Single Girder Gantry Crane VS Double Girder Gantry Crane

When it comes to selecting the right type of gantry crane for your industrial or construction needs, there are two main types to choose from – double girder gantry crane and single girder gantry crane. Both are designed to lift heavy loads and transport them across the workspace, but they differ in their specifications, capabilities, and applications. In this article, we will compare and contrast the features of both cranes to help you determine which one is best suited for your requirements.

Single Girder Gantry Crane

A single girder gantry crane consists of a single bridge beam supported by two legs that run on wheels or rails. The hoist trolley is mounted on the bottom flange of the bridge beam, while the electrical equipment is housed in a small room located on one of the legs. Single girder gantry cranes are used for light to medium duty applications, where weights range from 1 ton to 20 tons and spans range up to 100 ft.

Advantages of Single Girder Gantry Crane

Cost-effective: Single girder gantry cranes are less expensive than double girder gantry cranes because they require less material for construction. This makes them an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need to operate on a tight budget.

Versatility: Single girder gantry cranes can be used in a wide range of applications due to their flexibility. They can be customized with various attachments, such as spreader bars, magnets, and hooks, to handle different types of loads.

Easy to install and maintain: Single girder gantry cranes are relatively easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal downtime. They also have fewer moving parts than double girder gantry cranes, which results in lower maintenance costs.

Space-saving: Single girder gantry cranes require less vertical space than double girder gantry cranes, making them ideal for facilities with limited headroom.

Disadvantages of Single Girder Gantry Crane

Limited capacity: Single girder gantry cranes have a lower load capacity than double girder gantry cranes, making them unsuitable for lifting extremely heavy loads.

Reduced stability: Single girder gantry cranes have a reduced level of stability compared to double girder gantry cranes. This means that they may sway more during operation, which can be dangerous if not properly controlled.

Limited span: Single girder gantry cranes have a limited span, meaning that they cannot cover as much horizontal distance as double girder gantry cranes.

Reduced height: Single girder gantry cranes have a lower lifting height than double girder gantry cranes, which can limit their usefulness in certain applications.

Double Girder Gantry Crane

A double girder gantry crane consists of two bridge beams that are supported by four legs running on wheels or rails. The hoist trolley is mounted between the two bridge beams, while the electrical equipment is located in a separate control room. Double girder gantry cranes are used for heavy-duty applications, where weights range from 5 tons to 150 tons and spans can exceed 100 ft.

Advantages of Double Girder Gantry Crane

High Load Capacity: One of the main advantages of a Double Girder Gantry Crane is its high load capacity. These cranes can lift and move heavy loads ranging from 5 tons to over 500 tons, making them ideal for use in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipping.

Greater Height and Span: Another advantage of a Double Girder Gantry Crane is its ability to operate at greater heights and spans. The dual girder design provides greater stability and support, allowing these cranes to reach heights of up to 100 feet or more and spans of up to 150 feet.

Improved Safety: With their robust structure and high load capacity, Double Girder Gantry Cranes offer improved safety compared to other types of cranes. They are less prone to tipping over or collapsing, and their design allows for greater control and precision when moving heavy loads.

Versatility: Double Girder Gantry Cranes are highly versatile and can be customized to suit specific requirements. For example, they can be fitted with additional features such as hoists, trolleys, and grabs to handle different types of materials.

Durability: Double Girder Gantry Cranes are built to last and designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy usage. They are made from high-quality materials such as steel and are corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

Disadvantages of Double Girder Gantry Crane

Higher Cost: One of the main disadvantages of a Double Girder Gantry Crane is its higher cost compared to other types of cranes. The dual girder design and high load capacity require more material and labor, resulting in a higher price tag.

Space Requirements: Another disadvantage of a Double Girder Gantry Crane is the space requirements. They require a larger area for installation and operation, making them unsuitable for smaller facilities or locations with limited space.

Complex Installation: Installing a Double Girder Gantry Crane can be a complex and time-consuming process. It requires skilled professionals with experience in crane installation, and the process may involve additional expenses such as site preparation and engineering.

Maintenance Costs: Due to their durable construction and frequent use, double girder gantry cranes need routine maintenance and inspections. Additional maintenance and repair costs may ensue from this.

Power Requirements: Double Girder Gantry Cranes demand a lot of power to operate, which can be problematic in areas with scarce power supplies or high electricity prices.

Which One to Choose – Double Girder Gantry Crane or Single Girder Gantry Crane?

When it comes to choosing the right type of gantry crane for your business, there are several different factors that you need to take into consideration：

Weight of Materials Need to Lift

One of the primary considerations when choosing between a double girder gantry crane and a single girder gantry crane is the weight of the materials that you need to lift. If you need to lift heavy loads, then a double girder gantry crane may be the better choice. Double girder gantry cranes offer greater stability and can handle heavier loads than single girder gantry cranes. Single girder gantry cranes, on the other hand, are better suited for lighter loads.

Lifting Height Required

Another important factor to consider when choosing a gantry crane is the lifting height required. If you need to lift materials to a great height, then a double girder gantry crane is likely the better option. Double girder gantry cranes have a higher hook height than single girder gantry cranes, which means they can lift materials higher off the ground. However, if you only need to lift materials to a relatively low height, then a single girder gantry crane may be sufficient.

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use is another important factor to consider when choosing a gantry crane. If you need to use the crane frequently or for long periods of time, then a double girder gantry crane may be the better choice. Double girder gantry cranes are designed for heavy-duty use and can handle frequent use without experiencing excessive wear and tear. Single girder gantry cranes, on the other hand, are better suited for lighter usage.

Budget

Finally, your budget is an important consideration when choosing between a double girder gantry crane and a single girder gantry crane. Double girder gantry cranes are typically more expensive than single girder gantry cranes due to their larger size and heavier construction. If you have a limited budget, then a single girder gantry crane may be the more economical choice.

Both double girder gantry cranes and single girder gantry cranes are useful for lifting and transporting heavy materials within a confined area. They differ in their specifications, capacities, and applications, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and requirements. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of both types of gantry cranes, enabling you to make an informed decision for your business.