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Moving Tank into Position

What is a Gantry and When Would ours Be Needed?

  • Michelle
  • October 11, 2024
  • Uncategorized

In the machine movers industry, moving large and heavy machinery, specialized equipment is essential for ensuring safety, precision, and efficiency. One example is the gantry, it is a versatile lifting system that plays a crucial role in industrial and construction areas. But what exactly is a gantry, and when would we use it?

Installing fuel tank in a very tight spot

Installing fuel tanks in a very tight spot, space was limited so the use of the gantry was essential.

What is a Gantry?

A gantry is a lifting system that consists of a framework supported by two or more legs, often on wheels or rails, that straddle a workspace or object. The framework typically includes a beam or track where lifting mechanisms, like hoists or cranes, can traverse and lift heavy loads with precision. Gantries are available in various sizes, from portable models used for smaller, precise tasks to massive structures designed to handle extremely heavy and oversized machinery.

There are different types of gantries, each suited to specific tasks:

Ours is a SL60-tonne gantry crane which is versatile with self-contained hydraulics and electronics. It features an Intelli-lift wireless control system and self-propelled wheels on tank rollers. This Heavy-Duty crane is built for large-scale projects, our gantry can lift and move extremely heavy loads, often over 10 tons, in industrial settings.

Gantry System Hero

When Would a Gantry Be Needed?

Gantry systems are invaluable in situations where heavy machinery needs to be lifted and moved with precision and care. Here are some specific scenarios where gantries are essential:

  1. Machine Installation and Relocation

Gantries are ideal for installing and relocating heavy machinery, such as industrial presses, large CNC machines, and transformers. When standard forklifts or cranes are impractical due to space limitations or weight restrictions, gantries provide the necessary lifting power and flexibility. Adjustable gantries are especially useful for positioning heavy equipment precisely within a confined space.

  1. Construction Projects

In construction, gantries can be used to lift and position structural elements, such as beams and prefabricated components, with precision. For projects involving bridges or large facilities, heavy-duty gantries offer the strength and stability needed to manage these substantial loads safely.

  1. Shipping and Logistics

Gantries are commonly used in shipping yards and ports to load and unload cargo containers. Rail-mounted gantry cranes are particularly useful for handling containers, allowing efficient loading and unloading onto trucks or trains. They are essential for managing the immense weight and size of shipping containers.

  1. Maintenance and Repairs

When heavy equipment requires maintenance or repairs, gantries provide a safe and efficient way to lift and hold machinery parts in place. This is especially important in industries like manufacturing, where downtime can be costly, and repairs must be completed swiftly and safely.

  1. Confined Workspaces

In settings where space is limited, and overhead access is restricted, gantries can offer a practical solution. For example, in factories with low ceilings or complex layouts, adjustable gantries can navigate tight spaces and make it possible to manoeuvre large items with minimal disruption.

This job was a replacement generator delivery which included offload and positioning at a water treatment plant. There was very little head room and lots of steelwork which gave us limited room to operate. The gantry was an essential tool to this job

This was a boiler instillation in West London. It was so tight that we only had millimetres to spare. The gantry system was invaluable to this job

Why Use a Gantry?

The primary advantages of gantry systems lie in their versatility and efficiency. Unlike fixed cranes, gantries can be moved and adjusted to suit various lifting requirements. They’re also easier to set up and dismantle, making them a practical choice for temporary or project-specific tasks. Furthermore, gantries provide a safer and more controlled way to handle heavy loads, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to valuable equipment.

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