With global trade continuing to grow, traditional cargo handling methods can no longer meet the demands of fast and reliable container transfer. This is where intermodal crane comes into play, becoming essential equipment for ports, rail yards, and intermodal transport hubs. Designed specifically for container handling, our intermodal cranes include RMG and RTG cranes, providing seamless solutions for transferring containers between ships, trucks, and trains while maximizing operational efficiency and safety.
Intermodal Crane Types: RMG and RTG Solutions
Intermodal cranes are vital for efficient container transfer between ships, trucks, and trains. The two main types – Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes and Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes – offer distinct advantages for different operational needs.
RMG Intermodal Crane
Fixed rail tracks, the intermodal RMG crane is ideal for railway freight terminals, intermodal container yards, ports with rail connections.
Specifications:
- Lifting capacity: 30t, 35t, 40.5t, 45t, 50t (customizable)
- Span: 18-35m (customizable)
- Lifting height: 12.3-21m (customizable)
- Work duty: A6-A8
RTG Intermodal Crane
Mounted on rubber tires, the intermodal RTG crane is suitable for port container terminals, multi-modal logistics hubs, large intermodal yards requiring flexible container handling.
Specifications:
- Lifting capacity: 30t, 35t, 40.5t, 45t, 50t (customizable)
- Span: 18-35m (customizable)
- Lifting height: 12.3-21m (customizable)
- Work duty: A6-A8
Understanding the differences and strengths of each intermodal crane type is essential for selecting the right solution, which will be further clarified in the RMG vs RTG comparison section.
RMG vs RTG Intermodal Cranes: Detailed Comparison
To help you choose the most suitable intermodal crane for your terminal or yard, it’s important to understand the key differences between rail mounted and rubber tyred intermodal gantry cranes.
| Feature | RMG (Rail-Mounted Gantry) | RTG (Rubber-Tyred Gantry) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Fixed on rails, limited to track layout | Moves freely on rubber tires, flexible yard coverage |
| Yard Layout Requirements | Requires rail tracks and planned lanes | Can operate on flat surfaces without tracks |
| Stacking Efficiency | High precision, ideal for dense stacking | Moderate, optimized for flexible operations |
| Operational Flexibility | Limited to rail track paths | High, can adjust routes and positions as needed |
| Typical Applications | Rail yards, fixed-layout intermodal terminals | Port container terminals, multi-modal logistics hubs |
| Investment & Maintenance | Higher initial cost; lower ground maintenance | Moderate cost; requires tire and ground surface maintenance |
| Automation Potential | Compatible with automated rail operations | Supports remote control and stacking automation |
Choosing the Right Intermodal Container Crane
- Select RMG if your operation is rail-focused, with a fixed layout and high-volume container stacking needs. It maximizes space efficiency and ensures reliable, precise handling.
- Select RTG if your yard requires mobility, flexibility, or temporary layouts. RTG cranes excel at dynamic operations, adapting to changing cargo flows and yard configurations.
However, choosing the right type is just the first step. Terminal operators also need to consider additional features and advantages – such as safety systems, automation, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance – that directly impact operational efficiency, long-term costs, and overall performance.
The next section will explore these key features, helping you understand how to maximize the value of your intermodal container gantry crane investment.
Key Features and Advantages of Intermodal Gantry Crane
Advanced Safety Systems
- Anti-collision systems to prevent accidental contact between cranes or containers.
- Overload protection and load monitoring to ensure precise container handling and prevent structural stress.
- Limit switches and emergency stop functions for enhanced operational control.
- Anti-Sway Mechanism to reduce load swing during lifting and transfer, enhancing precision and minimizing the risk of container collisions.
Automation and Remote Operation
- Remote control capabilities allow operators to manage cranes from a safe distance, reducing human exposure to hazards.
- Automated stacking and positioning ensure high precision, minimize container handling errors, and accelerate throughput.
- Integration with terminal operating systems (TOS) enables real-time scheduling, tracking, and yard optimization.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance
- Electric drives and regenerative braking systems lower energy consumption.
- Low-emission or hybrid designs reduce environmental impact, supporting regulatory compliance.
Reliability and Maintainability
- Modular construction facilitates quick replacement of wear parts and reduces downtime.
- High-quality materials and corrosion-resistant finishes ensure long-term reliability in harsh port or yard environments.
By focusing on these advanced features, you can achieve safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective intermodal operations, while maximizing the return on investment for your crane infrastructure.
Intermodal Gantry Crane Project Case
45 Ton Intermodal RMG Crane in Kazakhstan
A logistics company in Kazakhstan required a high-capacity intermodal crane to streamline container transfers between rail and truck, improving the efficiency of cargo exchange.
Challenge: Efficiently handling multiple container sizes within a high-throughput, rail-to-truck operation, while maintaining precision and safety.
Solution: Deployment of a rail mounted gantry crane with:
- Lifting capacity of 45 tons
- Span of 32 meters
- Lifting height of 12.5 meters
- Duty class A6 for heavy and frequent operations
- Cantilever lengths of 8 meters and 5.5 meters for operational flexibility
- Telescopic spreader to lift 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers
Result:
- Seamless handling of 100-120 containers per day.
- Enhanced intermodal transfer speed, reducing turnaround time for both rail and truck operations.
- Improved operational safety and stability with robust structure and precision control systems.
Our One-stop Service For Intermodal Gantry Cranes
Our company offers one-stop solution for intermodal gantry cranes, covering every stage from design and manufacturing to delivery, installation, and after-sales service, ensuring that our clients receive top-notch service throughout the entire process.
Tailored Design That Fits Your Terminal
- We start by understanding your yard layout, container flow, throughput, and operational challenges.
- Our engineers translate this into a intermodal container crane design that is perfectly aligned with your operational needs, from span and lifting height to load capacity and duty class.
Precision Manufacturing with Quality Built-In
- Modern facilities combining advanced production technology and skilled craftsmanship.
- Strict quality control from material selection to final assembly.
- Use of high-grade steel and corrosion-resistant coatings for durability in harsh conditions.
Effortless Delivery and Logistics Management
- Dedicated logistics team coordinating container booking, shipment scheduling, and customs clearance.
- Multi-modal transport options by road, rail, or sea.
- Regular progress updates to ensure cranes arrive securely and on time.
Professional Installation Support for Intermodal Cranes
- Flexible options: remote guidance or on-site installation by our certified engineers.
- Precise alignment, load testing, and safety validation before handover.
Comprehensive After-Sales Service
- 24/7 technical support for troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Preventive maintenance programs to maximize uptime.
- Genuine spare parts supply
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how our tailored solutions can optimize your intermodal operations.
The Diverse Applications of Intermodal Gantry Cranes
Intermodal gantry cranes play a crucial role in various industries, particularly in logistics and port transportation. These cranes are designed to handle containers and cargo in intermodal terminals, where different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, and trucks, converge. Here are some key applications of intermodal gantry cranes:
Container Handling in Ports: One of the primary applications of intermodal cranes is in ports for handling shipping containers, facilitating the efficient transfer of cargo between vessels and the port.
Railway Intermodal Terminals: Intermodal container cranes are utilized in railway intermodal terminals to transfer containers between trains and other modes of transportation. They play a vital role in the integration of rail transport with other modes, such as trucks and ships.
Truck Intermodal Terminals: At truck intermodal terminals, gantry cranes are used to lift and move containers between trucks and other transportation modes. This helps in optimizing the transfer of cargo from road transport to ships or trains.
Distribution Centers: Intermodal cranes can be employed in large distribution centers to manage the efficient movement of containers. They play a crucial role in streamlining the logistics process, ensuring quick and accurate transfers between different transportation modes.
Container Yards: Gantry cranes are often used in container yards where containers are stored temporarily. These intermodal cranes help in organizing and stacking containers efficiently, making it easier to locate and retrieve them when needed.
Cargo Handling at Inland Ports: Inland ports, located away from traditional coastal ports, often use intermodal container gantry cranes to handle containers and cargo. These cranes facilitate the transfer of goods between different modes of transportation, supporting intermodal logistics.
How Does An Intermodal Gantry Crane Work?
Intermodal gantry cranes play a vital role in transferring containers between ships, trucks, and trains, ensuring smooth and efficient intermodal transport. To understand how these cranes work, it’s important to first know their key working components and then see how these systems interact in the actual container-handling process.
Key Working Components of Intermodal Cranes
- Gantry Structure: The gantry structure consists of horizontal girders supported by vertical legs that run along tracks. This design allows the crane to traverse the length of the facility, covering various loading and unloading points.
- Spreaders: Intermodal yard cranes are equipped with specialized spreaders, which are devices attached to the crane’s hoist cables. These spreaders securely grasp and lift containers, ensuring a stable and controlled transfer between different modes of transportation.
- Hoisting System: The hoisting system is responsible for raising and lowering the spreader with precision. It is a crucial component that enables efficient loading and unloading of containers onto and from ships, trucks, and trains.
- Trolley System: The trolley system facilitates horizontal movement along the gantry structure. This system enables the crane to position the spreader accurately over the desired container, optimizing the loading and unloading process.
- Power Supply: Intermodal gantry cranes are typically powered by electricity. The power supply can be provided through a variety of means, such as cable reels, busbars, or conductor rails. This ensures a continuous and reliable source of power for the crane’s operations.
Intermodal Crane Working Process
The working of an intermodal crane involves a systematic sequence of movements to efficiently handle containers:
- Approaching the Container: The gantry crane moves along its designated tracks to the location of the container to be handled.
- Positioning the Spreaders: The trolley system and hoisting system work in tandem to position the spreader precisely over the container.
- Lifting the Container: The hoisting system raises the spreader, securely lifting the container from its current location.
- Horizontal Movement: The trolley system moves the container horizontally, positioning it over the intended mode of transportation (ship, truck, or train).
- Lowering and Release: The hoisting system carefully lowers the container into place. Once securely positioned, the spreader releases the container, completing the transfer process.
If you want to know more about our intermodal cranes, contact us today. Our team is ready to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions for your container handling needs.