Gantry Crane Models, Parameters & Selection Guide
Key Points Gantry cranes cover six product series: MH-type electric hoist gantry cranes (5–50 t), MHhs-type truss/box-section/rubber-tyred gantry cranes (5–50 t), MHB-type semi-gantry cranes (5–20 t), MHE-type dual-lifting-point cranes (10–50 t), MHL-type offset-hoist cranes (5–20 t), and MHZ-type grab cranes (5–20 t). Single-girder models range from 5 to 20 t, double-girder models from 10 to 100 t, with spans from 10 to 50 m. Reference pricing: 5 t single-girder approx. $7,400–$17,800; 10 t single-girder approx. $11,900–$26,700; 20 t double-girder approx. $26,700–$51,900; 50 t double-girder approx. $59,300–$118,600. Kelude offers a full range of custom gantry crane solutions.
A gantry crane — also known as a portal crane or gantry — is an overhead-type crane whose main girder is supported at both ends by outriggers traveling on ground-level crane rails. It is widely used in open-air storage yards, rail freight terminals, port terminals, steel fabrication shops, building-material depots, and metallurgical workshops. Unlike bridge cranes, gantry cranes do not rely on the factory building's load-bearing structure: the rails are laid directly on the ground foundation, eliminating the need for a permanent building. Kelude's gantry crane product line includes the MH-type electric hoist gantry crane, MHhs-type truss/box-section/rubber-tyred gantry cranes, MHB-type semi-gantry crane, MHE-type dual-lifting-point gantry crane, MHL-type offset-hoist gantry crane, and MHZ-type grab gantry crane — with lifting capacities from 5 t to 100 t and spans from 10 m to 50 m, covering a wide range of material handling applications.
This article provides a systematic overview of gantry crane model classifications, technical parameters, price ranges, structural features, and selection key points to help procurement and engineering teams make informed decisions.
Gantry Crane Model Classifications and Product Line Overview
Kelude's gantry cranes are grouped into six series based on structural type, hoisting mechanism, and application. Each series covers a specific range of lifting capacities and operating conditions:
MH-Type Electric Hoist Gantry Crane: Uses an electric hoist as the hoisting mechanism with a single main girder box-section design. Standard lifting capacity is 5–20 t (up to 50 t in double-girder configuration), with spans from 10 to 35 m. The electric hoist travels along the lower flange of the I-beam on the main girder, offering a simple structure and cost-effective performance — ideal for small-to-medium tonnage, low-to-medium frequency outdoor lifting. Typical applications include steel assembly yards, small freight depots, and precast component plants. See MH-type electric hoist gantry crane for detailed specifications.
MHhs-Type Truss Gantry Crane: Features a truss-type (lattice) main girder that reduces dead weight and wind exposure while improving cost efficiency. Lifting capacity ranges from 5 to 50 t with spans from 18 to 50 m. The truss design is particularly well suited for large-span outdoor applications. Variants include the MHhs-type box-section gantry crane (fully enclosed box structure for enhanced rigidity), the box-top/truss-bottom gantry crane (hybrid box-and-truss design), and the MHhs-type rubber-tyred gantry crane (tyre-mounted travel, no rails required).
MHB-Type Semi-Gantry Crane: One outrigger travels on a ground-level rail while the other side is supported on a corbel attached to the factory building column. Lifting capacity is 5–20 t with spans from 10 to 25 m. This configuration suits semi-outdoor sites where one side has building columns and the other opens onto a storage yard. See MHB-type semi-gantry crane for more information.
MHE-Type Dual-Lifting-Point Gantry Crane: Equipped with two electric hoists or a dual-lifting-point hoisting mechanism, providing 10–50 t capacity with spans from 12 to 30 m. The dual-point design resolves balance issues when lifting long loads, making it ideal for steel sections, timber, and concrete piles. See MHE-type dual-lifting-point gantry crane for details.
MHL-Type Offset-Hoist Gantry Crane: The electric hoist is offset to one side of the main girder, with lifting capacity of 5–20 t and spans from 10 to 25 m. This offset configuration positions the effective lifting zone closer to one outrigger, which is advantageous in space-constrained sites or where edge-adjacent lifting is required. See MHL-type offset-hoist gantry crane for more.
MHZ-Type Grab Gantry Crane: Uses a grab bucket as the load-handling device, with lifting capacity of 5–20 t and spans from 10 to 30 m. Designed for bulk material handling — coal, sand and gravel, mineral powder, and grain. See MHZ-type grab gantry crane for specifications.
In addition, Kelude offers twin-main-girder gantry cranes (box-section twin girder design, 20–100 t capacity) and single-girder rubber-tyred gantry cranes (tyre-mounted travel for rail-free outdoor sites) for special requirements.
Technical Parameters and Price Reference by Model
Gantry crane pricing is influenced by lifting capacity, span, lifting height, main girder type (truss/box-section/single-girder/double-girder), travel method (rail-mounted/rubber-tyred), operation mode (remote control/operator cabin), and rail length. The following reference price ranges are based on Kelude's standard configuration: ground-level remote control, standard span, and standard lifting height.
| Model Series | Lifting Capacity(t) | Span(m) | structural type | Hoisting mechanism | reference price(10k CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH Type | 5~20 | 10~35 | single girder Box | Electric Hoist | 5~18 |
| MHhs Lattice | 5~50 | 18~50 | truss type | Electric Hoist | 6~45 |
| MHBSemigantry type | 5~20 | 10~25 | single girder Semi-gantry | Electric Hoist | 4~15 |
| MHEDouble Lifting point | 10~50 | 12~30 | Single/Double Girder | Double Hoist | 10~50 |
| MHLOffset | 5~20 | 10~25 | Offsetsingle girder | Electric Hoist | 5~16 |
| MHZGrab (grab bucket) | 5~20 | 10~30 | single girder/Double Girder | Grab (grab bucket)Hoist Winch | 7~28 |
| twin main girders Gantry Crane | 20~100 | 15~50 | Double Girder Box | Hoist Winch/Hoist | 20~100 |
The prices above are ex-works reference prices inclusive of tax, excluding transportation, installation, rail foundation, and electrical busbar costs. Final quotations are calculated based on specific requirements such as lifting capacity, span, lifting height, traveling mode, and operator cab configuration. Kelude Heavy Industry offers complimentary crane selection consultation and on-site survey services.
MH Type vs. Truss vs. Double Girder: Gantry Crane Selection Comparison
Different structural types of gantry cranes offer distinct performance characteristics, and crane selection requires careful evaluation based on actual operating conditions:
| Comparison Parameter | MH Typesingle girder Box | MHhs Lattice(Truss)Type | twin main girders Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 5~20t | 5~50t | 20~100t |
| Span | 10~35m | 18~50m | 15~50m |
| Dead Weight | Light | Lightest | Heaviest |
| Wind resistance | Good | Open lattice, good wind resistance | Fair(Large windward area) |
| manufacturing Cost | Low | Low~Medium | High |
| Application Scenarios | Small-to-mediumtonnage, Indoor/outdoor | Large windward area Span Outdoor, High-wind zone | large tonnage, High Frequency Heavy load |
| maintenance Complexity | Low | Medium(Welding Many joints) | Medium |
Gantry Crane Selection Guide
When selecting a gantry crane, work through the following steps in order:
1. Determine lifting capacity: Base it on the actual weight of the heaviest load, apply a safety factor of 1.1–1.25, and round up to the nearest standard tonnage. For example, a maximum load of 8 t calls for a 10 t model. MH-type single-girder cranes cover 5–20 t; above 20 t, consider twin main girders or the MHhs series.
2. Determine span: Measure the site width, deduct clearance for safety passages on both sides (approx. 1–1.5 m each), and select a standard span. For large spans (≥28 m), a lattice/truss structure is recommended to reduce dead weight and cost.
3. Choose the traveling system: Rail-mounted (standard) suits fixed routes and frequent back-and-forth duty; rubber-tyred (see rubber-tyred gantry crane) suits sites that are not fixed and require flexible repositioning.
4. Choose the main girder type: For small-to-medium tonnage with medium spans, the MH-type single-girder box girder is the preferred choice; for large spans outdoors, the MHhs lattice girder is recommended; for large tonnage with high-frequency heavy-duty operation, twin main girders with a box section are the way to go.
5. Determine lifting speed and work duty: Select the A3–A6 work duty classification based on the number of lifts per day and the load factor. The higher the classification, the greater the safety margin built into the motor and structure — and the higher the unit price.
6. Confirm special requirements: Consider whether a grab bucket (for bulk materials), twin lifting points (for long loads), offset suspension (for edge-of-bay work), or integration with an overhead bridge crane for combined indoor-outdoor operation is needed.
Common Crane Selection Questions
Q: What is the difference between a gantry crane and an overhead bridge crane, and how do I choose?
A: A gantry crane has its own outriggers and runs on ground-level rails, so it does not rely on the building structure for support — ideal for outdoor yards or simple workshops. An overhead bridge crane requires corbels and crane runway girders in the building, making it better suited to indoor factory bays. If there is no existing building structure to support a crane, a gantry crane is the natural choice. Kelude offers a full range of both LD-type single-girder bridge cranes and overhead cranes for metallurgic plants.
Q: Which is better — a lattice-girder gantry crane or a box-girder gantry crane?
A: Lattice (truss) girders are lighter in dead weight, offer lower wind resistance, and are more economical — a strong fit for large-span outdoor applications such as freight yards and storage depots. Box girders provide greater rigidity, better dust and rain protection, and a cleaner appearance, making them suitable for small-to-medium spans where weather protection matters. The right choice depends on span, tonnage, and operating environment; Kelude can provide tailored selection recommendations for your specific conditions.
Q: Is a gantry crane classified as special equipment? What approvals are required?
A: Gantry cranes with a lifting capacity of 3t or more fall under special equipment supervision (per TSG Q0002 and the Special Equipment Catalog). You'll need to complete installation notification, supervision inspection, and use registration procedures, and operators must hold a special equipment operation certificate (Q2). Kelude provides complete documentation support for inspections and full installation acceptance services.
Q: Can gantry cranes be custom-built to non-standard specifications? How long does it take?
A: Kelude offers a full range of custom-built gantry cranes, including extra-wide spans (over 50m), special lifting heights (above 18m), and configurations for explosion-proof, anti-corrosion, or metallurgical environments, as well as automated and intelligent retrofits (see the overhead crane unmanned control system solution). Standard products typically ship in 25–45 days; custom-built units take approximately 45–90 days.
