Aluminum Gantry Crane Overview : Aluminum Gantry v.s. Steel Gantry

Aluminum Gantry Crane Overview : Aluminum Gantry v.s. Steel Gantry

What are aluminum gantry crane? What are main types of aluminum gantry crane ? How to select aluminum gantry crane from steel gantry crane? Check now.

What is aluminum gantry cranes?

Portable aluminum gantry cranes are a variant of portable gantry cranes. It is constructed of an aluminum alloy. The aluminum gantries are more environmentally friendly and lighter than steel mobile gantry cranes. They can be used in lifting sites with strict cleanliness standards. Furthermore, we can easily move it when using it.

The aluminum gantry crane is lightweight, simple to install, disassemble, and transport, and it comes with universal casters with brakes. Because the self-weight is relatively light and the load-bearing force is relatively large, laser cutting can make the product more precise, and the cut surface is smoother and smoother, which many customers love.

Contrary to popular perception, aluminum gantry cranes can lift heavy loads and position them precisely and effectively. They are also highly stable under load. These light aluminum cranes are composed of extruded high-strength aluminum alloy, which makes them incredibly robust and strong.

Aluminum gantry cranes are popular with contractors who need to transport their lift equipment on service trucks from one project to the next since they are not only strong and lightweight, but also quick and simple to assemble and disassemble. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for refrigeration, clean rooms, and other regulated conditions. Aluminum gantry cranes are an excellent alternative for cost-efficiency, heavy lifting, portability, and flexibility because they have a wide range of special features, options, and accessories.

Aluminum Lightweight Gantry Crane System, Light Duty, Portable, Ajustable & Foldable Gantry Crane

0.5 - 10 Ton Steel Gantry Crane, Fixed Height & Adjustable Steel Gantry Crane

What can you do with an aluminum gantry crane?

When you need durable lifting equipment that is versatile, simple to install, and easy to use, aluminum gantry cranes are the ideal choice. In many different industrial situations, gantries are widely used. They offer a secure and reliable anchor point for lifting and lowering machinery, supplies, and other types of loads ranging from building sites to ports and docks.

You've arrived to the right place if you're seeking for the ideal aluminum gantry crane for your requirements.

We provide a variety of gantries that are built with efficiency, strength, and dynamism in mind. Our gantries, which are made of lightweight, strong aluminum, can safely lift up to 5 tons, making them the perfect option for a variety of applications.

If you've ever considered buying an aluminum gantry crane, it's likely that you examined the benefits and drawbacks in an effort to make a wise choice. An aluminum crane can be used for a variety of tasks, but others call for something heavier, like steel. However, aluminum is more resilient than anyone might imagine. This article will take a close look at aluminum I-beams and all-aluminum gantry cranes in order to assess their special benefits and perhaps correct certain myths about the material's use in material handling that have been spreading online.

What striking characteristics distinguish the aluminum gantry crane design?

Aluminum is ideal for HVAC, manufacturing, and construction applications due to its flexibility and durability. But what makes it strong enough for the same aluminum gantry crane to lift up to three and tons while being lightweight enough for one worker to disassemble and move an entire aluminum gantry crane?

Movable Aluminum Gantry Crane

• Capacity up to 5 tons.
• Span up to 4 meters.
• Max. lifting height is no more than 5 meters

Fixed type Aluminum Gantry Crane

• Capacity up to 2 tons.
• Span up to 4 meters.
• Max. lifting height is no more than 4 meters

LT1: Aluminum Gantry Crane with Fixed Span and Height

• Capacity up to 5 tons.
• Span up to 4 meters.
• Max. height up to 5 meters

LT2: Movable & Folable Aluminum Gantry Crane with Adjustable Span and Height

• Capacity up to 3 tons.
• Span up to 4 meters.
• Max. lifting height is no more than 6 meters

Aluminum. Its low density and inherent ability to withstand corrosion make it remarkable.

Along with having the capacity to reflect visible light and even conduct electricity, it is also relatively malleable, ductile, durable, and soft. But the fact that it can be machined, cast, drawn, and extruded with such ease is what makes it so useful for so many industries. Additionally, aluminum alloy has a variety of uses depending on how it is processed or tempered.

Because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum alloys are used to engineer millions of products around the world. However, pure aluminum metal is far too soft to be used in the production of industrial supplies and equipment. The right alloy mix (two or more metals mixed together to change the properties of aluminum) and tempering results in a material that can be used to make lightweight cranes with incredible lift potential.

The aluminum gantry crane can perform its intended function efficiently.

In other words, despite the aluminum gantry crane's thin design and light weight of its components, it nevertheless has the capacity to make it easier to do challenging tasks involving heavy lifting. Additionally, a heavy load can be lifted by the aluminum gantry crane even in a narrow area or confined space. It can function in confined locations thanks to its compact structure.

Those that get to sit behind the wheel of one of the light gantry cranes praise the ease with which each of them has responded to the wheel's regulating actions. The machine's significant level of reaction enables it to shift loads swiftly. What's more, the quick movement prevents the entrance of any unwelcome threat.

Each aluminum crane has three adjustable components.

One component is responsible for adjusting the aluminum crane's height. As a result, it can be made even more compact. As previously stated, that small piece of equipment can perform lifting tasks in places where such a task has never been attempted before. The person who has learned how to properly adjust the correct component can change the length of the aluminum gantry crane. Obviously, that modification can be used to improve the machine's compactness. Changes to the aluminum gantry's length can give it the ability to operate in confined spaces.

The third and final adjustable component determines the amount of space in an overhead compartment. It changes the positions of the overheads. That third component, in turn, determines the nature of the loads that will be placed in the overhead compartment. Furthermore, each aluminum portable crane has control locks installed by the manufacturer. These locks assist the operator in twirling a given load.

Additional characteristics of a lightweight aluminum gantry

Each aluminum movable gantry crane features dials that regulate 6 equal increments in addition to the controls for the adjustable parts. These increments help to determine the level of strength, stability, and support provided by the machine. Additionally, even if the mobile gantry crane is moved from one place to another, that strength, stability, and support remain.

And finally, it takes little time to learn how to use the trolley and hoist configuration of the movable gantry crane. Additionally, the operator who has mastered that specific technique will be able to increase production rates at any plant that has decided to purchase an aluminum gantry crane.

Full Aluminum Gantry vs. Steel Gantry with aluminum I beam

Aluminum Gantry Crane

Aluminum Beam Gantry Crane for Cleanroom Crane

Aluminum beam gantry crane with steel supporting legs

A steel gantry crane with an aluminum I-beam is another excellent choice for special applications. In comparison to a steel I-beam, the aluminum I-beam dramatically reduces gantry weight, especially on higher-capacity cranes.

An aluminum I-beam that weighs only 90 pounds can readily replace a steel I-beam that weighs 250 pounds. Aluminum I-beams are more affordable, portable, and manageable under load than their steel counterparts for applications requiring lifting capacities up to three tons.

A steel gantry with an aluminum I-beam provides benefits even if it is still heavier than an all-aluminum gantry crane. The span, height, and tread of the steel gantry with aluminum I-beam are all three adjustable and telescopic. Because of their adaptability, they may be used safely on uneven floors and with ease in entrances, aisles, and underneath mezzanines or other overhead obstructions.

The aluminum I-beam may pivot freely because of the gantry's design, which also helps to retain more stability thanks to the A-frame. This reduces the swinging motion seen in other three-way adjustable gantry cranes with aluminum I-beams. The main legs, brace legs, and caster frames are built of heavy-gauge steel square tubing with zinc-plated fasteners, whilst the I-beam is constructed from the same extruded high-strength aluminum alloy described above. The I-beam is held firmly in place during modifications and once it is set using a locking mechanism in the adjustable span. To avoid overspreading, a cable assembly that adjusts the tread is fastened inside the tubes of the caster frame.

Contrary to popular opinion, aluminum I-beams and gantry cranes are not unstable since they have been meticulously developed to fulfill the required rated load capacity for improved stability and longevity. Depending on your needs, all-aluminum gantry cranes are the epitome of efficiency and mobility, whilst steel with aluminum I-beam counterparts are intended for convenience and flexibility. In either case, these systems can be used for a variety of unusual tasks, and the possibilities are unlimited given the wide range of potential options, add-ons, and customizations.

Advantages of Using Aluminum Gantries

Even though the economy is still improving at its rate, businesses are cautious about making sizable expenditures, particularly in material handling. Large permanent gantry cranes or goliath crane that are used for lifting can be quite expensive, which defeats the goal of efficiently meeting their needs. Due to their portability and lifting capacity, portable aluminum gantry cranes are an excellent option to more permanent systems.

When comparing aluminum gantries to those made of steel, there are a number of benefits. They are primarily mobile. These devices can be taken apart, moved, and then put back together when the next project calls for them. Second, these tools can be adapted to the requirements of the task or project at hand. They are also quite adaptable as a result of this. Contrary to popular assumption, despite their lightweight aluminum construction and design, they are highly strong and solid.

An aluminum gantry is perfect for a variety of applications, including building sites and HVAC projects, due to their strength, mobility, and versatility. These kinds of projects frequently call for the use of a more mobile tool that can be transported up stairs, set up on a roof, and applied in other tricky circumstances. The gantry crane can lift large HVAC units once it has been installed properly, and it can then be relocated fast and easily.

Unbelievably, a portable aluminum gantry crane has a lifting capacity of up to 5 tons, is height-adjustable, and can simply be locked in position to avoid unintentional movement for safety reasons. When working with constructions that have a variety of barriers, like an uneven floor, or when a particular lifting procedure is necessary, this can be quite useful. Additionally, they include span adjustment so that coverage can be extended as needed or for maneuvering through tight spaces. As a result, more work can be done in places where conventional cranes are unable to.

However, despite their strength and strong lifting capabilities, their lightweight aluminum construction, mobility, and—most importantly—cost-effectiveness are the primary characteristics that make them such a viable choice for a variety of tasks or operations. A typical aluminum gantry weighs about half as much as an all-steel type. Therefore, after they are disassembled, one person can typically transport them in a vehicle and unload them without help (depending on the specific model).

For the most part, these features make them the best option for a wide range of contractors. Additionally, because they are made of aluminum, they are corrosion-resistant and may be utilized in a variety of controlled, climate-sensitive situations, including clean rooms, refrigerators, and freezers. The aluminum gantry is a fantastic alternative for a variety of projects because it has so many important characteristics, as well as accessories and other possibilities.

Uses for aluminum gantry cranes

When you need strong lifting equipment that is flexible, simple to install, and easy to use, small aluminum gantry cranes are the ideal choice. Numerous industrial environments make frequent use of gantries. They offer a secure and reliable anchor point for lifting and lowering machinery, supplies, and workers at everything from building sites to ports and docks.

You've come to the right site if you're seeking for the greatest compact aluminum gantry crane for your requirements. We provide a variety of gantries that are built with efficiency, strength, and dynamism in mind. Our gantries, which are made of lightweight, strong aluminum, can safely lift up to 5 tons, making them the finest option for a variety of applications.

Small gantry cranes for construction industry applications

The aluminum gantry is perfect for use on construction sites. It may be tailored to your preferences and utilized in both outside and interior locations. It has a 5 ton lifting capacity when used to raise and lower objects and equipment. With a 0.25 ton maximum lifting capacity, it can also be utilized to raise and lower people onto platforms and scaffolds.

The portable aluminum gantry may be tailored to your needs and is very adaptable. There are several A-frame height configurations and beam lengths available for it. Along with being extremely versatile for raising and lowering a wide range of objects and materials, it also offers an overhead anchor point for fall protection. Our gantries can be employed in residential dwelling developments, commercial construction projects, and a variety of civil engineering plans, including infrastructure projects and industrial developments, all within the construction industry.

Gantry cranes for distribution and transportation

In the industrial and warehousing industries, gantries are a common way to move products and commodities. Due to their complete portability, our gantries are an excellent option for usage on locations where they are required for a variety of tasks.

Our aluminum gantries, for instance, can be used by a manufacturing company to transport materials throughout a factory so they are ready for production. After production, our gantries play a crucial role in safely loading the finished product into vehicles that are prepared for distribution. Gantries made of aluminum may be transported around a jobsite with ease. They can move along the gantry beam with a variety of trolley systems and then be fastened in position to create a solid and secure anchor for lifting and lowering.

Portable Aluminum Gantry Crane for Confined Spaces

Our aluminum portable gantry crane is frequently requested for use in confined space access situations. It can be quickly assembled by one person in under a minute and used to gain access to difficult areas of a building or live construction site. It is an industry leader in confined space access due to its unique features and ability to lift personnel and equipment.

Accessing confined locations is typically challenging. In places like subterranean sewage plants or to access electrical or water pipes, maintenance work is frequently necessary in a small area. The performance of confined space access has been optimized with the portable ALUM gantry crane. It has a range of beam lengths up to 13 feet and is completely height adjustable. Our aluminum Gantry with winch ready options and a range of beam lengths could be used for tight space access and egress for very large apertures.

Aluminum gantry cranes are offered in both portable (mobile) and stationary types. The popularity of the portable variants has grown as a result of their versatility; they may be used both inside and outside and for numerous applications. These tools are essential and incredibly adaptable because they may be used to lift and transport bulky loads and objects around a job site. Their construction, made with heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum employing cutting-edge fabrication and welding techniques, is essential for the users' safety.

Aluminum gantries vs. Steel Gantry Crane & advantages of aluminum gantries over steel

Since the 1870s, steel has been used in lifting applications. Prior to this time, iron structures were the most common. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a newcomer to the industry. Aluminum lifting devices have only recently become commonplace in the industry.

When it comes to industrial lifting, both aluminum and steel have advantages and disadvantages. This article focuses on gantry cranes, examining the differences between the two material options and providing advice to users and specifiers.

Comparisons of steel & alumni gantry crane types and specifications

Aluminum vs. steel in terms of strength-to-weight ratio

Steel can weigh 2.5 to 3 times more than aluminum for gantry cranes with comparable load ratings and sizes. Because of the significant difference in strength to weight ratio, aluminum gantries are lighter than steel and easier to handle manually.

In a commercial landscape where worker health and safety is more important than ever, the ease of assembly, operation, and disassembly of tools is critical. Because aluminum gantries are essentially portable, they provide significant economic benefits.

Corrosion protection

Any coating used to cover a steel surface will peel, chip, crack, or erode over time. This will leave an exposed surface that will rust. This significantly reduces the life of the equipment and can raise safety concerns if inspections are not performed on a regular basis. Aluminum, especially when anodized, does not have the same problem (artificially aged).

The surface of anodized aluminum changed little over 30 years of salt spray testing, according to the study. The tests revealed that the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy had little or no degradation. This is especially useful in environments like coastal regions or marine vessels, where salt spray or high air humidity causes rusting issues with steel at a much faster rate than usual.

In low-carbon steel, 80-200 microns of material thickness can be lost per year in a very high corrosion area (Category 5 of 6). Because there will be no need to repaint or treat surfaces at regular intervals, the aluminum structure will require less maintenance over the product's life cycle.

Deflection

In aluminum gantries, deflection (curvature of a beam under load) can be quite pronounced. The length-to-deflection ratio can vary depending on the material, but also on the structure's design. This manifests itself in a steel beam appearing to remain relatively level under load, whereas an aluminum beam can bend but then return to level once the load is lifted.

What is sometimes overlooked about this distinction is how the deflection can function as a safety mechanism. When the aluminum gantry's load limit is exceeded, the beam will gradually continue to bend more and more until the material eventually reaches its yield point. This is known as soft failure or benign failure and happens when this happens. Once the load has been removed from the system, permanent deformation can be visible, indicating that the failure has occurred and the beam will not return to its initial position.

A visual overload indicator can also be used in conjunction with the beam's bend. Before a failure happens, the operator will have plenty of time to recognize the extra load and relieve the stress on the system.

For steel constructions, the same cannot be said. In contrast to aluminum, which will bend when it is heavily loaded, steel will continue to be fairly level and rigid. The structure will eventually collapse under too much pressure, leading to what is known as "catastrophic failure." i.e., the burden is decreased suddenly rather than gradually.

But the steel-systems side of the deflection debate is in favor. The travel of a trolley along a heavy steel beam is quite simple since it stays relatively flat. Aluminum, especially when dealing with heavier loads and longer beams, cannot be stated to be the same.

A slope is produced on either side of the trolley by the deflection mentioned before. When the burden reaches 5 or 6 ton , even a 2 degree gradient becomes challenging to climb. Multiple trollies or gearing systems that employ mechanical advantage to overcome the hill can lessen this effect, but the bigger functionality problem still exists.

Overall material strength

Steel unquestionably has the advantage in overall strength, despite aluminum's advantage in strength to weight ratio. Steel gantries come in capacities ranging from 0.5t to over 100t. The top aluminum gantries in the world can support up to 5 tons.

Additionally, steel gantries come in much bigger height and beam length configurations. Although the longest aluminum beam length is just about 30 feet, it is relatively uncommon to find steel gantries with 100 foot beams.

Conclusion

The unique situation or application of the gantry should be the primary determining factor in the choice of gantry material. Steel is unquestionably your best choice if you need a 20-ton gantry that will be fixed permanently in a warehouse and used only for that purpose.

An aluminum gantry crane will, however, be much more appropriate if you're searching for an aluminum gantry that you can load onto the back of your truck, transport to various locations, and rapidly set up to lift a few tons. There isn't a clear victor between the two in every circumstance; instead, there are two choices that provide the versatility to fit the wide range of applications that gantries will be utilized for.

Avoiding Overhead Aluminum Gantry Crane Hazards

Prioritizing safety by reducing the risks posed by overhead aluminum gantry cranes

The key to preventing aluminum and portable gantry hazards is frequently a straightforward matter of pro-action versus reaction. There are always risks in every industry. However, many of these potential dangers can be avoided if all operators and employees are aware of the proper safety standards and what to look for in order to be adequately prepared.

Inspections

The inspection is the first rule of preventative prevention. A possible hazard's likelihood can be greatly decreased by simple awareness. Prior to each and every use, your aluminum gantry crane should constantly be checked for broken, worn-out, or missing parts.

Lifting

Before lifting any load, ensure that the capacity rating is clearly visible on each side of the I-beam. Never overload your crane. Your gantry legs should always be at least 50% of the length of the beam and should remain stable throughout the lift. Before lifting, the I-beam/hoist and trolley should always be centered over the load, and the load should be double checked to ensure that it is not attached in any way to the floor or other obstacles.

Never rush or be in a hurry when you are lifting. Take care to prevent your load from swinging or making touch with any other parts of the crane's structure. Make good judgments! Never lift anything over a person, including other persons. Never sling anything over an I-beam.

Moving

Make sure your path and the surrounding area are clear of all debris and obstacles before moving your aluminum gantry. Never move the crane by pushing both legs at the same time. Check that all of the wheels are turning freely. Unless specifically designed for it, your aluminum gantry should never be moved with a vehicle or over uneven terrain.

When moving, keep your load as low to the ground as possible and in the center of the I-beam for balance. Never position the trolley or hoist outside of the gantry legs.

Load Suspension

Never work beneath a suspended load or leave a suspended load unattended. While you have a load suspended, keep all other people a safe distance away.

Electrical Risks

Machinery coming into contact with an electrical source causes approximately 50% of all accidents. It's critical to keep in mind that your aluminum crane will conduct electricity. Never use your aluminum gantry crane in an area where there are power lines or open circuits.

Establish a lockout procedure

You will be able to protect the nearby workers by implementing a lockout. All equipment is proactively turned off in this manner while dangers or problems are attended to.

Any job site's top priority should always be safety. In order to avoid such hazards in the first place, effort must be taken to ensure that all staff members have received the necessary training to operate aluminum gantry cranes. Any job should have effective safety planning done before, during, and after it to avoid dangers.

How To Get Your Customized aluminum gantry crane

Important Things to Think About Before Buying an Aluminum Gantry Crane

In order to lift and lower a load from a bridge supported by legs, a gantry crane is used. The gantry or I-beam is the main beam that crosses the workspace and load. This beam supports the trolley and hoist frame. A small aluminum gantry is often mobile and can be moved over a set of wheels or tracks, similar to an overhead crane.

Although aluminum gantry cranes are incredibly adaptable, there are a few factors to take into account before buying one. The kind of lightweight aluminum gantry you buy will depend on what it will be used for. When considering to buy an aluminum gantry crane, you should take the following factors into account:

• What will your aluminum crane be used for?
• How heavy will the objects you'll be hauling be?
• Are you going to transport those loads?
• What is the size of your workspace?
• Will you require several setups?

Function

What will your aluminum portable gantry crane be used for? Will it be utilized every day? How weighty do you expect your loads to be?

Height

The total height you will need is one of your first priorities. With a variety of heights, an adjustable aluminum gantry crane offers flexibility. You must take into account the height of the I-beam in relation to the workspace you will be using.

Your height restrictions will be affected by obstructions. To ensure that the aluminum gantry can be moved or erected as necessary within those restrictions, it should be carefully evaluated whether there are any ceilings, sprinkler systems, support beams, or other obstacles.

Span

The gantry crane's span is the total width of the unit and, once again, must be considered in relation to the space you will be in.

Width of an I-Beam Flange

This is the dimension of your I-beam. It is important to remember that the wider the I-beam, the greater the load capacity. It is also critical to ensure that all of your accessories are compatible.

Mobility

When your load needs to be moved from one location to another, portable aluminum gantries are frequently considered. Although portability is more versatile, some heavier loads may necessitate the use of a fixed crane for loads that will remain stationary.

Load Capacity

The load capacity of your crane is the maximum weight that it can safely move.

Material

Gantries are available in two materials: aluminum and steel. Aluminum cranes are lighter and can support less weight. They are more adaptable, portable, and cost-effective. Steel gantries are heavier, have greater weight capacities, and are more expensive. Each crane will have different specifications, so it's critical to double-check these for each model under consideration. If your crane will come into contact with corrosive materials, aluminum will outperform steel.

Utilization Ease

Depending on your requirements, you should consider how simple your crane will be to operate. Will you need to move it or assemble and disassemble it to store it?

Gantry Crane Specifications Required for Specific Crane Price

Aluminum gantry cranes have specific requirements that you should be aware of before incorporating them into your operations. The following is a brief explanation of these key specifications, with illustrations where possible.

• Gantry Capacity：Capacity refers to the total load limit, which includes the weight of the hoist and trolley used to lift and move the load.
• Overal span: Overall span refers to the total length of the horizontal I-beam that supports the load. It is an important factor in determining the width of your aluminum gantry crane.
• Clear Span ：The length of the horizontal I-beam along which the load can be moved. Because of the support framework that holds up the beam, most aluminum gantry cranes have clear spans that are slightly shorter than the overall span.
• Under Beam Height :The height of the underbeam, measured from the ground to the bottom of the I-beam. Add the height of the load, hoist, and trolley headroom for the total distance from lift surface to bottom of beam to evaluate whether the workspace is adequate for your job. Add the height of the lifting surface if you want to load from a table, workstation, or conveyor to make sure the under-beam height is high enough.
• Overall Height: The height of the aluminum gantry crane assembly measured from the ground up. Ensure that any impediments above the gantry crane may be removed.
• Wheel Span (Span Between Wheel Centers) - The distance between the two sets of wheels on the aluminum gantry crane.
• Caster Diameter - The diameter of wheel used in the casters used on the aluminum gantry crane. Casters are always matched to the load capacity of the gantry crane.

Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.