Differences and Similarities of Bridge Cranes and Gantry Cranes

Understand the differences and similarities of Bridge Cranes and Gantry Cranes, can help you choose which type is more efficient for your needs.

Differences:

Mounting

• The most obvious difference between these two cranes is how they are mounted.
• Bridge cranes are mounted inside of the building they operate in. This makes them great for warehouse type factories that are often crowded and where every inch of space is valuable.
• Gantry cranes are typically on wheels or mounted to a track system . Because they’re not mounted to the structure of the building, they are much easier to disassemble and move elsewhere. The gantry cranes on wheels are especially mobile. They can be moved inside or outside whenever needed.

Lifting Capacity

• The benefit by having a big crane mounted to the structure of your building is you can lift some really heavy objects with ease. Bridge cranes take the cake when it comes to heavy duty lifting. Some bridge cranes are rated for up to hundreds tons!
• Mobile gantry cranes especially portable gantry cranes are not as capable when it comes to lifting. They can still lift heavy loads, usually going up to 20 tons, but that is a far shot away from the 100 ton limit on some bridge cranes.

Similarities:

Function

• The basic function of both bridge cranes and gantry cranes is to lift heavy objects.
• Because of how overhead cranes are built, they can reliably lift objects that are very heavy in a way that is safer than many lifting alternatives.

Hoist

• The hoist is the lifting equipment of the crane. The more powerful the hoist, the more it can lift.

Support or girder

• The girder is the beam on which the hoist rests. Specifically, this girder is called the bridge girder. On both bridge and gantry cranes it is called the bridge girder.
• Both bridge cranes and gantry cranes will have this main girder which supports the hoist, but as mentioned above the mounting or support for the bridge girder will be different depending on the type of crane.

Movement

• The bridge on a crane includes the bridge girder, and all of the parts that allow the hoist to travel side to side.
• Either to the structure of a building in the case of the bridge crane or on legs as in the case of the gantry crane. The hoist can move side to side on either crane.

Controls

• The way you get those hoists move side to side on both bridge and gantry cranes is usually the same.
• Usually you will have some type of radio controller or pendant controller that is connected to the bridge.

By now you should have a good understanding of the differences and similarities between bridge cranes and gantry cranes.

Lifting needs, mounting options, and budget should all be considered before you make a final decision. If you still have questions you can always contact us and get a free quote. DQCRANES will make sure you get a crane that will fit your business needs.