lifting capacities range from 1 to 20 t with spans from 6 to 15 m. Well suited for storage and loading areas arranged along the exterior walls of factory buildings. View MHB semi-gantry specifications
Special MH Series: The MHZ gantry crane with grab (equipped with a grab bucket for handling loose bulk materials), the MHE double-lifting-point gantry crane (designed for lifting long loads), and the MHL single-girder gantry crane with offset suspension (outrigger offset for space-constrained applications). MHZ grab type · MHE double lifting points · MHL offset suspension
2. Specifications and Price Reference
The price of an MH-type single-girder gantry crane depends on the rated lifting capacity, span, lifting height, travel configuration, and main girder structural type. The following are approximate price ranges for rail-mounted MH standard models, including the electric hoist but excluding installation: 1–3 t: approx. $3,000–$5,900, 5 t: approx. $4,400–$8,900, 10 t: approx. $7,400–$14,800, 16 t: approx. $14,800–$23,700, 20 t: approx. $17,800–$29,700, 32 t: approx. $29,700–$59,300. The MHhs rubber-tyred version costs roughly 30–50% more than a rail-mounted crane of the same capacity, due to the additional cost of the tyre drive and steering systems. The MHB semi-gantry offers the lowest price, typically 10–20% less than the MH standard model at the same capacity.
In accordance with TSG Q7016-2016 — the supervision inspection rules for installation, retrofit, and major repair of lifting appliances — MH-type single-girder gantry cranes with a rated lifting capacity of ≥3 t and a lifting height of ≥2 m are subject to special equipment regulation. New installations must pass installation supervision inspection, followed by periodic inspection every two years and an annual examination.
3. Main Girder Structural Comparison
| Structural Type | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Enclosed Box Girder | Closed rectangular box section with full-length welded seams. High torsional rigidity and load capacity. | Heavy-duty and frequent-duty cycles; standard choice for most applications. |
| Box Top with Lattice Bottom | Box-section top flange combined with a lattice/truss bottom structure. Lighter weight with reduced wind load. | Outdoor sites with moderate wind exposure; cost-effective for medium capacities. |
| Lattice / Truss Girder | Open lattice framework with welded tubular or angle members. Lightest weight and lowest wind resistance. | Large spans, windy outdoor sites, and applications where dead load must be minimized. |
The fully enclosed box girder is the most common choice for MH-type gantry cranes, offering the best rigidity and load distribution. Lattice girders are preferred for large-span installations exposed to high winds, as the open structure significantly reduces wind load on the crane. The box-top-with-lattice-bottom design provides a balance between weight savings and structural strength, making it a practical option for mid-range capacities.
4. Drive System and Crane Travel
The drive system of an MH-type gantry crane consists of two main components: the hoisting mechanism and the crane travel mechanism. The hoisting mechanism is an electric hoist that runs along the I-beam rail on the main girder, providing the lifting and lowering function. The crane travel mechanism moves the entire crane along the crane rails (rail-mounted type) or on rubber tyres (rubber-tyred type).
For rail-mounted models, the crane bridge is driven by a motor-reducer assembly mounted on the end carriages, with wheels running on steel crane rails. Rubber-tyred models use a diesel or electric drive system with steering capability, allowing the crane to travel freely across the worksite without fixed rails. The travel speed and drive configuration are selected based on the specific operating conditions and duty cycle of the application.
5. Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation is critical to the safe and reliable operation of an MH-type gantry crane. The crane must be installed on a level, load-bearing surface, and the crane rails (for rail-mounted types) must be aligned and secured to specification. For rubber-tyred models, the operating surface must be paved and capable of supporting the wheel loads. All new installations with a rated lifting capacity of ≥3 t must undergo installation supervision inspection in accordance with TSG Q7016-2016 before being put into service.
Routine maintenance is essential for extending the service life of the crane. Key maintenance items include: inspecting the wire rope and hook for wear or deformation, checking the electric hoist brake for proper adjustment, lubricating the gearboxes and bearings, verifying the alignment of the I-beam rail, and inspecting the structural welds and connections for cracks. Periodic inspections are required every two years, with annual examinations in between, as mandated by the applicable special equipment regulations.
6. How to Choose the Right MH Gantry Crane
Selecting the right MH-type gantry crane requires a clear understanding of your specific lifting requirements and site conditions. Start by determining the maximum weight of the loads to be lifted — this sets the required rated lifting capacity. Next, measure the width of the work area to establish the required span, and consider the lifting height needed to clear the tallest obstacles or stack heights.
Evaluate the operating environment: if the crane will operate on fixed rails in a permanent facility, the MH standard rail-mounted model is the most economical choice. For sites that require flexibility and frequent relocation, the MHhs rubber-tyred version is the better option. If space is constrained and the crane can be supported on one side by an existing building structure, the MHB semi-gantry offers a cost-effective solution. For handling bulk materials such as sand, gravel, or grain, the MHZ grab-type crane is recommended. For long loads such as steel bars, pipes, or timber, the MHE double-lifting-point model provides better load control.
Kelude offers a full range of MH-type single-girder gantry cranes with capacities from 1 to 32 t and spans up to 35 m. Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific requirements and receive a tailored solution for your material handling needs.
| structural type | Main Girderstructure | Advantages | Application Scenarios | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Enclosed Box | box girder+Box Leg | Stiffness Maximum, High Load Capacity | Heavy load, Frequent Duty | Standard Price |
| Box Top, Lattice Bottom | box girder+Lattice Leg | Strong Girder, Light Leg, Overall Superior | Medium load, Span Large | Slightly Lower |
| Lattice Frame/Truss | Truss Girder+Truss Leg | Dead Weight Strong Girder, Light Leg, Good Wind Resistance | Large Span, High Wind Zone | Minimum |
Application Scenarios and Selection Recommendations
By Traveling Mode: For fixed rail yards and warehouses with permanent tracks and long-term use, choose the MH standard rail-mounted gantry crane. For precast yards and batching plants that require frequent relocation, the MHhs rubber-tyred gantry crane (trackless free traveling) is the ideal choice. For installations along workshop walls, the MHB semi-gantry crane leverages the wall as support to reduce costs.
By Main Girder Structure: For heavy-duty, frequent operation, select the fully enclosed box girder (maximum strength). For large spans with lighter loads, the top-box/bottom-truss combination offers an economical solution. In coastal or high-wind regions, the truss-type gantry crane is recommended due to its low wind resistance and reduced dead weight. For general applications with no special requirements on lifting capacity, the MH standard model is sufficient.
By Tonnage: For light-load, small-scale sites (1~5t), the MH economy model is suitable. For medium-duty yards (5~16t), the MH standard fully enclosed box girder model is recommended. For large-scale facilities (16~32t), opt for a twin main girder gantry crane (refer to twin main girder gantry crane parameters). Kelude Heavy Industry offers complimentary selection assessment services.
MH Series Comparison: Key Parameters at a Glance
| Model | Lifting Capacity(t) | Span(m) | Lifting Height(m) | Travel Mode | structural features | price reference(10K CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-5t | 5 | 10~26 | 6~12 | rail-mounted | Box girder+Box Leg | 3~6 |
| MH-10t | 10 | 10~30 | 6~18 | rail-mounted | Box girder+Box Leg | 5~10 |
| MH-16t | 16 | 12~30 | 6~18 | rail-mounted | Box girder+Box Leg | 10~16 |
| MH-20t | 20 | 12~30 | 6~18 | rail-mounted | Box girder+Box Leg | 12~20 |
| MHhs-5tRubber-Tired | 5 | 8~20 | 6~12 | Rubber-Tired Trackless | Box Girder/Truss Optional | 5~9 |
| MHB-5tSemi-Gantry | 5 | 6~15 | 6~12 | Semi Crane Rail Semi-Supported | Monorail+Wall-Supported | 2~5 |
6. Data Card
1~32t Lifting Capacity Range MHSeriescoverage1~32tVarious Standardtonnage, Incl. Special Types Model Up to Larger | 7~35m Span Range Standard Span7~35m, Custom Larger Available Span | 2Starting from 10K CNY Starting Price MH-1trail-mounted Approx.2Starting from 10K CNY, Incl.Electric Hoist |
≥3t special equipment Threshold Lifting Capacity≥3tAndlifting height≥2mSubject to Inspection | 3Incl. Special Types Travel Mode rail-mounted/rubber-tyred/Semigantry type, coverage All-Scene | 12Model Product Model MH/MHhs/MHB/MHZ/MHE/MHLSix Sub-Series |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does an MH type single-girder gantry crane cost?
A: The price of an MH type single-girder gantry crane depends on the lifting capacity and configuration: roughly $3,000–$9,000 for 1–5 t, $7,500–$15,000 for 10 t, $15,000–$30,000 for 16–20 t, and $30,000–$60,000 for 32 t. Rubber-tyred models cost about 30–50% more than rail-mounted versions, while semi-gantry types are the most economical. The price includes the electric hoist but excludes installation and freight. Kelude Heavy Industry offers free selection guidance and quotations.
Q: Does an MH type gantry crane require mandatory inspection?
A: MH type single-girder gantry cranes with a lifting capacity of 3 t or more and a lifting height of 2 m or more are classified as special equipment and must comply with the relevant regulations: an installation supervision inspection (TSG Q7016-2016) is required after installation, followed by a periodic inspection every two years (TSG Q7015-2016) and an annual examination. Smaller 1–2 t MH models are not classified as special equipment and do not require inspection. Kelude Heavy Industry assists customers with the inspection filing process.
Q: What is the difference between the MH and MHhs gantry cranes?
A: The MH type is rail-mounted, with the crane bridge traveling on steel rails — ideal for permanent, fixed installations. The MHhs type is rubber-tyred and travels freely on hard-standing surfaces without rails, making it well suited to precast yards, batching plants, and other temporary sites that require frequent relocation. The MHhs costs roughly 30–50% more than the MH, but eliminates the cost of laying crane rails. The main girder is available in three configurations: fully enclosed box, box top with lattice bottom, and full lattice truss.
Q: Which electric hoist is used on the MH type gantry crane?
A: The MH type single-girder gantry crane is fitted as standard with a CD1 single-speed or MD1 two-speed wire rope electric hoist as the hoisting mechanism. Models up to 5 t use a CD1/MD1 hoist rated below 5 t, while 10–20 t cranes are paired with CD1/MD1 hoists in the 10–20 t range. For large tonnage applications, an HC type square box hoist is available. The electric hoist traverses along the I-beam rail, driven by an electric trolley. Kelude Heavy Industry delivers the complete crane with all parameters matched and factory-tested.
All MH type single-girder gantry cranes from Kelude Heavy Industry have passed the type test and come with a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support. Explore each sub-series in detail: MH Standard Rail-Mounted · MHhs Rubber-Tyred · MHB Semi-Gantry · MHZ Grab Bucket · MHE Double Lifting Points · Twin Main Girder Gantry Crane.
