In modern road and bridge construction, the demand for efficient, flexible, and safe lifting equipment has never been higher. Among all lifting solutions used on construction sites, mobile gantry cranes – often referred to as rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) or portable gantry cranes—have emerged as one of the most practical tools for on-site concrete structure handling. Whether lifting precast concrete beams, slabs, columns, or box culverts, mobile gantry cranes provide a powerful combination of mobility, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness that traditional fixed cranes simply cannot match.
As infrastructure projects grow in scale and complexity, construction companies are increasingly turning to mobile gantry cranes to streamline workflow, reduce equipment downtime, and ensure the safe handling of heavy concrete components. This article explores the key functions, advantages, applications, and considerations associated with using mobile gantry cranes for on-site concrete structure handling.
1. Why Mobile Gantry Cranes Matter for Concrete Handling
Concrete structures – especially precast components – are heavy, bulky, and often require precise positioning. In road and bridge construction projects, these elements may include:
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Precast bridge beams and girders
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Precast pier caps and columns
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Concrete slabs and deck panels
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Box culverts and tunnel sections
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Precast retaining wall panels
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Concrete barriers and road dividers
Handling such components safely is critical. Mobile gantry cranes play an essential role because they:
1.1 Support flexible on-site lifting
Unlike fixed gantry cranes or tower cranes, mobile gantry cranes can be relocated easily throughout the construction site, allowing contractors to perform lifting tasks at multiple points without needing additional infrastructure.
1.2 Reduce dependency on large crawler or mobile cranes
Crawler cranes are powerful but expensive and slow to reposition. Mobile gantry cranes offer similar lifting capacity in many cases, with far better mobility and lower rental or operating costs.
1.3 Enhance on-site productivity
Their quick positioning, stable lifting performance, and ability to adapt to uneven ground conditions allow teams to complete handling tasks faster, reducing project delays caused by crane availability issues.
1.4 Support safe, controlled lifting
Mobile gantry cranes are equipped with advanced control systems—often including VFD controls, anti-sway technology, and remote operation—helping operators place heavy concrete structures with precision and stability.
2. Types of Mobile Gantry Cranes Used in Concrete Handling
Different styles of mobile gantry cranes are used depending on project needs.
2.1 Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG)
These are the most widely used mobile gantry cranes for heavy concrete structures. Featuring:
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Rubber tyres for movement across job sites
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Hydraulic or electric drives
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High lifting capacities, often from 20 tons to 500+ tons
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Wide spans capable of straddling precast beams, concrete molds, or transport trucks
These RTG gantry cranes are ideal for road and bridge builders who frequently relocate components across wide construction areas or precast yards.
2.2 Portable A-Frame Mobile Gantry Cranes
A-frame portable gantries are smaller, lighter systems often used for lifting smaller concrete elements, reinforcement cages, or casting molds. Their advantages include:
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Quick assembly and dismantling
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Adjustable height and span
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Low cost
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Easy maneuverability with casters or small rubber wheels
They are suitable for light-duty lifting and positioning tasks on building sites.
2.3 Trackless Mobile Gantry Cranes
Trackless gantries use integrated wheels and are completely free of ground rails. They are widely used in precast concrete yards, tunnel prefabrication sites, and bridge segment plants due to their flexibility in navigating complex layouts.
3. Key Features of Mobile Gantry Cranes for Concrete Structure Handling
Modern mobile gantry cranes are engineered with specialized features that meet the demanding requirements of concrete construction.
3.1 High load capacity
Mobile gantry cranes can handle a wide range of concrete elements:
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Light-duty components: 5–20 tons
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Medium-duty precast items: 20–100 tons
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Heavy beams & bridge components: 100–500 tons or more
For instance, lifting precast bridge girders often requires double-girder mobile gantry systems with synchronized hoists.
3.2 Strong mobility and maneuverability
Most mobile gantry cranes use:
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360° steering modes
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Crab steering
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Diagonal steering
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Pivot or spot turning modes
These steering options help the crane move efficiently in tight spaces and navigate around obstacles on uneven or busy construction sites.
3.3 Precision lifting and positioning
Concrete structures must be handled carefully to avoid chips, cracks, or alignment errors. Features such as:
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VFD drive control
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Anti-sway systems
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Synchronized lifting for dual-hoist setups
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Remote control operations
ensure accurate and gentle material handling.
3.4 High stability in outdoor conditions
Road and bridge projects are often exposed to:
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Strong winds
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Rough terrain
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Temperature fluctuations
Mobile gantry cranes are designed to withstand outdoor environments, with wind-proof locking devices, reinforced structures, and durable tyres.
3.5 Easy assembly and disassembly
Their modular design allows quick installation or relocation, helping contractors adapt to fast-changing site requirements.
4. Advantages of Using Mobile Gantry Cranes for On-Site Concrete Handling
4.1 Enhanced operational flexibility
Being able to lift concrete elements anywhere on the site drastically improves logistics efficiency. Precast beams or slabs can be lifted directly from transport trucks, moved across the job site, or placed into their final positions without additional handling steps.
4.2 Lower overall project cost
Mobile gantry cranes reduce:
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Equipment rental costs
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Labor costs
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Transport costs
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Delays associated with repositioning large gantry cranes
Their energy-efficient electric drive systems also contribute to long-term savings.
4.3 Faster installation of concrete components
When lifting multiple precast concrete elements each day—such as bridge beams or large slabs—the mobility and quick cycle times of gantry cranes significantly accelerate project schedules.
4.4 Improved safety
Mobile gantry cranes reduce the need for manual rigging or dangerous lifting angles. Operator visibility is also enhanced since many cranes use wireless remote systems.
4.5 Ideal for precast construction methods
Precast concrete construction is now standard in infrastructure projects. Mobile gantry cranes perfectly complement this approach by:
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Moving precast elements from casting areas to storage
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Transporting beams to installation zones
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Assisting with placement during erection
They enable a seamless workflow from precast production to on-site installation.
5. Applications in Road and Bridge Construction
Mobile gantry cranes are used in a wide range of on-site lifting tasks, including:
5.1 Bridge girder lifting
Handling prestressed concrete girders such as:
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T-beams
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I-beams
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U-beams
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Box girders
Mobile gantry cranes can straddle transport trucks, lift beams directly, and place them on supports or launch girders.
5.2 Precast slab and deck panel installation
Ideal for quickly setting deck slabs in highway or overpass construction.
5.3 Culvert and tunnel segment handling
They efficiently move heavy precast box culverts or tunnel lining segments around the site.
5.4 Column and pier cap lifting
Frequently used in building elevated metro lines, viaducts, and highway bridges.
5.5 Precast yard operations
They handle molds, reinforcement cages, fresh concrete components, and finished products.
6. Choosing the Right Mobile Gantry Crane for Concrete Handling
When selecting a mobile gantry crane, contractors should consider:
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Lifting capacity and height requirements
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Span needed to straddle beams or molds
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Ground conditions on the construction site
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Steering and mobility requirements
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Power source (diesel, electric, hybrid)
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Control method and safety systems
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Custom add-ons for concrete handling such as spreader beams or lifting tongs
Working with an experienced crane supplier ensures proper customization and safe, efficient performance.
Conclusion
Mobile gantry cranes have become indispensable in road and bridge construction, particularly for on-site concrete structure handling. Their mobility, versatility, and ability to lift heavy precast components make them an ideal choice for modern infrastructure projects. As construction companies increasingly adopt precast and modular methods, the demand for advanced mobile gantry cranes will continue to grow. With the right equipment and proper planning, contractors can significantly improve efficiency, safety, and overall project performance.