MOTCRANE offers steel and aluminum alloy portable gantry cranes for equipment maintenance, installation, workshop assembly, and lifting and moving loads between workstations. Depending on the load, travel distance, workflow, and site conditions, you can choose between manually pushed and motorized configurations with suitable hoists and trolley systems.
Manual steel gantry cranes typically use a single-girder structure, with lifting capacities up to 5 t. Motorized steel models are available in single-girder or double-girder configurations and can be customized for lifting capacities up to 20 t. Aluminum alloy models include folding and height-adjustable designs for applications where low self-weight and ease of assembly are important. MOTCRANE configures each system according to the required maximum hook height, working span, overall clearance dimensions, and floor conditions. Travel with a suspended load must remain within the operating limits of the selected design.
Suitable for intermittent lifting, short travel distances, and applications where powered gantry travel is unnecessary.
◊ Steel structure, typically single-girder, with lifting capacities up to 5 t. Span and height are determined by project requirements.
◊ Manual chain hoist with a compatible manual trolley.
◊ Load-bearing casters for manual travel, with swivel casters, directional locks, and parking brakes selected according to operating conditions.
◊ Hand-crank winch-assisted height adjustment available on applicable single-girder designs. Height adjustment must be performed without a suspended load, followed by mechanical locking.
Suitable for moving heavier loads, covering longer travel distances, or reducing the effort required for manual pushing.
◊ Single-girder or double-girder steel structures, customizable for lifting capacities up to 20 t.
◊ Electric hoisting, powered trolley travel, and motorized gantry travel configured as separate functions.
◊ Hand-crank-assisted height adjustment available for applicable single-girder designs. Double-girder models are generally supplied in fixed-height configurations.
◊ Power options include mains electricity, diesel generator sets, and project-specific battery systems.
Suitable for applications requiring frequent assembly, disassembly, relocation, or compact storage, where reducing the gantry’s self-weight is important.
◊ Folding models with lifting capacities up to 1 t; other applicable aluminum alloy models available up to 5 t.
◊ Folding and height-adjustable structures, including manual and hand-crank-assisted adjustment options.
◊ Typically equipped with load-bearing casters for manual travel. Motorized travel can be evaluated for special projects.
◊ Further specifications, height-adjustment options, and project examples are available on our Aluminum Gantry Crane product page.
The hoist raises and lowers the load, while the trolley moves it along the main girder. These functions are separate from the travel system that moves the entire gantry. Hoist and trolley selection should consider the rated load, required lifting height, mounting dimensions, and available power supply.
Suitable for applications that do not require powered lifting. The lifting capacity, required lifting height, hoist headroom, and main girder bottom flange width must be checked to ensure compatibility with the selected trolley.
Any permitted angle for pulling the operating hand chain must comply with the hoist manufacturer’s instructions. This does not mean that side pulling or lifting a load out of vertical alignment is permitted.
Electric chain hoists can be supplied with compatible motorized trolleys. Electric wire rope hoists are also commonly considered for higher-capacity applications.
For single-girder cranes, the hoist and trolley assembly must match the main girder’s bottom flange. Double-girder configurations require verification of the trolley gauge, rail specifications, and available installation space. The final arrangement is determined according to the crane layout and power supply requirements.
To determine the appropriate crane dimensions, please provide the required maximum hook height, working area, doorway and passageway dimensions, and whether dedicated lifting attachments are needed. MOTCRANE will use this information to develop the main girder, leg, and wheel arrangements while checking overhead obstacles and overall travel clearances.
Overall height is measured from floor level to the highest point of the crane. Overall width includes the support legs, any projecting structural components, and the full width occupied by the wheel assemblies. Both dimensions must be checked against doorways, passageways, and turning areas.
Maximum hook height is the vertical distance from floor level to the defined hook reference point when the hook is at its highest permitted position.
If lifting attachments are required, their effective height must also be considered to ensure sufficient working clearance.
The span measurement reference must be clearly identified on the general arrangement drawing. Crane span, clear width between the legs, and overall crane width are different dimensions and should not be used interchangeably.
Where machinery or loads must pass between the legs, the actual clear width must be verified.
Motorized steel portable gantry cranes can use single-girder or double-girder structures. The appropriate arrangement depends on the lifting capacity, working span, required hook height, hoist installation method, and site clearance restrictions.
Applicable steel single-girder gantry cranes can be equipped with hand-crank winch systems to adjust the gantry height.
Height adjustment must be carried out without a suspended load, and the structure must be mechanically locked before lifting operations begin. Double-girder models are currently supplied mainly as fixed-height configurations.
MOTCRANE manual portable gantry cranes are designed for travel with suspended loads within their specified operating conditions. The crane is moved manually on load-bearing casters.
Swivel casters, directional locks, and parking brakes can be selected according to wheel loads, floor conditions, and steering requirements. Even with a rated lifting capacity of 5 t, practical manual travel depends on the crane’s self-weight, suspended load, rolling resistance, and travel route. Loaded travel must remain within the limits specified for the selected model.
Motorized portable gantry cranes use powered wheel assemblies with suitable travel controls and braking systems. They can travel with suspended loads within their approved design limits.
The travel surface must provide adequate load-bearing capacity and meet the required levelness and turning conditions. Suitable concrete and other engineered hard surfaces can be considered after checking the wheel loads.
Power can be supplied from the site electrical system through a cable reel or from a diesel generator set. Lithium-ion battery systems may also be considered, subject to operating range, transportation, and certification requirements.
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The table below compares the main technical characteristics of the three portable gantry crane configurations. Final specifications, dimensions, and operating limits depend on the selected model and approved project drawings.
| Technical Item | Manual Steel | Motorized Steel | Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 5 t | Customizable up to 20 t | Folding: up to 1 t; other applicable models: up to 5 t |
| Main Girder | Typically single-girder | Single or double-girder | Typically single-girder |
| Hoist | Manual chain hoist | Electric chain or wire rope hoist | Manual or compatible electric hoist |
| Trolley Travel | Manual trolley | Motorized trolley | According to hoist and girder |
| Gantry Travel | Manually pushed on casters | Two motor-driven wheels and two non-driven swivel casters (typical) | Typically manual |
| Travel Under Load | Supported within specified operating limits; pushing effort must be assessed | Supported within specified operating limits | Supported within specified operating limits; pushing effort must be assessed |
| Height Adjustment | Winch-assisted on applicable single-girder models | Winch-assisted on applicable single-girder models | Manual or hand-crank-assisted |
| Adjustment Conditions | Unloaded, followed by mechanical locking | Unloaded, followed by mechanical locking | Unloaded, followed by mechanical locking |
| Working Span | Project-specific | Project-specific | According to model and span |
| Maximum Hook Height | According to site requirements | According to site requirements | According to site requirements |
| Overall Height / Width | Checked against access clearances | Checked against travel routes and access clearances | Checked against access and storage dimensions |
| Wheel Assemblies | Load-bearing casters, with optional directional locks and brakes | Powered drive wheels and non-driven swivel casters | Primarily load-bearing casters |
| Travel Surface | Level, firm, and suitable for wheel loads | Engineered hard surface with verified load capacity | Level, firm, and suitable for wheel loads |
| Power Supply | No power required for manual hoisting and travel | Mains power, diesel generator, or project-specific battery system | No power required for manual configurations; powered options as specified |
Before choosing between manual and motorized configurations, consider how the load needs to move. Will it only be lifted and positioned along the main girder, or must the entire gantry travel while carrying the suspended load?
For lifting and trolley travel at a fixed position, the main consideration is the available hook coverage. If the entire gantry must move under load, you also need to evaluate the travel route, turning space, and floor conditions.
If your project involves short-distance movement between a few workstations and manual pushing is practical, a manual steel or aluminum alloy gantry crane may be a suitable option. For heavier loads, longer routes, or applications where manual pushing is impractical, a motorized steel configuration is worth considering.
Loaded travel also requires attention to the load’s center of gravity, lifting attachments, wheel loads, floor joints, and any slopes along the route. Standard workshop casters should not be used on uneven or demanding outdoor surfaces without a specific assessment. Routes involving compacted gravel or irregular ground may require a different travel system.
Share your load details, required hook height, span, floor photos, and handling process with MOTCRANE. We can then recommend a suitable configuration and prepare a preliminary general arrangement drawing.
Manual steel portable gantry cranes are available with rated lifting capacities up to 5 t. However, selecting a manually pushed crane involves more than checking its lifting capacity.
The effort required to move the same load can vary significantly with floor conditions, caster materials, and turning requirements. For applications involving longer routes, frequent turns, or several doorways, wheel diameter, directional locking, and parking arrangements should be considered during the design stage.
If the crane must operate around equipment of different heights, a height-adjustable single-girder configuration may also be considered. This allows the working height to be changed between lifting operations, but height adjustment is not permitted while a load is suspended.
For a practical assessment, provide the complete travel route and the lowest doorway clearance, rather than only the maximum load weight.
MOTCRANE motorized steel portable gantry cranes typically use two independently motor-driven wheels and two non-driven swivel casters.
During straight travel, both drive wheels propel the crane in the same direction. Turning is achieved by varying the speed or travel direction of the two drive wheels, allowing differential steering without a separate powered steering mechanism for the swivel casters.
This arrangement is suitable for workshops and equipment installation areas with relatively predictable travel routes and firm, level surfaces. The achievable turning radius and loaded-travel conditions depend on the crane dimensions, wheel arrangement, and control system.
If your project requires more advanced movement modes, such as sideways travel, diagonal travel, or pivot turning, or if the load and ground conditions exceed the capability of a conventional wheel arrangement, a specialized Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane may be more suitable.
These cranes can be equipped with separate travel and steering control systems to provide different movement modes according to the project requirements. For applications involving the lifting and transport of long or oversized components or containers within a straddling frame, a Straddle Carrier may also be considered. Available steering modes and handling functions depend on the specific equipment configuration.
Aluminum alloy portable gantry cranes are particularly useful for temporary maintenance, relocation between work areas, and applications that require frequent assembly, disassembly, transportation, or storage.
When a gantry needs to be dismantled and moved regularly, its self-weight, component dimensions, and assembly method may be more important than motorized travel. Folding and height-adjustable models suit different access and storage requirements, so the choice should be based on the available working space and how the equipment will be transported or stored.
If you have already decided on an aluminum alloy structure, explore our Aluminum Gantry Crane range for folding designs, height-adjustment methods, model-specific spans and height ranges, and a real application from a customer in Japan.
Tell us the weight of the load you need to lift, whether special lifting attachments are required, where the load will be picked up, how it needs to move, and where it will be placed.
If available, please also provide the required maximum hook height, working span, doorway and passageway dimensions, floor photos, and estimated travel distance. For projects involving longer routes or turning with a suspended load, a simple route sketch would be particularly helpful.
MOTCRANE will use this information to recommend a suitable portable gantry crane configuration, prepare a preliminary layout, and provide a quotation.
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