Gantry cranes are self-supporting cranes primarily used for lifting and moving heavy containers, cargo and objects such as engines. The load on a gantry crane can generally be moved horizontally, vertically or sideways, making it a useful and often necessary piece of equipment in a variety of industrial applications including assembly lines.

Whether you're in the market for a permanent industrial gantry crane or a portable gantry crane, it would be wise to consider your needs and options before making the big purchase. Start by knowing:

1. What your industrial gantry crane will be required to lift

2. Whether your need calls for customization of your gantry crane

3. Your budget and whether a used gantry crane is an option

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine what types of loads your commercial gantry crane will lift

The size and weight of your loads is an important factor to consider when shopping for a gantry crane. It's also important to know whether you will be using it for applications of varying heights and widths. Motorized gantry cranes are the top of the line lifters used in the aviation and concrete manufacturing industries as well as at places such as power plants and water treatment facilities. Portable gantry cranes are popular in less-demanding environments.

I recommend: Gantry Crane-Outlet offers a motorized crane that lifts up to 300 tons, spans 100 feet and can be used either indoors or out. For more common loads of up to 5 tons and 30 feet in width, Dearborn Overhead Crane offers both fixed- and adjustable-height commercial gantry cranes. If you need your gantry crane for light-duty applications with easy portability, Vestil Manufacturing has a nice crane that lifts up to 1 ton. SPANCO offers a wide selection of steel and aluminum gantry cranes as well.

Consider whether your need is out of the ordinary

Depending on your requirements and long-term goals, you might want to consider having your gantry crane built to your specifications to ensure you get exactly what you need for the job.

I recommend: Whether your crane needs to be permanent or portable, Lone Star 380 stands ready to build what you're looking for. To take a look at some really unique custom gantry cranes and get some ideas for your own, head over to EC&MW, Inc.

Take a look at your budget and decide on a new or used gantry crane

It's a given that gantry cranes are a somewhat expensive investment; however, when you need one, you need one. If your budget doesn't allow for the sparkling new gantry crane you have your eye on, buying used is a viable option.

I recommend: You could find your perfect used crane at Gantry Trading, which makes a business of buying and selling both new and used gantry cranes. Pennsylvania Equipment, which specializes in rebuilt cranes, also has a number of used gantry cranes for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Gantry crane prices vary widely because of the many variables associated with purchasing a crane. It's best to know exactly what you need before making the purchase or placing an order.