• Mar 27, 2025
• News

Rubber-Tyred Gantry Crane Specifications

Discover essential specifications for rubber-tyred gantry cranes, including load capacity, dimensions, and features. Get the insights you need to choose the right crane for your operations!

Rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG cranes) are widely used in container terminals, industrial yards, and warehouses for efficient material handling. These cranes provide flexible mobility and are designed to lift and transport heavy loads in a variety of environments. In this article, we explore the specifications of rubber-tyred gantry cranes, their design features, and their applications.

Overview of Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes

Rubber-tyred gantry cranes are a type of overhead crane that combine the mobility of a rubber-tyred vehicle with the lifting capabilities of a gantry crane. Unlike traditional gantry cranes fixed to rails, RTG cranes are self-propelled, which allows them to operate in flexible, open yard environments. They are particularly valuable in container terminals where they are used to stack, load, and unload containers efficiently.

RTG cranes offer several advantages:

• Mobility and Flexibility: RTG cranes can move freely around a container yard, providing flexibility in handling and repositioning loads.
• Efficient Space Utilization: Their design allows for a high density of containers in a yard, which is crucial for facilities with limited space.
• Rapid Lifting and Transport: The crane's high-speed trolley and hoisting mechanisms support fast cycle times, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Key Specifications of RTG Cranes

Understanding the specifications of rubber-tyred gantry cranes is essential for selecting the right model for your operations. The specifications cover various aspects such as load capacity, span, lifting height, and control systems. Here we detail the primary specifications and performance metrics.

Load Capacity and Lifting Performance

One of the most critical parameters is the crane's load capacity. RTG cranes are designed to handle heavy container loads, typically ranging from 20 to 60 tons. The lifting performance is influenced by factors such as the hoist motor power, the structural integrity of the crane, and the design of the lifting mechanism.

Span and Height

The span of an RTG crane refers to the distance between its two main girders. This dimension determines the maximum width of the area the crane can cover. In container terminals, spans are typically designed to accommodate standard container sizes while optimizing yard space. The lifting height, on the other hand, is crucial for stacking containers efficiently. Yunatai Crane provide detailed specifications for span and height to ensure that the crane meets the operational requirements of different terminal layouts.

Structural Components and Materials

RTG cranes are constructed using high-strength materials to ensure durability and safety. The primary components include:

• Main Girders: Usually fabricated from high-strength steel, these girders support the entire lifting mechanism and must meet strict load-bearing criteria.
• Trolley and Hoist Assemblies: These components are critical for the crane's operation, providing smooth and controlled movement. The hoist system is typically powered by electric motors designed for high efficiency.
• Rubber Tires: The use of robust rubber tires allows for smooth travel over various surfaces and contributes to the overall mobility of the crane.

The design and material selection directly impact the crane's maintenance requirements and operational lifespan. For example, high-quality steel and advanced composite materials not only improve the overall strength of the structure but also enhance durability and reduce the frequency of required maintenance.

Power Supply and Control Systems

Modern RTG cranes are equipped with versatile power supply options and advanced control systems, which are crucial for safe and efficient operations. Yuantai offers RTG cranes that are powered by electricity, diesel, and hybrid power systems, allowing operators to choose a solution that best fits their operational environment.

• Electric RTG Cranes: These models utilize three-phase AC motors, offering smooth and energy-efficient performance. They are typically preferred in areas with stable electrical infrastructure.
• Diesel-Powered RTG Cranes: Diesel models are designed for environments where electric power may be unreliable or unavailable. They provide robust performance under varied operating conditions.
• Hybrid RTG Cranes: Combining both electric and diesel power sources, hybrid systems offer flexibility and improved fuel efficiency. They allow for seamless switching between power sources based on availability and operational demands.

Control systems on RTG cranes have evolved to include variable frequency drives (VFDs) that adjust motor speed, contributing to smoother operation and enhanced energy efficiency. These control systems are integrated with advanced safety features such as overload protection, emergency stop buttons, and anti-sway mechanisms. Regular testing and maintenance of these systems are essential to ensure that the cranes operate within safe parameters.

Design Features and Structural Integrity

The design of rubber-tyred gantry cranes is centered around ensuring both durability and operational efficiency. Key design aspects include:

1. Rigidity and Deflection Control

One of the critical aspects of overhead crane design is controlling deflection under load. Deflection limits, such as L/400, are established to ensure that the crane does not deform excessively when lifting heavy loads. Excessive deflection can lead to operational instability and pose safety hazards.

• Load Testing: Regular load testing is an essential part of the maintenance regimen for RTG cranes. These tests verify that the crane meets the specified deflection limits and structural integrity requirements.
• Safety Margins: Manufacturers often incorporate safety factors into the design, ensuring that the crane can handle loads beyond the rated capacity in emergency situations without failure.

2. Mobility and Maneuverability

The mobility of rubber-tyred gantry cranes is a key advantage over fixed-rail systems. Their design allows for:

• Versatile Movement: RTG cranes can operate on different surfaces and navigate complex yard layouts, making them suitable for dynamic container handling operations.
• Track and Tire Configuration: The design specifications include detailed guidelines on tire selection and track dimensions to optimize movement and minimize wear. For example, the tire pressure and material composition are selected to balance load distribution and traction.

Application Scenarios and Benefits

Rubber-tyred gantry cranes are used in a variety of industrial applications, including:

• Container Terminals: These cranes are critical in container shipping ports, where they are used for stacking, loading, and unloading containers. Their ability to move freely within the yard is essential for high-efficiency operations.
• Industrial Yards: In industrial environments, RTG cranes help manage heavy loads and provide flexibility in material handling. Their robust design allows them to operate in harsh conditions and handle high-volume operations.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: RTG cranes can be used in warehouses to optimize storage and retrieval processes, especially in facilities where space is at a premium.

A study published by the International Association of Ports and Harbors found that the use of rubber-tyred gantry cranes can improve container handling efficiency by up to 20% compared to traditional fixed-rail systems. Furthermore, real-world data from major container terminals indicate that regular maintenance and adherence to load testing protocols contribute to a longer service life and reduced operational downtime.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Regular maintenance and inspection of RTG cranes are essential for long-term reliability and safety. Daily and monthly inspections should cover all critical components—including hoists, control systems, and structural elements—using a detailed checklist to quickly identify and address any issues. Preventative maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts, checking hydraulic systems, and performing electrical diagnostics, help avoid unexpected breakdowns, while regular load testing ensures that the crane continues to meet its rated capacity and deflection limits. In addition, critical components such as wire ropes, hoist motors, and braking systems must be replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent operational failures. This approach aligns with OSHA regulations and ANSI standards, which require thorough inspections for wear and deformation in key structural components.

Conclusion

Rubber-tyred gantry cranes play a crucial role in modern material handling, especially in container terminals and industrial yards. They are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty operations while providing enhanced mobility, flexible deployment, and improved operational efficiency. Regular maintenance—including daily inspections, preventative maintenance, and load testing—is essential to ensure long-term reliability and safe operation. When evaluating the acquisition of a rubber-tyred gantry crane, it is important to consider factors such as load capacity, structural design, control system efficiency, and maintenance requirements. For more detailed information and technical specifications, please contact us.