Gantry cranes are important lifting equipment in modern industry and logistics. They are widely used in ports, railways, construction sites, and other places because of their stable structure, wide operating range, and strong carrying capacity. Different types of gantry cranes have their own characteristics in design and application, which can meet diverse lifting needs.
If you don’t know which gantry crane is suitable for your use scenario, this article will systematically introduce different types of gantry cranes and their characteristics to help you understand the selection and application scenarios of this key equipment.

What Is A Gantry Crane?
A Gantry crane gantry frame structure consists of a main beam across the horizontal direction, vertically supported legs on both sides, and other structures such as the lifting system and cab. Its legs and main beam form a solid portal frame structure, so it is called a gantry bridge crane.
What Is A Gantry Crane Used For?
Gantry cranes are mainly used in harbor container handling, large-scale material handling, hydropower engineering, railroad manufacturing, and other projects, with a variety of functions, which can effectively complete the loading and unloading of heavy goods, handling and stacking, and other work.
Different Types Of Gantry Cranes
Single girder Gantry Crane: Single girder gantry cranes are usually equipped with electric hoists as the hoisting system and are a kind of small gantry crane. This type of gantry crane is popular for its compact structure, easy operation, and small footprint.

European Double Beam Gantry Crane: The European double girder gantry crane is designed according to FEM/DIN standard. Compared to single girder gantry cranes, it has a higher lifting capacity, a higher working class, and can be subjected to more severe working conditions.
Both single and double girder configurations fall under the full gantry category — a two-legged, ground-supported structure independent of any building. For a dedicated breakdown of full gantry crane types, technical parameters, industry applications, and pricing factors, see our full gantry crane buying guide.

BMG Semi Gantry Crane: Semi-gantry crane is a kind of crane that is supported by high outriggers only on one side, while the other side is directly erected on the wall of the plant or fixed rail, forming a
“semi-gantry” structure. This structural design can save space.

RTG Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane: RTG Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane can be moved freely on level ground without a fixed rail. It is widely used in harbor terminal container yard loading and unloading, and stacking operations.

Rail Mounted Gantry Crane: Rail Mounted Gantry Crane is a kind of gantry crane running along a fixed track, moving on a pre-laid track, with the advantages of smooth running, accurate positioning, and strong load carrying capacity.

Portable Gantry Crane: A Portable gantry crane is an economical and flexible light lifting equipment. Equipped with universal wheels with braking function, it can move flexibly on different floors and easily adapt to a variety of operating environments.

How Does A Gantry Crane Work?
The main structure of a gantry crane consists of a top main beam across the working area and two outriggers, which are movable or fixed along the ground track. When working, the motor drives the lifting mechanism to vertically lift the hook or grabber to lift the goods. The trolley mechanism moves horizontally along the main beam, and the Carriage running mechanism moves the whole machine to move longitudinally along the track to complete the activity of transporting materials from point A to point B.
Gantry Crane Parts Name
- Main beam: For carrying core components and determining the span of the crane.
- Support leg: Columns supporting the main beams to ensure the stable operation of the structure.
- Ladders and platforms: For service access and post maintenance.
- Cabs: The operator’s control station for safe and precise operation.
- Buffers: Mounted on the end of a large or small crane to reduce impact damage.
- Trolley Travel Mechanism: Lateral movement of the trolley.
- Lifting mechanism: Device to move the hook up and down.
Gantry Crane Manufacturers
VOITTO As a professional manufacturer and customizer in the field of gantry cranes, we are committed to providing customers with efficient, safe, and reliable lifting solutions. With advanced design concepts, exquisite manufacturing processes, and strict quality control, we can tailor various types of gantry cranes according to the needs of different industries to meet the applications in port logistics, railway manufacturing, wind power, and other fields.
Conclusion
This article helps you better understand the different types of gantry cranes. Whether you are looking for a custom solution to suit your needs or want to learn more about the different types of gantry cranes, we hope to provide you with valuable reference.
If you have any specific requirements or need further assistance, please feel free to contact our team of experts, who will provide you with custom solutions and professional support.