In terms of lifting and moving heavy objects, both overhead cranes and gantry cranes play a crucial role in various industries. Gaining a thorough understanding of the differences between these two types of cranes before purchasing can help save a significant amount of time, effort, and cost during installation and usage.

3 Key differences between overhead crane and gantry crane

1. Space Utilization Capacity

Overhead cranes, installed on the support structures along both sides of the factory building, can fully utilize the space beneath the bridge for material handling without being hindered by ground equipment. In contrast, gantry cranes, installed on the ground, have their legs which limit the available working area, thereby reducing space utilization.

2. Flexibility/Operability

Overhead cranes are fixed to the internal structure of buildings and have a fixed span and lifting range, thus their flexibility is somewhat limited. In contrast, gantry cranes(Specifically referring to portable gantry crane & Aluminum gantry crane), due to their non-fixed installation method, offer greater mobility and flexibility. They can be easily disassembled and moved to different locations, adapting to changing application requirements. Additionally, the self-supporting feature of gantry cranes enables them to move freely both indoors and outdoors, further enhancing their versatility.

3. Application

Overhead cranes are typically installed within the buildings where they operate and are highly suitable for warehouse-style factory environments where every inch of space is precious and compact. They are widely used in heavy-duty operations in industries such as manufacturing, steel production, and automotive assembly, and are commonly found in workshops and warehouses. Gantry cranes, on the other hand, have a broader range of applications and are used in multiple industries including construction, shipping, and warehousing. They are mainly employed in outdoor storage yards and for handling bulk cargo, and have been widely adopted in areas such as port terminals.

Two Cases Guide the Selection of the Right Crane

Case 1: Selection under Constraints of Factory Building Conditions

The user plans to install a overhead crane, but the current factory building design does not reserve the installation space for a overhead crane. This means that the load-bearing capacity of the factory building’s steel structure is insufficient to meet the installation standards. If a overhead crane is to be installed, additional columns and load-bearing beams need to be added, which will significantly increase the cost.

To reduce costs, another feasible solution is to install gantry cranes in the factory. As the tracks of gantry cranes are on the ground, only the foundation and tracks need to be installed, without the need for additional columns and load-bearing beams, thus significantly reducing the overall cost. Some users may be concerned that the installation of tracks will affect the operation of other handling equipment (such as forklifts). However, by embedding the tracks at least 100 millimeters above the ground, a flat surface can be ensured, avoiding interference with the operation of other equipment.

It is worth noting that installing a gantry crane still requires excavation of the foundation, which also demands a certain amount of capital investment. For gantry cranes of 5 tons or less, the use of a steel plate foundation and fixation with high-strength bolts can be considered to reduce the cost of the track foundation. However, this approach may cause some inconvenience to the passage of other vehicles.

Case 2: Selection under High-Tonnage Requirements

A user plans to install a gantry crane in a factory. Although bridge cranes are traditionally more convenient and slightly cheaper for factory applications, in some cases, a gantry crane might be a more suitable choice. For instance, when a 10-ton crane is needed and the factory is designed for 5-ton bridge cranes, there may be insufficient load-bearing capacity.

In this case, a customized solution can be chosen. For instance, by increasing the number of wheels (from the traditional four wheels to eight wheels), the wheel pressure can be effectively dispersed, thereby reducing the pressure on the factory structure. Additionally, European-style cranes can be selected to reduce the self-weight of the equipment, further enhancing the adaptability.

Conclusion

Industrial facilities typically give priority to overhead cranes. However, if the existing facility conditions do not support the installation of traditional overhead cranes, gantry cranes or custom-made overhead cranes that meet specific requirements can be considered.

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