Do you need a portable crane? Try our bespoke mobile gantry system for lifting loads in multiple locations.

Bespoke Mobile Gantry

Our mobile gantry systems are manufactured in our own facilities by our long serving fabricators and engineers. We are able to create a bespoke gantry with a range of options to choose from including the lifting capacity up to 5000kg, heights up to 5 metres and span measurements up to 5 metres. Parking jacks for added stability are a popular option and ideal when the ground is not level. Other options include catenary wires to hold power cables away from moving equipment. Power isolator switches, and possibly colour choice. Our gantries come in blue with 2 of the 4 castors incorporating brakes all as standard. Find out more about the options below.

How a Mobile Gantry Works

Mobile gantries are a lifting framework used in lifting applications; they predominantly come in three main parts. Two ‘A’ frame legs and a top cross beam. Cross beams are secured to the top of the ‘A’ frames by 8x grade 8 bolts. These bolts not only enables them to be self erected, but also easily dismantled and put into storage or transported elsewhere in a truck. Four heavy duty, load tested swivel castors are added, 2 of these incorporate brakes and come supplied as standard. All four wheels can be fitted with brakes if you require. These castors enable the gantry to be pushed around to different areas of the workplace where a heavy load needs lifting and moving. The load can be lifted and moved along the beam whilst stationary with the castors locked. You should not attempt to move the gantry around with a susended load.
You can choose to have no wheels at all and instead have plated feet. This could be useful if you would like to use it in a single location where, with the use of the floor plates it can be bolted to the floor.

Measuring up for your Mobile Gantry

When measuring up for a gantry crane we generally ask for the height under the beam measurement and the working span. However if you only have the total height measurement (including the top beam) and/or total span measurements that is fine as we have can precisely calculate both the under beam height and the working span.

It is worth noting that only the largest lifting capacity model of 5000kg can be built with a 5 metre under beam height. For all other models the maximum is 4.5 metres. Typical under beam heights often chosen are 3, 4 or 4.5 metres. Working spans are typically 3, 4 or 5 metres. These are the actual working area sizes (the inner measurements) the outer, overall size will be a little larger depending on the size chosen and the size of steel used which changes according to the safe working load lifting capacity.

Choosing your Mobile Gantry Options

As mentioned above there are a number of optional extras which can be added onto your gantry during the manufacturing process in order to further enhance the crane. These items help to customise your gantry to make it much easier and safer to use whilst ensuring they work with your specific requirements.

Parking Jacks

If you choose this option the jacks will be permanently welded to the gantry frame at the side of each castor. The feet are adjustable; they are wound/screwed up and down so that each individual corner can be adjusted so that the gantry is perfectly level. A spirit level will come in handy here.
The benefits of parking jacks are two fold. Firstly if the ground is uneven the jacks enable easy levelling. Secondly jacks add more stability to the gantry as they extend further out from the main frame.

Castors or Plated Feet

Castors enable the gantry crane to be moved around and therefore is ideal for areas where loads need to be lifted in multiple areas. Our mobile gantries come with 2 standard swivelling castors and 2 braked castors which also swivel for easier steering. There is an option to have all 4 castors braked if you would prefer the additional safety. The braked must always be applied for the lifting process to prevent the gantry from moving and getting out of control and/or become unstable and tip.
If you will only be using the crane in one position then you may wish to consider the plated feet option. These can be bolted into the ground for a semi-permanent lifting gantry.

Catenary wires and festoon systems

Catenary systems are where a tensioned wire rope is added to the top beam, extending out somewhat. Festoons systems are where suspenders are attached to the catenary. This system enables power cables from electric hoists and trolleys for example to be safely held out of the way. Thus prevent damage that would occur if they were to get stuck in any moving parts.

Isolators & Knockout boxes

Isolator switches and knockout boxes are added to a mobile gantry in order to protect the equipment and users. They are used for quickly isolating/knocking out all power supply should an issue occur. Sockets connections can also be added.

Crane Accessories

We have a collection of popular crane accessories  to compliment your mobile gantry. Beam trolley, chain block and electric hoist options are all readily available from our own trusted Delta range.

Uses of a Mobile Gantry

Utilised in many areas our mobile lifting gantries are predominantly used where loads need lifting in different areas. This is due to the fact that they are ‘mobile’ and can be easily moved around the site to wherever they may be needed. A lifting gantry will often be observed in manufacturing plants, construction sites, dockyards, packaging plants, engineering works, distribution centres and many more.
We have supplied our bespoke gantries to small businesses, huge corporations and famous enterprises; Lotus sports cars were very happy with their custom gantry, designed to lift their team Lotus sports car at a specialist car show. It should be noted, however, that these gantry systems should NOT be moved whilst loaded.– This is because the movement would make the load move/sway which could cause the gantry to become unstable and topple over.

Mobile Lifting Gantry Maintenance

The general maintenance of a mobile gantry crane is relatively simple. Regular checks should include always ensuring the beam runway is clean and clear of debris. Parking jacks should be lubricated and tighten securely. The castors should be kept clean and well lubricated, should move freely and the brakes lock securely.
It is also wise to regularly check for other issues which may affect the safety of the gantry such as. Loose bolts which should be regularly checked and tightened if necessary. If distorted steelwork and/or cracked weld joints are noted then do not use the gantry. Always refer to a specialist. All gantries must undergo a thorough inspection annually by a qualified person and records of these inspections must be kept on record.

Build your Mobile Gantry Today

If you are happy with the above information and wish to go ahead and order your bespoke gantry simply get in touch by phone or email. We will discuss your key requirements and often ask what you need your gantry to achieve. Then we need the safe working load you would like along with the sizes. We take our measurements for the working area, so the height is for under the beam (not total height) and the span is for the working beam spanning area (not total width). This is to ensure you have the working area required to handle your loads. The overall dimensions will be a little more. (ask if you need them as they change for each size due to different steel dimensions used).
You can then let us know if you require any additional options. The process is quick and easy, and we can work out your quote based on up to date steel prices. From this point our gantries can take anything between 7 to 21 days to manufacture and deliver. So let us know if you have a dead line and we will do our best to accommodate it.