The ports are one of the pillars within the international commercial dynamics, formed by an infrastructure and logistics that establish the first contact for the arrival of merchandise and people to later follow their routes to other destinations.

Ship to Shore Gantry Crane:

What is a gantry crane? The gantry crane or container crane is a typical heavy-duty crane, widely used in ports and docks for loading and unloading shipping containers and moving the container stack in container terminals.

The gantry crane is a lifting device consisting of two or four poles that raise a bridge structure through which the lifting mechanism circulates.

Ship to-shore crane specification

Maritime trade:

The ports are one of the pillars within the international commercial dynamics, formed by an infrastructure and logistics that establish the first contact for the arrival of merchandise and people to later follow their routes to other destinations.

The worldwide trend is the movement of mass cargo, even more so with new vessels such as the container ship of 18,270 TEUs; (unit of measure of capacity for containers). Considered the largest container ship in the world belonging to the Maersk Triple E Class.

The Post Panamax, Ultra Containers, and Super Oil tankers are arriving at various ports that require ports with a large draft, wide measures of length, and beam, which are a challenge for many countries given their large investment structure.

But the big question arises:

How can you respond to the huge volumes of cargo that generate a limited period of time in the activity of loading and unloading in ports?

What automatic and modern processes are on par with the speed necessary for the operations of a port to the demands of today?

Container crane specifications

Characteristics of the Portico Crane:

This gantry container crane generally has a high operating speed and work level. It is designed to perform its service in harsh working conditions, for outdoor service, and for long periods of uninterrupted use.

• The gantry crane is a special type of crane that elevates the load by means of a forklift installed on a beam, which in turn is rigidly supported by two or more legs.
• These legs can usually be moved on horizontal rails at ground level. In some factories and ships, the so-called bridge crane is used, which has the same operation as the gantry crane, with the difference that the beam rests directly on the rails.
• The type of gantry crane for containers depends to a large extent on ships and environmental conditions.

There are several different types of container cranes, including gantry cranes mounted on rails, commonly abbreviated as cranes RMG (gantry crane container mounted on rails), rubber leg cranes, usually called RTG cranes for short and ship cranes to earth, and the port crane STS (Ship to Shore)

• Absolute precision control in the handling of goods at speed.
• Speed to load and unload.
• Simplicity in the management of containers

STS Ship to shore

The ship-to-shore gantry crane is widely used in port terminals, docks, and containers to load and unload containers from ships. Generally abbreviated as gantry cranes STS (Ship to Shore), ship to land. This dock container gantry crane is usually installed on the edges of port terminals and extends along two rails.

This ship-to-shore container gantry crane is born to keep up with the development of large-scale container ships, Panamax and post-Panamax have to develop and design a highly efficient container handling system to meet production requirements larger for large vessels

Container Crane Cost

Used as a heavy-duty crane, this gantry crane usually costs much more than other gantry cranes for common use.

Sometimes customers may not be sure which type best suits their needs, so the first and most important thing is to understand the differences between these types of gantry cranes. Then you must clear your needs for container gantry crane capacity, span, lifting height, etc.

Quote with the specialists that will design the crane specifically for the place where it will be implemented

Shipping container crane

As a highly efficient container handling equipment, the gantry crane significantly improves productivity. You can achieve fast and accurate positioning.

Due to the adoption of the anti-tipping device, there is no influence on the lifting carriage during the operation process of the crane.

The container gantry crane requires minimal maintenance and very low energy consumption. It is suitable for various workplaces, including port, dock, dock, and rail terminals.

The container crane can guarantee a highly safe operation and precise handling of the containers.

Shipping container crane operator

The gantry crane transfers the containers between the dock and the container ship. Allows loading jobs to be carried out quickly and efficiently.

The bridge must be handled manually and not automatically according to the law. The operator that handles the crane sits in a cabin suspended from the top of the gantry.

When the portico is at the height of the vessel, maneuver so that the crane with the spreader moves and descends to the container that you want to load or unload. Hooks the twist locks (corner of the containers) to block them, hoists the container, and deposits it in the dock.

When they are on land, the containers are placed on another means of transport (usually a container truck) or stacked.

For transportation within the cargo terminal, the aforementioned gantry, reach stackers or automatic transport systems are used. (automated guided vehicle or AGV, automated lift vehicle or ALV).

Ship to shore Crane design

There are several options for the design of container gantry cranes. The main components of the gantry crane, all are purchased from locally and overseas renowned suppliers to ensure the quality of the crane and long service life.

For example, you can choose hoists and electric motors from the manufacturer or ask for external suppliers. The modular design is adopted to maximize the adaptability and availability of the double beam lifting system.

The options of cranes for containers include, among others, the following characteristics: brake system and emergency transmission, anti-collision and anti-rollover systems, remote operation system, and positioning system.

The ship-to-shore crane for containers is designed for each individual use of the customers. The gantry crane for container loading is designed specifically for each client according to their specific requirements, with different costs and data characteristics in each case and with sizes ranging from the Panamax class to the largest Megamax cranes.

Container Ship

Gantry cranes for containers are classified according to the container loading and unloading capacity and the size of the ships that are capable of loading and unloading.

PANAMAX

A Panamax crane can fully load and unload a Panamax class container ship; that is, able to pass through the Panama Canal (57.91 meters from 12 to 13 containers wide)

POST-PANAMAX

A “Post-Panamax” crane can load and unload completely from ships too wide to pass through the Panama Canal; generally with a width of 18 containers.

These cranes have an approximate weight of 800 to 900 tons.

SUPER POST-PANAMAX

The largest gantry cranes for containers are classified as “Super-Post-Panamax”.

Used to unload the largest container ships (with 22 or more containers in width) and its weight varies between 1600 and 2000 tons.

FEEDER CRANES

The Feeder crane has a sleeve capacity to load and unload 10 containers.

Smaller gantry cranes are also used, such as the inside the cargo terminals.

In addition, smaller gantry cranes are usually used in rail loading and unloading facilities to transfer containers; from wagons, to trucks, as they allow vehicles to load and unload under their vain.

They can also be found in the width changes, where they transfer containers between trains of different widths.

Ship to shore crane manufacturers

• Konecranes
• Kalmar container crane
• Liebherr container cranes

Konecranes

Konecranes has over 40 years of experience in the design, manufacture, and delivery of Ship-to-Shore (STS) container cranes.

We have delivered over 120 of them, in sizes ranging from Panamax to Super Post Panamax. Our STS cranes have an excellent reputation for design, manufacturing (in-house manufacturing of key components), and customer care.

• We can erect our STS cranes on-site, or ship them fully erected depending on your location.
• Konecranes Ship-to-Shore cranes are equipped with our Active Load Control technology.
• Which improves the crane operator’s control over the positioning of the spreader and container on the truck chassis, in the cell or on the deck.
• Dwell times decrease substantially. You can substantially boost the productivity of your quayside operations.

Kalmar container crane

Kalmar ship-to-shore (STS) cranes deliver the reliability and efficiency your terminal needs to maintain productivity and gain a competitive edge.

Their simplified modular design is lightweight and durable, makes maintenance easier, and can be tailored to your exact specifications. Wherever you are in the world, we’re with you every step of the way, from planning and specification to delivery, service support, and upgrades.

Ship-to-shore (STS) cranes are the single most important piece of equipment in any container terminal, so having a knowledgeable and experienced partner to support you every step of the way really pays off.

In today’s fast-paced container port terminals, speeding up ship turnaround times can give your port a significant competitive advantage. With their fast operation and excellent availability, our STS solutions are designed to help you do just that.

With more than 40 years experience in engineering, building, and upgrading these critical pieces of equipment – plus a number of industry-first innovations – we can provide expert support for everything from planning and specification to maintenance and spare parts delivery, as well as upgrades and retrofits.

Liebherr container cranes

In the modern port environment, reliability and productivity are the key parameters. Ship-to-shore container cranes (STS) from Liebherr achieve up to 99.6% availability during actual vessel operation.

Ship-to-shore container cranes are custom-designed with a range of outreaches and specification detail according to individual customer requirements from Panamax size through to the largest megamax cranes. Safe working loads from 40 to 120 metric tonnes are available in single, twin, and tandem lift configurations.

Advantages and Benefits:

• Designed and built by Liebherr in Ireland for over 45 years
• Industry-leading availability
• High-performance cranes with a lower self-weight and center of gravity
• Liebherr drive systems
• Increased productivity compared with alternative designs
• High reliability and low downtime
• Rigid and stable structure
• Improved performance where high in-service winds prevail
• Accurate spreader positioning
• Anti-sway reeving
• Optimum driver comfort due to ergonomic cabin and unique Liebherr hinge point design
• Precision simultaneous drive motion in three axis
• Low lifecycle costs

How tall are container cranes?

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Container Stacker: Reachstacker is generally compared to forklifts, but they have many differences. Forklifts are used for the most frequent loading and unloading and do not offer the same capacity as reach stackers

Container Handler

Container handlers are described as highly efficient material handling machines that are used in many sectors of the port industry.

Some of the most used machines for handling containers are the reach stacker and the container crane. Gantry cranes for containers are the largest and most powerful units for loading and unloading containers.

The reach stackers, on the other hand, are faster and more efficient machines for short distances. Although they are used for the same purpose, these two machines are different and work in a different way.

Reachstacker: the reach stacker can lift, load, move and lower containers in a fast, efficient and unique way.

Reach Stacker Crane

HOW DOES IT WORK:

With large storage capacity and a great capacity of stacking, the reach stacker is designed to work between rows easily and to store containers in blocks of 4 deep.

The newer reach stackers come with smart mechanisms to improve efficiency. For example, the hydraulic load sensing system ensures that the hydraulic lift system and the engine are available with sufficient power.

However, the reach stacker includes many other innovative systems with a single goal: to improve profitability by offering higher torque at lower rotation speeds and to provide a comfortable and safe environment for operators.

The reach stackers are generally compared to the forklifts, but they have many differences. Forklifts are used for the most frequent loading and unloading and do not offer the same capacity as reach stackers

Reachstackers

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

The container crane or is also very common the English term reach stacker due to its weight of approx. 37-85 tons cannot be used on public streets.

In general, the reach stacker container cranes are used for the handling of empty or full containers of 20′- 40’with a weight of 5 – 45 tons.

The main sites where reach stacker container cranes are used are port terminals, container depots and are also used in the intermodal sector.

Load Capacity

Reachstacker or container cranes at the end work as a crane with the accessory the spreader that has the dimensions to raise containers 20′ but can also be extended to 40′ to raise equally 40′ containers be empty or full.

There are also reach stacker cranes with an accessory called piggyback that are four arms mounted on the spreader with which you can also raise a trailer with the container and put it on a train.

For example, reach stacker machines can stack full containers in the first row with a weight of approx. 42-45 tons 5 containers high, in the second row they can stack even 25-30 tons and in the 3rd row, they can still go up 20 tons.

Cargo Handling

APPLICATIONS:

The machine offers different extensible rigs for each job. The wide range of products for reach stacker offers possibilities for different fields of handling besides containers.

In addition to container handling, the transport of bulk goods, handling of wood, loading of loose material with hooks and pulleys are also included.

Reach stacker manufacturers

Manufacturing Companies

• Kalmar
• Fantuzzi
• CVS Ferrari
• Linde
• Liebherr
• Terex
• Konecranes

The most well-known manufacturers are the Swedish companies Kalmar Industries, SMV Konecranes, the Italian brands Fantuzzi, CVS Ferrari, the German brands Linde, Liebherr producers of a single reach stacker where the mast has the shape of a banana, besides The Hyster brand, PPM Terex, is still on the market. For many small terminals that do not have the economic means to buy a portal crane, the reach stacker machines are a good alternative

Konecranes reach stacker

Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers consist of the well-known TFC models and the R models launched in April 2015 under the Liftace name. Built on engineering tradition and expertise, these reach stackers are dependable workhorses, simple to maintain, robust and good value for money.

Thanks to a high degree of standardization, terminal operators benefit from short delivery lead times – making Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers available, serviceable and durable.

Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers are of a high standard and specially designed to work with modern control systems and drive technology. Engines comply with emission standards EU Stage IIIA (EPA Tier 3) and EU Stage IV (EPA Tier 4 final).

Versatile, reliable and powerful Whether for use in port, railway or intermodal terminals, in container stackyards or any other area of logistics, Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers are known for good quality, robust design and reliability in operation when handling containers or heavy general cargo.

With the durable Konecranes Liftace Spreaders, 20’ to 40’ containers are stacked up to 1-over-6 high-cube containers high.

To handle general cargo, the machines can be fitted with dedicated lifting gear. Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers meet the challenges of professional cargo handling with high loading capacities of 45 t and high working speeds while providing simple and safe operation.

Konecranes Liftace Reach Stackers at a glance

• Productive – working speeds for efficient handling rates
• Economical – low fuel consumption and predictable maintenance cost
• Simple – operation and maintenance
• Proven technology – agile, robust and reliable
• Safe – reliable monitoring and excellent visibility

Ferrari Reach Stacker

CVS FERRARI F500 Reach Stackers are true engineering masterpieces conceived to massively increase the value generation for the user by sensibly extending the equipment service life and drastically reduce operating cost, besides introducing an unprecedented control of the unit and its systems.

CVS FERRARI is proud to introduce its F500 Reach stacker series:

• a new breed of machines that will forever change the standards of performance and return on investment of the industry.
• Structures certified to withstand endless duty cycles, ultimate energy-saving solutions, state of the art onboard intelligence, maintenance costs killing, design and uncompromised quality of components.
• Nothing else like these trucks ever existed before.
• Discover the unmatched safety of these unique products and the many innovative driver and caretakers “job easing” solutions they contain.
• Meet the strength of mechatronics and the power of integrated data processing applied to lift equipment.

Liebherr reach stacker

Functional handling solution for any terminal

Liebherr reachstacker profit from many years of development experience in the maritime sector. A variety of highly efficient innovations, a comfortable and ergonomic design as well as impressive performance distinguish the Liebherr reachstacker. In this way, it is a versatile handling solution that can be deployed for any kind of terminal.

Hydrostatic drive: The tried-and-tested hydrostatic drive enables continuous acceleration for enhanced driving comfort. It also ensures energy recovery for increased efficiency.

Ergonomic cab: The comfortable cab with its ergonomic design eases the burden on the operator. An optimal view with the high proportion of glass in the cab increases safety in the terminal.

Wheel rims: The wheel rims ensure reduced maintenance costs and increased safety. The simple principle of these rims makes assembly quick and safe. This concept is unique in the market.

Liebherr LRS 645

The “award” for the most distinctive feature of a Liebherr Reachstackers certainly goes to the uniquely curved, telescopic boom for unrivaled range and unbeatable stacking capabilities.

This makes a Liebherr reachstacker not only a suitable instrument for today’s handling requirements but also an investment in the future!

The new dimension of the Container handling With the departure from the straight boom concept, direct access to containers in the second and third row is possible without shifting in the foremost stack. Such an innovative handling concept increases the efficiency of container terminals all over the world in one fell swoop.

• Inspired by nature, designed by Liebherr
• Due to its unconventional design, the curved, telescopic boom has been given the name “banana boom” shortly after its launch.
• The comparison fits: Like the banana, the Liebherr reach stacker offers a wealth of vitamins, meaning useful resources for its users.
• For example, in barge handling, it is possible to load and unload containers below the floor – even without special equipment retrofitting.

Reachstacker Kalmar

The Kalmar DRG100 is the only reach stacker for empty and semi-laden container handling on the market that allows you to rotate, lift at a 45° angle, drive forwards or reverse with a full-tilt stroke, reach 6 or 8 containers high, work in second or third row and even do a unique 1,000 mm side shift and rotate the container so the door is on the right side.

The Kalmar DRG100 offers full flexibility with full rotation, large side shift and tilt to allow you to both transport and perform services, maintenance, repairs and cleaning with maximum efficiency. Low and narrow workshop doors don’t present a problem. Just turn the container lengthwise and drive inside.

Add another dimension to empty and semi-laden container handling with a reachstacker containers that can be transported at full width, turned 45° or lengthwise at 90°, making it possible to deliver “end-on” into and through low and narrow workshop doors, port sheds and other tight openings.

Operators don’t have to pick up containers right-angled and can increase efficiency and handling speed during yard stacking, loading of road trucks or container repairs.

Eco cranes

Increasing fuel costs and tougher emissions standards means you need a solution that is leaner and greener, while still maintaining the highest levels of operational productivity. The Kalmar Eco Reachstacker provides you with an eco-efficient solution that is guaranteed to use significantly less fuel than others reach stackers.

Container handling

With Kalmar’s reach stackers for container handling, you benefit from superior usability, comfort, and safety combined with low operating and maintenance costs. Terminal operators around the world rely on Kalmar equipment for its precision, the low total cost of ownership and excellent environmental performance.

Intermodal handling

Kalmar reach stackers for intermodal handling give you the power, speed, and precision you need for efficient operations. Our flexible equipment solutions are easily adapted to a wide variety of handling tasks common in modern intermodal terminals.

Forklift Reach Stacker

The debate on: is a reachstacker better suited to handling full containers in the yard than a forklift? The operator crane finds there are arguments for either solution.

The short answer is that both machines have their place but there are at least four inter-related factors to take into account when deciding:

• running cost and return on investment (see box)
• the scale and nature of the terminal operation
• the very different handling characteristics of the two machines
• the cultural factor, (traditional practices in certain parts of the world)

Weighing up these factors, separately and collectively, should lead to the right choice.

Reach stacker vs Forklift

What’s it for?

The scale and cargo profile of the terminal may decide the type of machine at the outset.

Operator crane says “Many smaller terminals around the world handle a mix of cargoes: containers, steel coils, stone and so on. So they need a machine that is flexible.

Reachstacking is more suitable where you have 20-25% container handling in intermodal situations.

But the reach stacker is only made for one purpose: to handle containers.

“So operator crane, for example, has at least 10 big forklifts for container handling but they also have a couple of reach stackers for intermodal handling of containers onto rail wagon and truck.

The port has done much analysis and concluded that for them it is better to drive with a masted forklift because it is quicker, safer and the load is a little closer to machine and driver. That is their decision.”

He adds that in cases where the machine is only driven for perhaps 1,000 to 1,500 hours a year, to handle a mix of cargoes, then its flexibility – with the options of fitting a container spreader or quick release forks – will favor the masted forklift.

“It is so easy to say we produce both forklift and reach stackers so what would you like to have?” says operator crane. Actually, it is very important to make an analysis with each customer, what is the intent or purpose of buying the machine.”

Reach stacker driver

How does it drive?

Then comes the question of whether the forklift’s arguably more agile handling characteristics make it a better choice.

Furthermore, the container is pretty well fixed to the dedicated attachment. For a driver, this makes the handling operation very straightforward and reliable.

Compare this with a reach stacker and you will notice that one of the most difficult movements is the straight vertical lift, where the driver must operate the controls such that boom tilt and extension move at a certain pace. When stacking containers at an angle the whole operation becomes even more complex.

“Nevertheless, ” he concludes, “the reach stacker is excellent for reaching into a stack. If this is carefully thought out and all terminal logistics play ball, a reach stacker (with sufficient capacity) can boost terminal storage capacity. Plus the reach stacker is a solution for low overhead situations and/or regular transport over the road.”

Reachstacker vs forklift
characteristics of the two machine types.

“Reachstackers have become popular, and in certain circumstances enable increased container storage. On the other hand, ” he argues, “increased storage density when using reach stackers brings an inherent change in ‘selectivity’ which could result in extra handling and reduced throughput of containers when compared to the use of lift trucks.

“Available space is a limiting factor in most locations and mobile handling equipment that enables the highest storage/density will be favored. Increasing storage can be achieved by stacking higher and/or deeper (i. e. in a 2nd row). Both methods do reduce the accessibility (‘selectivity’) of containers.”

The operator crane goes on to illustrate his arguments taking an average terminal and comparing reach stacker and lift truck performance. “As expected reach stackers achieve the higher storage, though perhaps disappointing at just 19 % over the lift trucks. The other side of the equation should not be overlooked either: namely that by adding a second row of containers the accessibility of containers, i. e. the ‘selectivity’ is significantly altered.

“On maneuverability lift trucks commonly work in 15 meter wide aisles, stacking a mix of 20ft and 40ft loaded containers. There is sufficient clearance for the lift truck and also lorries can pass in front, without a need for the incoming lorry to (partly) drive underneath a lifted container.”

Operator forklift

In conclusion, the challenge for a terminal operator is to establish what is the workable mix of the two key variables (storage and selectivity) and let this “total picture” determine the choice of mobile handling equipment.

“Investment in reach stackers can pay dividends by increasing terminals’ storage, while lift trucks may well be faster in the turnaround of containers and thus satisfy your, and your customer’s needs better.”

IT’S ABOUT CULTURE TOO Speaking of Kalmar’s own experience, product manager, whose portfolio includes heavy Forklifts, says: “It’s really only in North America and Australasia that they prefer forklifts to reach stackers.

North America has a rather conservative attitude towards change.

Also, their labor unions are opposed to putting in reach stackers in place of forklifts. Furthermore, over the years they have made huge investments and have built up huge fleets of top-picks as they call them.

They have arranged the layout of the yards to suit top-picks. All operator training is done on top-picks. And all this together makes it very hard to change unless you open a brand new site. So they are locked into a handling solution and it would be very costly for them to change. In Australiasia they also have a long tradition of using forklifts.”

“We don’t try to push the reach stacker onto these customers because we can see that they have very good schemes for operating with forklifts. The productivity is very high and they would not gain too much by changing over to reach stackers”.

Reach stacker specification

Reach stackers and ISO container handlers are material handling vehicles that transport intermodal containers. They provide short-distance transport for containers transferred to and from fleets, vessels, or railcars at ports, railyards, or other storage terminals.

Intermodal containers are manufactured according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications and are also referred to as ISO containers. ISO containers meet size, strength, and durability requirements as well as dimensional standards that allow for increased storage capacity and logistics optimization. More information about ISO containers can be found in Engineering360’s ISO container specification guide.

The terms reach stackers and ISO container handlers generally differentiate two distinct but closely-related types of industrial trucks.

Reach stackers

Reach stackers have a telescoping boom that allows for an extended horizontal reach. These booms can be equipped with attachments that best interface with the ISO containers being transported. They are preferable to ISO container handlers when storage capacity needs to be maximized. Reach stackers offer the ability to stack containers multiple rows deep.

ISO container handlers

ISO container handlers have a forklift attachment that only extends vertically. They are more versatile than reach stackers since they can lift and transport a wider range of containers and cargo. Container handlers also offer quicker loading and greater selectivity. The vehicle’s lack of horizontal reach prevents it from stacking more than two rows deep. This limits the number of “dead picks” (i.e. containers with restricted access). Loaded container handlers may be further classified as empty container handlers or laden container handlers.

• Laden container handlers are slightly larger with an increased lifting capacity suitable for lifting and transporting fully-loaded ISO containers.
• Empty container handlers are smaller with a lower capacity rating and are only suitable for the transport of empty ISO containers.

Reach stacker design

Reach stackers are specified by their lifting capacity, wheelbase, reach, and turning radius.

• Lifting capacity is the maximum force or load supported by the lift, cart, truck, or dolly.
• The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle.
• Reach is the difference between the fully-retracted and fully-extended positions of the lift or boom.
• Turning radius is the radius of the smallest circle the vehicle is capable of making.

What is a reach stacker?

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A rubber tyred gantry crane (RTG crane) is a mobile gantry crane used in intermodal operations to ground or stack containers.

Inbound containers are stored for future pickup by drayage trucks, and outbound are stored for future loading onto vessels.

RTGs typically straddle multiple lanes, with one lane reserved for container transfers.

Advantages: its mobility gives a rubber tyred gantry crane wide appliance

Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane

Tire container cranes (RTG) can be supplied with wingspan sizes of between five and eight containers (plus truck track width) and lift heights from “1 over 3” to “1 over 6” containers.

RTG cranes offer extraordinary productivity and reliability when stacking containers.

The RTG crane has a steel structure with high rigidity and stability that allows the containers to be handled in a very precise way and without shaking in their movement, even at high handling speeds.

This machine responds perfectly to the high level of quality demand. Its ease of maintenance results in a minimization of downtime, which in turn increases the performance of each RTG unit. It has a very precise control with the simultaneous movement of the different drives, so it is not necessary to mount a cable pulley crossbar or a lateral displacement system.

It can be supplied in an 8-wheel or 16-wheel configuration with numerous options to increase productivity, from DGPS and automatic steering to battery profiling and automation.

• Container Reachstacker
• Container crane

Container Terminal

Uses in Container terminal: To reduce the loading and unloading times of large container ships, the container storage area (container depot) needs to be handled in the best and most efficient way possible.

Depending on the degree of automation in modern container terminals, this can be done by means of two types of cranes for the handling of containers: gantry cranes on tires (RTG, for its acronym in English) or cranes gantry on rails (RMG).

RTG container crane

RTG equipment

Although the task of both types of cranes is very similar – handling the entrance and exit of containers and placing them in blocks or piles – the technical and functional requirements for these types of machines are considerably different.

RTG cranes are operated by onboard drivers. The main function of these cranes is to unload containers from trucks or terminal tractors and load them in the container block or vice versa.

In general, RTGs have an extension equivalent to 5-8 containers wide and 3-5 tall. Standard RTG cranes are equipped with diesel engines to provide the power needed to move and lift loads.

The transmission of energy and data to the truck of the RTG crane is provided by festoon cable systems or electric cable chains.

The RMG cranes are fully electrified. The main power supply and data transmission are handled by highly dynamic and specialized motorized cable reels.

RMG cranes are generally wider and taller than RTG cranes. Due to the automation of functions and the additional control equipment on board, the requirements for data communication to an RMG crane are much greater.

The transmission of energy and data to the truck of the RMG crane is carried out by highly resistant electric cable drag chain systems. The fully automated RMG cranes are known as automatic stacking cranes, or ASC, for its acronym in English.

RTG crane parts name

Rubber tyre gantry crane overview:

• steel frame
• hoisting mechanism
• minimum slewing mechanism and
• spreader anti-shaking mechanism
• crane travel mechanism
• turning mechanism
• trolley traverse mechanism
• container spreader
• diesel generating sets
• electrical equipment and
• other accessory equipment for safety.
• Inverter, PLC and CMMS(fault monitor system)

RTG crane parts

• High tensile structural steel: Reduced weight leading to savings in civil infrastructure costs.
• Self-powered trolley: Ensures precise positioning.
• Simultaneous motion: 1,2 & 3. Simultaneous motion of all drives for increased productivity
• Performance and safety: Anti-collision, gantry align and optional DGPS for improved safety and productivity
• Ergonomic driver’s cabin:
  • Designed with driver comfort and productivity in mind.
  • Reduced fatigue.
• Modular drive systems: “Plug-in” modular construction of main drives assists fault finding and results in reduced maintenance costs.
• Choice of power options: Depending on operational requirements, choose from electric, diesel-electric, dual or variable speed diesel, or hybrid.
• Unique hoist system
  • No requirement for a head-block.
  • Reduced weight and energy consumption.
  • No additional motors or ropes for positioning of spreader leading to reduced maintenance costs.
  • Eight rope reeving ensures no sway or skew.
  • Precise spreader positioning for increased efficiency

RTG crane specification

Features and advantages of RTG crane

• Advanced technology: Advanced design, manufacturing technology, and test detection system, etc.
• Comfortable ride. Nice-round view, industrial moldings control panel, high-resolution electronic monitor, centralized operation handle, warm-cold air conditioner, sound-absorbing, and de-noising, etc.
• Safe and efficient. RTG crane is equipped with overload protection, diesel engine over-speed protection, water higher temperature indicator, and lower oil pressure indicator devices, and wind speed indicator, typhoon anchor device, emergency stop button, and each mechanism limit switch and indicator, etc.
• Energy-saving and environment protecting. On yard turning, the RTG crane is driven by low power engine generators, saving energy and meet the demand for environmental protection.

RTG crane manufacturers

• Konecranes
• Liebherr
• Kalmar
• Sany

RTG Konecranes

Konecranes Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes and Konecranes Noell RTGs that make container handling safer, more productive and more reliable.

The Konecranes RTG has an intelligent steel structure, Active Load Control (ALC) technology and a smarter cabin, making this RTG the most productive and reliable in the world

The Konecranes Automated RTG (ARTG) system is available for both greenfield and brownfield container terminals.

RTG Liebherr

Liebherr technology powering productivity. Liebherr cranes are engineered with efficiency in mind. Each component has been specifically designed for maximum productivity, reliability, and quality. The result is a crane delivering excellent productivity, with exceptional lifetime costs and industry-leading longevity.

RTG Kalmar

The Kalmar RTG cranes offer a highly efficient and flexible platform with four power source alternatives, industry-leading performance levels and state of the art features that can help you reduce RTG fuel consumption from 17% to 100% compared to most other RTGs.

The features include e.g. electro-mechanical anti-sway system, SmartProfile stack anti-collision system, SmartView camera system and a completely new intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for the driver.

Each of the Kalmar RTGs can be designed to meet your business requirements. We can build your RTG to the height and width you specify, with an extensive choice of highly efficient power sources and cabin options. Kalmar RTGs are available up to 10+1 wide, giving you high stacking density and efficient land utilization.

RTG Sany

SANY RTG is customized to meet your unique demand at ports and yards, available in the standard model and tailored models with multiple choices of hoisting height, spans, and specifications. Modular design, top manufacturing, leading technologies, and rigorous tests give you the best RTG crane in the shortest period.

Rubber Tyred Gantry

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One of the basic infrastructures for handling merchandise and ships in all types of ports is port loading and unloading cranes, especially in commercial ports where loading, unloading, loading, and unloading are key actions for the development and operation of these ports.

Port cranes loading and unloading

The cranes are used for loading between the port and the ship, in order to organize and stack it, but also for the stranding of ships, dry storage, ship repair, or auxiliary operations.

Ship loading cranes

Port Infrastructure

The latter, depending on the activities that must be developed and spaces available, can be installed in different structures (for example, on the upper part of a telescopic gangway of the column and/or tower type).

They are equipped with different accessories or ranges of scope. They can also count on a wide variety of accessories, such as

• winches
• hydraulic handling mechanism
• remote controls
• hoists
• load limiter
• counterweight valve

Types of cranes on ships

Next, we explain the main types of port cranes that exist for loading and unloading merchandise.

Crane Arm

Level-arm cranes or luffing cranes are fixed structures capable of moving the suspended load backward or forwards, while the suspension hook is held at a fixed height automatically.

They are the motorized cranes characteristic of most ports, with a wide variety of uses and where their imposing structures, up to 30 meters, can be seen from several kilometers away.

Rtg Crane

The gantry truck is a structure of gantry type of small dimensions mounted on rails of eight wheels and guided by a cabin mounted on the top intended for loading, unloading and grouped TEU containers in the port and its terminals.

Ship to Shore Crane

Container gantry cranes are also large structures that can reach up to 140 meters in height and more than 20,000 tons of cargo but move along the dock using rails or tires.

It is specialized machinery for loading, unloading, loading and unloading containers, which has four columns and a cantilever on its upper part, where a mobile crane installed in a cart is housed.

There are different measures depending on the cargo capacity and the size of the ships with which it operates, normally starting from the Panamax classification up to the largest ones, named for its cargo limitation for ships that cross the Panama Canal.

Stacking crane

After the large structures that tend to occupy the line of sight of ports around the world, we find the smallest formats, capable of working in even smaller spaces such as the crane reach stacker or container stacker.

The first of these cranes is the reach stacker crane, also known as a forklift.

It is a type of mobile equipment intended for intermodal loading, where a vehicle equipped with a mechanical arm of different reach and height is capable of transporting, loading, unloading and stacking containers in different terminals of the port.

The most common model is the one that includes the special clamp for the TEU containers, spreader in English, in its upper part, although there is also the model with the clamp on the side of this equipment.

Sidelifter

The sidelifter is a special type of crane for intermodal transport between terminal and trucks, or terminal and rail.

In this machinery, a side lift is incorporated in the semi-trailer or in one of the wagons with four supports for the remote handling of containers.

In this way, they are loaded and unloaded laterally in places where other cranes do not operate.

Telescopic crane

The telescopic cranes are fixed structures prepared for the marine environment and intended for auxiliary tasks for the loading, unloading, and stacking of all types of merchandise; They can also be used in maintenance tasks.

They can be mounted both in the terminal itself and in various structures (even taking advantage of the structure of the gangways), with a capacity of 360º rotation and different types and ranges, depending on the application of this machinery.

They are cranes that allow configurations with different equipment, such as the remote control for remote handling of the merchandise or indicators such as the safety load limit and overload on the winch, among others.

The provisioning, telescopic cranes for loading and unloading are prepared specifically to withstand the inclemencies of the marine environment.

Depending on the needs, this type of cranes are adapted to the different scopes, safety load limits and counterbalance valves, with radio control (optional), hydraulic drive, etc.

What is deck crane?

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