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Lifting Gantry Basics

There are a few different names in which a lifting gantry may be referred to as; A-frame gantry and mobile gantry are the most commonly used terms but may be seen in a variety of variations, though generally refer to the same lifting product.

Aluminium gantries, although designed in a similar format to typical steel lifting gantries are lighter in weight and usually foldable/collapsible but can only handle lighter loads.

A lifting gantry will not lift a load on its own, it is simply a supporting framework. Additional lifting equipment products will be necessary, beam trolleys and manual or electric lifting hoists are the typical products chosen to lift and move the load.

What is a Lifting Gantry or Mobile Gantry?

A lifting Gantry is a type of crane which is not permanently fixed to a building structure like an overhead gantry crane is. Our lifting gantries consist of a horizontal beam supported by two “A” shaped end frames /legs. They are welded together by our highly experienced welders / fabricators for the strongest framework possible. All of our self manufactured cranes have had professional technical calculations and drawings produced to ensure their load bearing capabilities, stability and safety. The majority of our lifting gantry systems are supplied complete with robust castors so that the gantry once erected, can be moved around to where required, hence the term – mobile gantry. Plated feet are another option; these enable you to bolt the gantry to the floor (must be stable). This method is ideal when the gantry will be used in the same location for long periods.

How Is an A Frame Gantry Crane Used?

A-Frame cranes are easy to erect and take down if and when necessary. These cranes consist of just 3 main components which are simply bolted together. This modular system allows them to be transported to a completely different site on the back of a lorry if needed. Subsequently re-erecting it by fixing and securing the main bolts on each leg to the top horizontal beam. A-frame gantry systems are used by positioning the frame above the load to be lifted. When the gantry is bolted down and secure the load will need to be taken to the gantry. Whereas an unbolted gantry can be taken to the load. Therefore you have a choice! Do you use the gantry in one location more often than not, if so the best option would be to bolt it down. If you need it in multiple locations but do not want it bolted down, nor have wheels fitted, then a plated feet but un-bolted option will work best for you. The load may then be fixed to the desired lifting appliance which has been safely fitted to the horizontal beam. Beam clamps or beam trolley’s together with a hoisting device are the most common choices.

Key Benefits of a Lifting Gantry

A-frame gantry cranes are a cost effective, easy to erect, load bearing framework. They are used for lifting applications in singular or multiple locations. A Lifting Gantry has many benefits and can be the perfect solution to heavy lifting. Commonly used in a wide range of industrial sectors, as well as smaller workshops etc. Because these gantries are not permanent fixtures they will probably have a much smaller layout costs than a fixed overhead crane. A structural survey is not typically required. An additional benefit to using a mobile lifting gantry is the vast array of additional devices that can be used on the gantry. This is important as the lifting gantry itself is really only the load bearer. Additional lifting equipment will be needed to actually lift and lower the loads. Most lifting gantries will need a beam clamp which fixes to the horizontal beam in a fixed position. Alternatively a beam trolley which can be moved across the beam when needed. These can be manual or powered for extra ease of use. It is to these beam fittings that you can affix numerous other lifting appliances such as an electric hoist, lifting magnet, lever hoist or a chain block. It is these appliances that will actually lift the load.

Custom Lifting Gantry Systems

Thanks to manufacturing our own lifting gantry cranes and Jib cranes we can keep the cost low whilst customising them to suit your needs. We also import Delta lifting products which work extremely well with our cranes and prove reliable and highly cost effective. Lifting Gear Store are proud to be able to offer a vast range of products from major brands due to our firm relationships with the manufacturers which have developed over many years.

The mobile lifting gantry can be custom made to your exact specifications. Choose your height of lift needed, the span of the gantry, the safe working load up to 5000kg, castors for portability (or floor bolts) and/or parking jacks for uneven ground. Other choices include the addition of electrical components, typically used when powered hoists are to be used. Catenary systems, festoons, isolator switches and powered trolleys can be added by our electrical engineers during manufacture.

Lifting Gantry UK

With many years of crane manufacturing experience, Lifting Gear Store produce their own bespoke A-frame gantry systems to a high specification. They all meet BS standards and conform to EU regulations so you can be assured of quality lifting gantries. Inspections and repairs can also be provided and are carried out by our trained engineers. Inspections can be completed on site if required. As well as you’re A frame gantry other lifting equipment can be inspected and repaired too. We can custom make your a-frame crane to suit your requirements within the size ranges stated.

Based centrally within the West Midlands, we are well located to serve the whole of the UK. Whether just to deliver your products or a full installation of your chosen crane and lifting accessories. We can sometimes arrange for site visits to discuss your needs in finer detail, although it is not usually necessary for a mobile gantry. A visit may be preferable with certain types of Jib cranes and most certainly with a light crane system. This not only helps us to better understand your lifting requirements but will also ensure you get the best crane arrangement to meet your needs.