What does a gantry crane consist of?
Gantry crane is a type of heavy lifting equipment widely used in ports, docks, warehouses and construction sites. Its structure is complex and consists of multiple key components, each with its own unique function. This article will analyze the structure of the gantry crane in detail and display its core components through structured data.
1. Main components of gantry crane

The gantry crane mainly consists of the following parts:
| Part name | Function description |
|---|---|
| main beam | The running track carrying the lifting trolley is the main load-bearing structure of the crane. |
| Outrigger | Supports the main beam to ensure the stability of the crane. It is usually divided into rigid outriggers and flexible outriggers. |
| Lifting trolley | Move along the main beam track to complete the lifting and lateral transportation of goods. |
| Lifting mechanism | Including motors, reducers, drums and wire ropes, responsible for the vertical lifting and lowering of goods. |
| Cart operating mechanism | The crane is driven to move along the ground track and usually consists of a motor, reducer and wheels. |
| Electrical system | Controls various operations of the crane, including motor drive, safety protection and signal transmission. |
2. Classification of gantry cranes
According to different structural forms and usage scenarios, gantry cranes can be divided into the following types:
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Single girder gantry crane | The structure is simple, suitable for light load and medium load situations, and the cost is low. |
| Double girder gantry crane | It has strong carrying capacity, is suitable for heavy loads and large-span occasions, and has higher stability. |
| Truss type gantry crane | Adopting a truss structure, it is light in weight and suitable for large-span and frequent movements. |
| Box type gantry crane | The main beam is a box-shaped structure with good rigidity and is suitable for high-precision lifting operations. |
3. Detailed explanation of the core components of gantry crane
1. Main beam
The main beam is the core load-bearing component of the gantry crane, usually using a box or truss structure. Its design needs to meet the requirements of strength, stiffness and stability to ensure the safe operation of the crane when fully loaded.
2. Legs
The legs are divided into rigid legs and flexible legs. The rigid outriggers are rigidly connected to the main beam and can withstand large horizontal forces; the flexible outriggers allow a certain displacement to adapt to the effects of temperature changes and track unevenness.
3. Lifting trolley
The lifting trolley consists of a lifting mechanism, a running mechanism and a trolley frame. Its design needs to meet the requirements of efficient and smooth operation, and at the same time have good safety protection functions.
4. Lifting mechanism
The hoisting mechanism is the core power of the crane. It is usually driven by a motor and uses a reducer and a reel to lift the cargo. Wire rope or chain is the key transmission component of the lifting mechanism.
5. Cart operating mechanism
The trolley operating mechanism drives the crane to move along the ground track, usually consisting of multiple sets of motors and wheels. Its design needs to consider running stability and track adaptability.
6. Electrical system
The electrical system includes control cabinets, operating consoles, sensors and safety devices. Modern gantry cranes are usually controlled by PLC, which has fault diagnosis and remote monitoring functions.
4. Application scenarios of gantry cranes
Gantry cranes are widely used in the following scenarios:
| Application scenarios | Features |
|---|---|
| port terminal | It is used for container loading and unloading, requiring high efficiency and long span. |
| construction site | Used for handling building materials, requiring flexibility and adaptability. |
| warehouse logistics | Used for cargo stacking, requiring precision and stability. |
| Manufacturing | Used for hoisting heavy equipment requiring high load-bearing capacity. |
5. Summary
The gantry crane is a kind of lifting equipment with powerful functions and complex structure. Its components perform their own duties and work together to complete efficient lifting operations. Understanding its component structure will help you better select and use the crane to ensure operational safety and efficiency. In the future, with the development of technology, gantry cranes will become more intelligent and automated.
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