Flexible Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane for Port Operations

A rubber tyred gantry crane (RTG crane) is a specialized container handling machine widely used in ports, container terminals, rail yards, and large logistics hubs. Designed with mobility and flexibility in mind, a rubber tyred gantry crane runs on durable rubber tires instead of fixed rails, allowing it to move freely across different work areas and adapt to various operating conditions. This makes it an indispensable piece of equipment for stacking, loading, and unloading standard containers such as 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft units with high precision and efficiency.

The structure of a rubber tyred gantry crane typically includes a steel gantry frame, a trolley with a hoisting mechanism, and a spreader for container lifting. The trolley travels along the gantry beam, enabling the crane to lift and position containers in multiple rows and heights. Advanced models can stack containers up to six or seven high and across multiple rows, maximizing yard space utilization. With lifting capacities ranging from dozens to hundreds of tons, an RTG crane is capable of handling the heavy demands of modern logistics.

One of the key advantages of a rubber tyred gantry crane is its maneuverability. Equipped with multiple steering modes—such as straight travel, oblique movement, and 90-degree steering—the crane can easily navigate narrow spaces, rotate in place, and adapt to complex yard layouts. This makes it particularly suitable for congested terminals where flexibility and precision are crucial.

Modern rubber tyred gantry cranes are also designed with energy efficiency and safety in mind. Many adopt electric or hybrid drive systems with variable frequency control, energy recovery technology, and intelligent monitoring features. Safety is enhanced through anti-sway systems, overload protection, and automated positioning functions, ensuring secure and efficient container handling.

In summary, a rubber tyred gantry crane combines heavy-duty lifting power, superior flexibility, and intelligent operation to deliver outstanding performance in port and logistics environments. Its ability to handle large volumes of containers efficiently makes it a cornerstone of global trade operations and an essential tool for modern intermodal transport facilities.

♦Main Crane Structure: The rubber tyred gantry crane, often referred to as a heavy duty gantry crane, is built with a robust steel frame that provides the foundation for lifting and moving containers. This main structure supports the hoisting mechanism and ensures durability under demanding working conditions.

♦Wheels and Tires: Equipped with large rubber tires, the crane can travel across various surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, and container yards. These wheels give the crane excellent mobility, unlike rail-mounted cranes, and make it suitable for flexible port operations.

♦Axles and Suspension System: To handle the weight of both the crane and heavy containers, the axles and suspension distribute loads evenly and maintain balance. This ensures smooth operation even when the crane is performing continuous lifting cycles in busy terminals.

♦Telescopic Boom: Many rubber tyred gantry cranes include a telescopic boom for stacking and unstacking containers. This extendable component allows the crane to adjust height and reach, making it possible to efficiently manage multiple rows of stacked containers.

♦Spreader System: The spreader, attached to the hoisting mechanism, grips containers securely during lifting. Advanced models of heavy duty gantry cranes use automatic spreaders that adjust to standard container sizes, enhancing safety and efficiency.

♦Control System: A modern RTG crane is equipped with an intelligent control system, often PLC-based, allowing precise maneuvering, rotation, and stacking. Automated features reduce operator workload and improve container yard productivity.

♦Ground Support and Safety Mechanisms: The crane operates with additional ground support, including stabilizers and container pads. Safety systems such as alarms, sensors, and emergency stops are built in to prevent accidents and protect both operators and equipment.

In summary, the rubber tyred gantry crane is a specialized form of heavy duty gantry crane designed for container terminals and shipyards. With its reliable components and advanced systems, it ensures efficient, safe, and flexible handling of containers in global logistics.