The Essential Portable Gantry Crane Checklist

A crane is a very useful machine that can be employed for moving heavy objects by suspending them from a long beam that lifts, moves, and places the object in question. One of the most recent innovations in this field is the telescopic mast straddle crane, which can be classified as a portable gantry crane. This unit is not only compact, but offers you highly efficient service. What also works in the favor of this product is that it’s immensely economical.

It can be used both indoor and outdoor for carrying, moving and placing loads that weigh up to 50,000 lbs. So if you need to lift, move or place heavy duty shipping cargo containers or large generator boxes, this particular crane is perfectly suited to your needs. The crane can easily straddle a flatbed or a semi truck for precisely placing or lifting various objects. Such products are best used at ports, warehouses, manufacturing facilities or construction sites. The portable gantry crane can be effectively used for lifting the load to a height of 120”.

Most crane operators are mainly concerned about whether the crane offers a smooth and jerk-free operation. With this crane, you get all this and much more. Since it is hydraulically operated, you can expect a jolt-free operation. It comprises four synchronized masts that make positioning, lifting and placing a cakewalk for crane operators. This makes the portable gantry crane a much better and reliable alternative to expensive hoists and drive systems.

Here are some important facts that you should consider before investing in a shop crane or gantry crane:

• The first thing to consider would be the exact purpose for which you would be using a crane. If you need it for lifting shipping containers, loading and unloading large containers in a truck, or for moving heavy-duty castings, you need to choose a machine that can handle all these loads smoothly.
• The next important thing would be the travel range of the crane in question. In most cases, you might need to lift loads to a vertical height of anywhere between 6 feet to 12 feet. Your chosen crane should be able to meet these criteria.
• You should be able to use the crane either indoor or outdoor. If you are using it outdoor, do remember to take a look at the materials that have been used for constructing the machine. It needs to be rugged and corrosion resistant. Ideally it should be made from heavy duty structural steel.
• The manufacturer of a gantry crane or shop crane should give you an option between towable or self-propelled models. If you are choosing a self-propelled model, then do remember to opt for powered steering for ease of maneuvering.
• Another very important question to ask the manufacturer would be whether the portable gantry crane can be easily assembled as well as disassembled (knocked down) for transportation and storage.