In industrial production and construction, cranes are essential for lifting, transporting, and positioning heavy loads. Among the most widely used types are grues à portique et overhead bridge cranes. While both serve similar functions, their structural design, working principles, and applications differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right crane solution for your operation.
Structural Differences
Grues à portique
A gantry crane is characterized by its dual-leg support system, forming a shape similar to a “gate.” This freestanding design provides excellent stability and high load-bearing capacity. Gantry cranes typically consist of:
- Upper structure: main girder and lifting mechanism
- Lower structure: supporting legs and traveling mechanism
>Learn more about KRC Gantry Cranes
Overhead Bridge Cranes
An overhead bridge crane is supported by parallel runway beams installed on the building structure. The crane bridge spans across these beams, allowing wide coverage and reliable lateral stability. Its structure includes:
- Crane bridge (single or double girder)
- End carriages (support system)
- Hoist or trolley mechanism
- Long-travel motion system
>Explore our Overhead Bridge Crane Solutions
Domaines d'application
Grues à portique
Best suited for large-scale outdoor lifting operations, gantry cranes are widely used in:
- Ports and shipyards
- Steel plants and fabrication yards
- Large construction sites
Due to their robust support legs, gantry cranes handle loads up to hundreds of tons and can span wide working areas【Cranes Today Industry Report†source】.
Overhead Bridge Cranes
Idéal pour indoor precision handling, overhead bridge cranes are commonly used in:
- Manufacturing plants
- Warehouses
- Assembly workshops
They provide high flexibility and efficiency in confined spaces and can be customized for specific production processes.
Operational Differences
Gantry Crane Operation: Typically powered by electric hoists or winches, with adjustable lifting speeds and anti-tilt protection. They operate along ground-level rails or wheels.
Bridge Crane Operation: Utilizes an electric hoist or trolley moving across the crane bridge, enabling vertical lifting and horizontal travel. Safety features include limit switches, overload protection, and wireless remote control【OSHA Crane Safety Guidelines†source】.
Cost and Practical Considerations
| Aspect | Grues à portique | Overhead Bridge Cranes |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Cost | Higher (requires ground rails/legs) | Lower (uses existing building frame) |
| Capacité de charge | Very high (up to hundreds of tons) | Medium to high (typically ≤ 100t) |
| Space Utilization | Requires larger footprint | Maximizes indoor floor space |
| Flexibility | Mobile (can be relocated) | Fixed to building structure |
For heavy-duty industrial needs, see our Systèmes de grues intelligentes, integrating automation and safety.
Conclusion
Both grues à portique et overhead bridge cranes are indispensable lifting solutions, each excelling in different environments:
- Gantry cranes are the go-to choice for outdoor, heavy-duty applications requiring wide spans and large capacities.
- Overhead bridge cranes are more economical and practical for indoor use, offering precision handling with minimal floor space requirements.
Selecting the right crane depends on your site conditions, load requirements, and workflow needs. For tailored solutions, explore KRC’s full range of lifting equipment, from Grues à flèche à Treuils industriels.
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