Semi-Gantry, Rubber-Tyred & Mobile Gantry Crane Selection Comparison
Key Takeaways Semi-gantry, rubber-tyred, and mobile gantry cranes are practical alternatives to the standard MG/MH series. The semi-gantry type (BMH/MHB) runs on one side along a building wall to save floor space, priced between $44,000 and $445,000. The rubber-tyred type (MHhs) travels freely without rails, priced from $119,000 to $742,000. Mobile gantries are lightweight and foldable, ranging from $4,500 to $44,500. Together, these three options cover lifting capacities from 0.5 to 20 tons and spans from 2 to 30 m, making them ideal for confined spaces or operations requiring frequent relocation.
Standard gantry cranes (MH/MG types) require floor-mounted rails and a conventional layout. However, in many real-world settings, structural constraints in the factory building, floor conditions that rule out rail installation, or the need to share one crane across multiple workstations call for a different approach. That is where semi-gantry, rubber-tyred, and mobile gantry cranes come in. This article compares these three special configurations across four key dimensions—structure and principle, technical parameters, application scenarios, and pricing—to support your selection decision.
Structure and Working Principle of Each Type
Semi-Gantry Crane (BMH/MHB Type): The defining structural feature of a semi-gantry crane is that one outrigger travels on a crane rail mounted on a corbel along the factory wall (similar to an overhead crane), while the other outrigger runs on a floor-level rail (like a gantry crane). This design leverages the building's load-bearing structure, reducing the length of floor rail required and freeing up valuable workshop floor space. Semi-gantry cranes offer a lifting capacity of 1 to 20 tons and spans of 7 to 30 m, making them suitable for facilities with a corbel on one side. Kelude's BMH-type electric hoist semi-gantry crane comes standard with a combination of rigid and flexible end carriages.
Rubber-Tyred Gantry Crane (MHhs Type): The outriggers of a rubber-tyred gantry crane are fitted with rubber wheels instead of steel crane wheels, eliminating the need for floor rails and allowing free travel on paved surfaces. With a lifting capacity of 1 to 20 tons and spans of 7 to 30 m, this crane is powered by electric motors driving the rubber wheels. Steering options include differential steering or independent wheel steering. Because the crane rides on rubber tyres, the wheel load is distributed evenly across the ground, placing lower demands on floor load-bearing capacity than rail-mounted gantry cranes—although a hardened, paved surface is still required. The rubber-tyred gantry crane can pivot on the spot, making it well suited for freight yards, storage depots, and other settings where flexible repositioning is essential.
Mobile Gantry: The mobile gantry is the lightest-duty option among the three. It consists of two columns, a cross beam, and swivel casters at the base, and is used with a hand chain hoist or a small electric hoist. It offers a lifting capacity of 0.5 to 5 tons, spans of 2 to 7 m, and a lifting height of 2 to 5 m. To operate, simply wheel the gantry to the hoisting position, extend the outriggers, and lock the casters. When not in use, the cantilever or cross beam can be folded down, reducing the footprint to less than 1 m². Weighing between 50 and 500 kg, it can be moved and repositioned by just two people.
Technical Parameters and Price Comparison
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the core parameters and reference prices for the three special gantry crane types:
| Parameter | Semi-Gantry (BMH/MHB) | Rubber-Tyred (MHhs) | Mobile Gantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 1–20 t | 1–20 t | 0.5–5 t |
| Span | 7–30 m | 7–30 m | 2–7 m |
| Lifting Height | Per project design | Per project design | 2–5 m |
| Travel Mechanism | Rail-mounted (wall corbel + floor rail) | Rubber tyres, motor-driven, free travel on paved ground | Swivel casters, manually pushed |
| Hoist Type | Electric hoist | Electric hoist | Hand chain hoist or small electric hoist |
| Floor Requirements | Corbel on one wall; floor rail on the other side | Hardened, paved ground | Level, firm floor |
| Reference Price | $44,000 – $445,000 | $119,000 – $742,000 | $4,500 – $44,500 |
Application Scenarios and Selection Guide
Each of the three special gantry crane types is designed for a distinct set of operating conditions. The semi-gantry crane is the right choice when the factory building has a corbel on one side and floor space is at a premium—it eliminates one floor rail and keeps the aisle clear. The rubber-tyred gantry crane is best for outdoor yards, storage areas, or workshops where rail installation is impractical and loads need to be moved across different zones. The mobile gantry is a cost-effective, portable solution for occasional lifting tasks, maintenance work, or loading/unloading at multiple stations within a facility.
When making your selection, consider the following: the required lifting capacity and span, the available headroom and floor conditions, the frequency of travel and repositioning, and the total cost of ownership including rail installation and ground preparation. For applications that demand both flexibility and higher capacity, the rubber-tyred gantry crane offers the best balance. For permanent installations where floor space is tight, the semi-gantry crane maximizes usable area. And for light, intermittent lifting needs, the mobile gantry provides an economical and space-saving alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between a semi-gantry crane and a standard gantry crane?
A: The key difference lies in the support structure. A standard gantry crane has both outriggers running on floor rails, while a semi-gantry crane has one outrigger running on a rail mounted on the factory wall corbel and the other on a floor rail. This allows the semi-gantry design to save floor space and reduce rail installation costs.
Q: Can a rubber-tyred gantry crane operate on any type of ground?
A: No. Although rubber-tyred gantry cranes do not require rails, they do need a hardened, paved surface—such as concrete or compacted asphalt—to distribute the wheel load evenly and ensure stable operation. Soft or uneven ground is not suitable.
Q: How much space does a mobile gantry need when folded?
A: When the cantilever or cross beam is folded, the mobile gantry occupies a footprint of less than 1 m², making it easy to store in a corner of the workshop or between production lines when not in use.
Q: Are these special gantry cranes available with explosion-proof or other custom configurations?
A: Yes. Kelude Heavy Industry can tailor the design to meet specific operating conditions, including explosion-proof motors and hoists, special paint finishes, or custom spans and lifting heights. Please contact our engineering team with your requirements for a detailed proposal.
| comparison Item | semi-gantry type(Standard Medium Duty) | rubber-tyred(Standard Medium Duty) | mobile gantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Model | BMH/MHB | MHhs | — |
| Lifting Capacity | 1~20t | 1~20t | 0.5~5t |
| Span | 7~30m | 7~30m | 2~7m |
| Lifting Height | 6~18m | 6~14m | 2~5m |
| travel mode | Steel Wheel+Crane Rail | rubber wheel Tire+Hard Surface | swivel caster |
| Hard Surfacerequirements | Requires Pavingrail | C20+Hardened Surface | Level Ground Only |
| Site-to-Site Mobility | Fixing Travel Path(Crane Rail) | Free Movement | Manual Propulsion |
| Work Duty / Classification | A3~A5 | A3~A5 | A3~A4 |
| Typical Price(5t) | 8~1810K CNY | 12~2510K CNY | 0.5~1.510K CNY |
| Typical Price(10t) | 15~3010K CNY | 20~4010K CNY | — |
A: Among the three types, semi-gantry and rubber-tyred units fall under special equipment supervision at capacities of ≥3t, while mobile gantries (≤5t and typically ≤3t) are generally exempt from special equipment management. Kelude offers customization service for all three types, with Technical Parameters adjustable to suit actual operating conditions.
0.5~20t Lifting Capacitycoverage | 2~30m Span Range | Rail-Free/Semi-Rail travel mode | 3Starting from 1K CNY Entry-Level Price | Flexible Relocation Multi-Station Sharing | No Rail Installation Required Rubber Tire/Portable |
Application Scenarios & Selection Recommendations
Semi-Gantry Type: The semi-gantry crane is the most typical solution for work areas along the wall of a factory building. When the building wall has corbels with sufficient load-bearing capacity (rated to handle the lifting capacity plus the crane's dead weight) and the workshop height permits, the semi-gantry design is the most economical option. It requires only one ground rail, with the other side supported by the building's existing structure, saving the cost of a second rail foundation and freeing up floor space. Common applications include steel plate storage areas along the walls of steel fabrication workshops and work-in-progress transfer zones in machine shops. Selection prerequisite: The building columns must have corbels (or be retrofittable with them), and the corbel's load-bearing capacity must be verified through structural strength checks. For more on gantry crane selection, see Gantry Crane Models, Parameters, Prices & Selection Guide.
Rubber-Tyred Type: The core value of a rubber-tyred gantry crane is its freedom from fixed rails. In open-air yards—such as steel markets, timber storage, building material depots, shipyard assembly areas, and precast concrete yards—installing long rail runs is costly and restricts site flexibility. A rubber-tyred gantry crane can travel freely to any point where work is needed. Its travel motors typically use Variable Frequency Speed Control for smooth starts and stops and a tight turning radius. When selecting this type, pay attention to ground hardening requirements—C25 concrete with a minimum thickness of 200 mm is the standard requirement. Standard configuration includes a steering system (differential or independent) and a travel braking system.
Mobile Gantry: The mobile gantry is the simplest and most affordable of the three options. Typical applications include engine or gearbox removal in maintenance workshops, lifting and tack-up of small components, moving lab equipment, and stacking goods in small warehouses. Mobile gantries are used with a hand chain hoist or a small electric hoist (most can run on standard 220V household power) and require no professional installation or inspection. Important: Never overload a mobile gantry—overloading can cause the cross beam to deform or even buckle. A deformed beam cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Mobile gantries generally do not require special equipment registration, but if the rated capacity is 5t, confirm whether it exceeds the 3t regulatory threshold.
Crane Selection Decision Process
Step 1: Determine the required lifting capacity. In the 0.5–5t range, all three types are viable. For 5–20t, only the semi-gantry and rubber-tyred types should be considered.
Step 2: Assess site conditions. If the building has corbels on one side, the semi-gantry is the preferred choice. If the ground is already hardened but has no rails, go with the rubber-tyred type. If flexibility and low cost are the top priorities, choose a mobile gantry.
Step 3: Define how often the crane needs to move between workstations. For a fixed workstation with continuous operation, the semi-gantry is more stable and more economical. For multiple workstations sharing one crane, the rubber-tyred type offers rail-free mobility. For occasional use where the unit needs to be stored away, a mobile gantry is the right fit.
Step 4: Compare total lifecycle costs. The semi-gantry requires a rail foundation (approx. $150–$750/m), the rubber-tyred type requires hardened ground (approx. $30–$60/m²), and the mobile gantry requires no infrastructure investment. Spread the one-time infrastructure cost across the crane's full lifecycle for a fair comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What load-bearing capacity is required for the building corbels supporting a semi-gantry crane?
A: The corbels must support both the vertical and horizontal loads from one side of the semi-gantry crane. The vertical load is approximately 40–50% of (lifting capacity + crane dead weight). For a 5t semi-gantry, the corbel should be rated for at least 30 kN. Corbels must be securely attached to the building columns—weld seams or bolted connections must be verified by strength checks in accordance with ISO 4301. For existing buildings, confirm the actual load capacity of the corbels and have a structural engineer review them if necessary. For new construction, corbels can be designed in from the start.
Q: Can a rubber-tyred gantry crane operate in rain or snow?
A: Operation in light rain is possible (the electrical system has an IP54 Protection Rating or higher), but note that tire adhesion on wet surfaces is reduced—reduce travel speed under heavy load. Operation in heavy snow or icy conditions is not recommended: the friction coefficient between tires and the ground drops from 0.6–0.8 on dry surfaces to 0.2–0.3, creating a risk of wheel slip and sideways skidding. Kelude rubber-tyred gantry cranes come standard with anti-slip tires and a travel braking system; anti-slip chains are available as an option.
Q: Does a mobile gantry require special equipment use registration?
A: Mobile gantries typically have a lifting capacity of ≤5t. If the capacity is under 3t, the unit falls outside the scope of the Special Equipment Catalog and no use registration is required. If the capacity is 3–5t and the lifting height is ≥2m, the unit is classified as special equipment and must be registered and undergo periodic inspection. However, most mobile gantries on the market—especially lightweight folding models with capacities ≤2t—are not subject to these regulations. We recommend confirming at the time of purchase whether the combination of lifting capacity and lifting height triggers regulatory requirements.
Q: Which has lower operating costs: a semi-gantry or a rubber-tyred gantry crane?
A: The semi-gantry has lower operating costs. It uses steel wheels on rails, which have a low friction coefficient (0.05–0.08), so the travel motor power required is only 60–70% of that of a rubber-tyred unit, resulting in lower electricity consumption. Maintenance costs for steel wheels and rails are also far lower than the cost of replacing tires (an industrial pneumatic tire costs approx. $300–$750 per tire and needs replacement every 1–2 years). However, the semi-gantry requires an upfront investment in the rail foundation (approx. $150–$750/m), which the rubber-tyred type does not. Overall, for long-term use of 5 years or more, the semi-gantry offers the lower total cost.
