How to Select a Rubber-Tyred Gantry Crane (RTG)?
The selection of a RTG typically requires a comprehensive assessment of factors such as the operational scenario, load requirements, span, work efficiency, and operating environment. Below is a commonly used selection approach applicable to port container yards, steel yards, prefabricated component yards, and warehousing and logistics facilities. ⚙️🚧
I. Define the Application Scenario
Different application scenarios determine the basic structure and configuration of the RTG.
Common Applications:
1️⃣ Container Yards
Port Terminals
Railway Container Yards
Features:
High Efficiency
High Degree of Automation
2️⃣ Steel/Plate Yards
Steel Mills
Logistics Yards
Features:
Heavy Load
Low Lifting Height Requirement
3️⃣ Precast Components/Pile Yards
Precast Building Plants
Concrete Component Yards
Features:
Large Tonnage
Long Span
II. Determining Key Technical Parameters
1. Rated Lifting Capacity
First, determine the maximum lifting weight.
Common Range:
Application Lifting Capacity
Container RTG 35t – 50t
Steel Yard 20t – 80t
Component Yard 50t – 200t
General Design Principle:
Rated Load ≥ Maximum Lifting Weight × 1.25
2. Span
Span is the distance between the two outriggers.
Common Spans:
Type Span
Container RTG 23m – 35m
Steel Yard 18m – 30m
Component Yard 20m – 40m
Span is typically determined by:
Yard Width
Vehicle Access
Stacking Method
3. Lifting Height
Lifting height depends on the number of stacking layers.
For example:
Container Yard
Number of Stacking Layers Lifting Height
4+1 15m
5+1 18m
6+1 21m
Note:
"+1" refers to straddle-the-truck operations.
4. Operating Speed
Affects operating efficiency.
Common Parameters:
Operating Speed
Lifting 12 – 20 m/min
Trolley Travel 60 – 80 m/min
Trolley Travel 60 – 120 m/min
III. Choosing a Drive Method
There are three main types of tire-mounted crane drives:
1. Diesel Generator Drive
Features:
Independent power supply
Suitable for ports
Advantages:
✔ Independent power grid
✔ High mobility
Disadvantages:
✖ High energy consumption
2. Cable Power Supply
Features:
Energy saving
Environmentally friendly
Suitable for:
Fixed work areas
3. Hybrid RTG
Features:
Diesel + Battery
Advantages:
✔ Energy saving 30%-40%
✔ Low noise
IV. Tire Configuration Selection
Common Configurations:
Number of Tires Type
4 Wheels: Small tire-mounted crane
8 Wheels: Common RTG
16 Wheels Heavy-duty RTGs
The number of tires depends on:
Load capacity
Ground bearing capacity
V. Automation Requirements
Modern yards are increasingly adopting automation.
Optional Configurations:
PLC Control System
Automatic Positioning System
Laser Anti-collision System
Remote Monitoring System
Automatic Stacking System
Automatic RTG enables:
Unmanned Operation
Remote Control
VI. Safety Configuration
Common Safety Systems:
Overload Protection
Wind Speed Alarm
Anti-collision System
Tire Anti-skid System
Limit Protection
Emergency Stop
VII. Parameters Required for Selection
When purchasing a tire crane, manufacturers typically require the following information:
1️⃣ Maximum Lifting Capacity
2️⃣ Spreader Type (Container / Hook / Electromagnetic)
3️⃣ Span
4️⃣ Lifting Height
5️⃣ Number of Stacking Layers
6️⃣ Operating Frequency
7️⃣ Working Environment (Port / Steel Mill / Prefabrication Plant)
8️⃣ Automation Required
9️⃣ Power Supply Conditions
10️⃣ Ground Load Capacity
VIII. Typical Rubber-Rolled Telegraph (RTG) Configuration Example
Port RTG Example
Lifting Capacity: 40t
Span: 26m
Lifting Height: 18m
Stacking: 5+1
Tires: 8 wheels
Drive: Diesel generator