Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane for Efficient Container Handling

1. How the Crane Handles Containers

2. What Makes an RTG Different?

3. Common Applications

4. Choosing an RTG Crane

A container yard can become crowded very quickly. Trucks arrive with containers, storage areas fill up, and some containers need to be moved again before they leave the yard. In such a working environment, the crane has to do more than lift a heavy load. It also needs to fit into the way the yard is already being used.

This is where a Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane, or RTG crane, is commonly used. The crane runs on rubber tires and works over rows of containers. It can pick up a container from a truck, place it in the storage area, and bring it out again when the container is ready to leave.

1. How the Crane Handles Containers

The main frame of an RTG crane spans the container rows. A trolley travels along the upper beam, with the hoisting system and spreader working together to lift the container.

The basic operation is quite simple. The crane moves into position, the spreader connects with the container, and the hoist raises it. The trolley then takes the container to the required position before it is lowered again.

The space around the crane matters as well. Container rows have to work with truck lanes and crane travel paths. This is particularly important when an RTG crane is being added to a yard that is already operating.

2. What Makes an RTG Different?

The rubber tires are the main difference. An RTG crane does not run on a fixed rail like an RMG crane. Instead, it travels along the working routes prepared in the container yard.

This can be useful when several storage blocks are involved. The crane can travel between its working areas without a rail track running beneath it. If the storage arrangement changes, the working plan can also be adjusted.

Of course, the yard still needs to be prepared for the crane. The ground must provide suitable support, and the travel area needs enough room. Trucks and other equipment may be working nearby, so their routes should be considered at the same time.

3. Common Applications

RTG cranes are mainly used in container terminals, ports, logistics yards, and container storage areas. Much of the work happens after a container has arrived at the yard.

For instance, a truck may bring a container to a storage block. The RTG lifts it from the truck and places it in the assigned position. When the container is ready for collection, the crane takes it from the stack and places it onto the next truck.

There are also times when containers already in storage need to be rearranged. A particular container may be needed, or the storage plan may change. Moving these containers is another routine part of yard operations.

4. Choosing an RTG Crane

The crane should be selected according to the actual work at the site. Container size and weight are the starting points. The required lifting height, stacking arrangement, span, yard dimensions, and expected working frequency also need to be known.

Power is another point to discuss early in the project. Depending on the site, an RTG crane may use an engine-generator system, hybrid power, or an electric arrangement. The available infrastructure and daily operating conditions will influence the choice.

Baite Crane supplies gantry cranes, overhead cranes, jib cranes, KBK crane systems, electric hoists, and other lifting equipment. Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes are also included in its product range for container handling applications.

For a new yard, the crane can be considered together with the storage layout. At an existing site, the current container routes and available working space provide a useful starting point.