Should a 25-ton gantry crane use a single beam or a double beam?
Gantry cranes are widely used in modern logistics, ports and docks, steel structure factories, equipment processing, and various open-air material storage yards due to their advantages such as simple structure, high load-bearing capacity, and convenient installation. When companies need to purchase a 25-ton gantry crane, one of the most frequently asked questions is: should they choose a single-girder gantry crane or a double-girder gantry crane?
This choice not only relates to equipment cost but also affects subsequent usage efficiency, maintenance costs, and the overall operational safety of the project. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the best option for 25-ton lifting requirements from multiple perspectives, including structural features, performance comparisons, project scenarios, and cost investment, helping you find the most suitable configuration among numerous gantry crane products.
Single Girder Gantry Crane
A single-girder gantry crane consists of a main girder, two legs, end beams, and a hoisting mechanism. 25 tons is considered a high-capacity load, therefore the overall structure is more robust than conventional 5t or 10t single-girder cranes.
Main features:- Relatively simple structure and lightweight
- Lower manufacturing and transportation costs
- Faster and more convenient installation and maintenance
- Slightly lower requirements for site foundation
- Suitable for handling small to medium tonnage materials and general working conditions
Double Girder Gantry Crane
For a 25t tonnage vehicle that enters the heavy-duty field, many users' first reaction is: is it necessary to choose a double beam? The answer is not absolute, but rather depends on the working conditions.
- Single-girder gantry cranes: Although designed up to 25 tons, their structural safety margin is relatively limited, making them more suitable for medium-intensity, low-frequency operations.
- Double-girder gantry cranes: Offer a greater safety margin; the double-girder structure effectively distributes stress, resulting in more stable lifting points.
Working class and service life
25-ton applications typically involve large work cycles:- Single beam: generally up to A3–A5
- Double beam: up to A5–A7, or even higher
Lifting height and span
- A double-beam main girder provides greater stability and allows for larger spans and higher lifting heights.
- For example, a double-beam design is more suitable for spans > 30 meters and lifting heights > 12 meters.
Cost input
- Single-beam construction costs are lower, saving approximately 15%–30% of the budget.
- Double-beam construction costs are higher, but has a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs, making the overall investment more economical.
- Single-beam equipment is lightweight and has relatively low foundation requirements.
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Double-beam equipment is heavier and requires a more robust track foundation
Recommended Selection for Different Working Conditions
To help users make a quicker decision, the following suggestions are given based on typical working conditions:
① Steel structure processing and machining workshops: If the lifting involves steel components, molds, equipment parts, etc., and the lifting capacity is large but the working frequency is moderate, a single-girder gantry crane is sufficient.
② Ports, docks, shipbuilding, and heavy equipment assembly: These are mostly high-frequency, heavy-load, and critical lifting operations, requiring a double-girder gantry crane.
③ Open-air material storage yards (steel, concrete components, etc.): If frequent material handling, loading, unloading, and stacking are required, a double-girder crane is recommended. If the site conditions are relatively simple and the operation is discontinuous, a single-girder crane can save costs.
④ Logistics parks and warehouse areas: If it involves fixed-point lifting and discontinuous handling, a single-girder crane is more economical.
⑤ Large-span production lines: If the span exceeds 30 meters, a double-girder gantry crane is suitable.
How to balance budget and needs?
When purchasing gantry cranes, many users struggle with whether their budget warrants a double-girder crane.
We recommend considering the following three aspects:
1. Expected service life ≥ 10 years?
If your equipment is planned for long-term use, the durability advantage of a double-girder crane will become apparent, offering a higher overall cost-performance ratio.
2. Is frequent use required?
For projects with multiple shifts per day, a double-girder crane is a more secure investment.
3. Are you lifting critical equipment or valuable materials?
For large equipment, precision molds, mechanical parts, etc., a double-girder gantry crane is essential.
What Can We Offer?
As a professional gantry crane manufacturer, we offer the following for our 25-ton gantry cranes:
✓ Customized Design
We design single-girder or double-girder structures tailored to your site, span, rails, lifting height, and wind pressure rating.
✓ High-Quality Core Components
Superior main beam welding process
Optional anti-sway system
Remote Monitoring and Intelligent Protection
European-style trolley and frequency converter control for smoother operation
✓ Quality Assurance
We provide national standard inspection reports and non-destructive testing of steel components to ensure the safety and reliability of every gantry crane.
✓ Installation and After-Sales Service
Nationwide on-site installation and commissioning, 24/7 after-sales support to ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment.
✓ Controllable Costs
Whether you choose a single-girder or double-girder gantry crane, we provide the most reasonable solution to maximize your investment value.
