About the Standard Aluminium Gantry Range

The standard aluminium gantry (often called a Porta gantry) range is made from aluminium which not only gives it its low physical weight but also enables it to be used in specific areas, such as clean environments (food industry) and hazardous environments where sparks could cause explosions, The ATEX rated gantry is suitable for use in zone 2 as standard.

The standard aluminium gantry range includes models with capacities ranging from 500kg up to 5000kg. There are a number of options when it comes to the top beam length and your choice can be between 2500mm up to 9000mm (model capacity dependant).

The height is adjustable by around 500mm so it can be set to suit the size of your load and the height you need to lift it too. It is delivered in 3 key parts which lock together with simple steel push pin connectors which enables quick set up.

As well as standard lifting tasks these porta gantries can also be used as part of a fall protection system. Providing a fall protection anchor the gantry is suitable for use with retractable fall arrest blocks or shock absorber to EN355. The 500kg and 1000kg models can handle up to 3 people whilst the 2000kg and 3000kg can handle up to 5 people, however only one person per trolley is allowed and the working load limit of the gantry must be reduced by half. For example a 3000kg gantry can lift goods up to 3000kg safely but only 1500kg for personnel.

Porto Gantry Size Options

The porto gantry system comes in a range of lifting capacities which are 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000kg.

Each capacity has differing dimension options in height and span measurements.

You will see a minimum and maximum height measurement in the table, this is because each gantry can be adjusted in height by either 5 or 6 incremental stages. Each increment will be either 150 or 200mm depending on the model chosen. Because of this great design the aluminium porto gantry is really versatile and can be adjusted to suit different sized loads.

When it comes to the span of the gantry the measurement is determined by the top beam length for which there are various options available. The beams come in 2500mm, 3000mm, 3920mm, 4570mm, 5500mm, 6000mm, 8400mm & 9000mm, however the maximum allowed will differ between model capacities. (also shown in the basic table below). For a more detailed specification please see the information tabs above.

Convenience and Benefits of an Aluminium Gantry

There are just three key elements to these gantries, two side A-frames and the top beam, there will also be your choice of beam trolley to add during set up. Because the gantry can be quickly taken down its easy to store in pieces, taking up minimal space. This also makes the gantry easier to transport, simply place each part in your work vehicle; you cant do that with a standard steel gantry!

You can use these gantries pretty much anywhere, though stable ground is important for stability. Set up is quick thanks to the locking pins which simply push into specific holes to secure each segment. Slide in pins are also the method used for adjusting the height.

They also come with its own push travel trolley, to enable quick attachment of lifting slings, hoists and other lifting equipment. The trolley also enables the movement of the load along the top beam.
Another excellent benefit of these cranes is that they are made from high quality aluminium. Aluminium possesses excellent weather and corrosion resistance, so there is no need to worry about rust. This feature means that they are perfect for outdoor lifting applications.

Aluminium Porto Gantry Accessory Options

There is a great selection of accessories available to further enhance your porto gantry to better suit your lifting operation, or fall arrest task.

There is an assembly kit to make setting up and taking down the gantry even easier. A number of trolley options, wind up jack legs provide extra stability on uneven ground. Other accessories include a range of cheek plates, festoon system, ratchet height adjustment tool, winch conversion kits and more. See the information download above for all the details.

The Uses of an Aluminium Lifting Gantry

Aluminium gantry cranes can be utilised in many areas thanks to their design and portability. Portable gantries are manufactured in aluminium and because aluminium is corrosion resistant and therefore suitable for use in clean and/or refrigerated environments. They are also suitable for use in some ATEX zones.
HVAC industries (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) regularly use aluminium gantry cranes for HVAC applications. Additionally they’re also commonly used in cemeteries for the removal of head stones, car garages and manufacturing and other more remote and difficult locations.
Other uses often include such things as animal rescue operations where a lifting frame maybe necessary.

These mobile gantries are ideal for placement and retrieval of objects in low recessed or crevassed areas. Places such as man holes and canal locks because the gantry can span the hole/crevasse.
Other areas for use also include stately homes and castles. They maybe used for lifting and moving large ornamental statues etc. In fact portable gantry systems are used in numerous, locations for various lifting purposes, especially as they can be moved whilst loaded with the right care. Sometimes they are used for quite off the wall lifting operations.
Portable gantry cranes are great for occasional use and when frequent assembly and disassembly is necessary. This could be for storage or for transportation to other locations.

Moving under load

We always recommend that any portable lifting gantry should NOT be moved whilst it is holding a load. However in some circumstances and following specific guidelines, it is possible to use these gantry cranes to move a load.

Moving the gantry whilst loaded should ONLY be done if the ground/surface of travel is level and the distance of travel is minimal.
Furthermore there must always be at least two people to move a loaded gantry. More if possible, as many hands make light work! This will ensure the gantry remains stable and the load does not swing. You should avoid excessive swinging of the load as this could topple the framework.

Other Lifting Gantry Options

The Lifting Gear Store has a number of options to choose from when it comes to lifting gantry systems. Similar to the porto gantry we can supply the Rapide aluminium gantry, light, compact and erected in under a minute by a single person.

Also on our website you will find the standard steel mobile gantries; these are custom made to order in our UK factory and come with a great choice of options.

If you need a hoist, whether electric, manual or even air powered we can help there too, lifting slings and shackles are also available in all sizes so browse the site or get in touch.