A Gantry crane consists of a tower-like construction, usually designed to lift heavy loads on a ground. They can range in size from large "full size" cranes, able to lift even the largest loads in the industry, to smaller, portable 2 ton gantry crane used for smaller tasks such as lifting car engines from vehicles. The design of most gantries is to provide a higher degree of lateral support than the structure of the building they support. The structure itself may be made of metal, wood, or a combination of materials. There are also gantries that have been outfitted with hydraulic systems for a higher level of safety.
Although most overhead bridge cranes use a vertical lift system, there are also vertical cantilever cranes and inclined cranes that can be fitted with a hoist system for lifting lighter loads. In addition, there are cable operated cranes that can be attached to power lines at different heights, and there are even electric overhead cranes that can be controlled via an electronic system or wirelessly through a helmet worn device. Regardless, of which type of crane you require, you should always consider whether or not your company has access to certain types of gantries in order to accommodate your specific needs.
Safety Features These cranes feature safety features that are designed to prevent injury to employees and other people in the area. For example, a safety gate is placed on most jib cranes to prevent the blades from cutting into the surface on which they are operated. There are also specially designed blades that have been approved by OSHA to prevent cuts to the thighs or legs during operation. Furthermore, all jib cranes feature exhaust systems that prevent them from polluting surrounding areas with smoke. All overhead bridge cranes also have emergency brakes that can be applied in an emergency, and these emergency brakes can quickly stop the blades from cutting into the ground or other surfaces.Utility functions One of the primary functions of these cranes is to lift and transport items. This means that they are capable of lifting loads much higher than the ones that can be lifted manually. For example, one of these cranes can be used to shift a heavy piece of heavy equipment, such as forklifts, onto a work area. This function is commonly seen on mobile welding units, mobile concrete plant cranes and mobile scissor lifts. They make easily moved equipment work much easier and faster.
Most gantries are directly attached to structures because of their unique design, so they can be installed directly onto a structure. However, because of their construction, overhead crane installation may be more complicated than standard installation. Most gantries must undergo several safety tests and inspections before they can be sold and installed by an individual.Installation and maintenance Just like any mechanical device, gantries must undergo regular maintenance and inspection in order to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency. In addition, most gantries require yearly inspections in order to make certain that the safety features have been properly maintained and that the equipment is still in good operating condition. These inspections and maintenance tasks are performed by professionals and need to be done by competent people in order to prevent any serious or catastrophic accidents from occurring. To get a detailed overview of this topic, see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane_(machine).
