The semi-gantry crane, also called a half gantry crane, is a flexible material handling solution designed for restricted factory structures and diverse operational requirements. Combining the overhead space utilization advantages of bridge cranes with the stable, reliable ground support of gantry cranes, this equipment enables safe, smooth, and efficient lifting operations without requiring a full bridge structure or dual-side gantry legs.
Based on different application scenarios, Weihua offers configurations of semi-gantry cranes featuring single-beam or double-beam structures, various hoisting mechanisms, and intelligent control systems. Customized designs are available to accommodate diverse load ratings, operating frequencies, and site layout requirements, providing customers with comprehensive lifting solutions that balance performance, cost, and scalability.
Semi-gantry cranes can be configured in various forms depending on the factory structure, lifting capacity, and frequency of use. Different types have different strengths in terms of load capacity, operational stability, and applicable scenarios. The following are some common types.
Single Girder Semi Gantry Cranes are primarily used for lifting and transporting materials in factory workshops, warehouses, and production areas. One side runs along a ground track, while the other side operates along the factory building’s beam structure. Its features include a compact structure, light weight, stable operation, low requirements for factory building load-bearing capacity, and lower installation and maintenance costs. It is suitable for situations with limited space, moderate usage frequency, and where investment costs need to be controlled.
The Double Girder Semi Gantry Crane features a double-girder structure, offering strong load-bearing capacity and stable operation. It is suitable for applications requiring heavy lifting, frequent use, or high safety standards. It is primarily used in factory workshops, heavy processing areas, and warehouses for lifting and transferring large-tonnage materials. One side runs on ground rails, while the other side relies on the factory building’s beam structure, saving on civil engineering costs.
The Rail-Mounted Semi-Gantry Crane uses a rail-guided system, ensuring smooth operation and high load capacity. It is suitable for applications requiring frequent operation, long travel distances, and high operational stability. It is primarily used for lifting and transferring materials along fixed routes within factories, warehouses, and production lines. One side runs along the factory building’s beam structure, while the other side travels on ground-level steel rails, providing a clear travel path and precise positioning, making it ideal for continuous operation. It can be customized according to lifting capacity, rail type, span, and site conditions.
Semi-gantry cranes have a stable structure and are used in various working conditions such as workshops and warehouses. Understanding the main components will help you determine if the equipment configuration is suitable for your site’s needs. The following are the core components of a semi-gantry crane:
Main Beam: The main load-bearing structure of the crane, supporting the weight of the lifted materials and ensuring overall stable operation. Single-beam or double-beam configurations can be selected based on the lifting capacity and working conditions.
Lifting Mechanism: Composed of a motor, reducer, drum, wire rope, and braking system, it is responsible for lifting and lowering materials, ensuring smooth operation and continuous daily work.
Trolley: Mounted on the main beam, it runs along the beam to move the hook horizontally, precisely positioning the materials.
Legs and Traveling Mechanism: One side of the legs travels on ground rails via wheels, bearing the main load; the other side is connected to the factory building beam structure through an end beam, ensuring stable operation.
Electrical and Control System: Used for crane operation control and safety protection, with options for ground control, remote control, or cab operation, providing intuitive and reliable operation.
The semi gantry crane has three basic movements: lifting, lateral movement, and longitudinal travel, allowing for the lifting and transfer of materials within the workshop.
During operation, the lifting mechanism drives the hook to lift and lower materials; the trolley mounted on the main beam moves along the main beam to adjust the lateral position of the material; one side of the entire machine travels on ground rails via wheels, while the other side relies on the factory building’s beam structure, enabling the crane to move along the length of the workshop and cover the entire working area.
This operating method combines the space utilization efficiency of a bridge crane with the stability of a gantry crane without requiring a complete gantry structure, making it suitable for workshops with limited space or for renovation projects.
To help you understand the configuration range and applicable working conditions of the Semi Gantry Crane, the following table summarizes common parameters. Specific specifications can be customized based on factory structure, lifting capacity requirements, and operating environment.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 1–50 tons (customizable) |
| Span | 6–30 m (customizable) |
| Lifting Height | Designed according to building height |
| Working Duty | A3–A6 |
| Crane Traveling Speed | 20–40 m/min |
| Trolley Traveling Speed | 20–45 m/min |
| Lifting Speed | According to capacity |
| Power Supply | 380V / 50Hz / 3Ph (customizable) |
| Control Method | Pendant control / Remote control / Cabin |
| Installation Type | Ground rail + building beam support |
Semi-gantry cranes feature a compact structure and stable operation, making them suitable for projects with limited space or factory renovations. They are applied in the following scenarios:






Semi-gantry cranes can be customized according to factory structure, material weight, and operating conditions. Proper configuration of various parameters can improve operational efficiency and ensure safety and reliability. Common customization options include:

When choosing lifting equipment, factory space, investment costs, and installation conditions are key factors. Semi-gantry cranes, overhead cranes, and gantry cranes differ in their structural forms and applicable scenarios. The table below provides a comparison from a practical usage perspective to help you choose the most suitable solution.
| Item | Semi Gantry Crane | Overhead Crane | Gantry Crane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Requirement | One side supported by building beam, high space efficiency | Requires full building runway structure | Large footprint with independent legs |
| Initial Cost (Reference Range) | USD 15,000 – 60,000 | USD 10,000 – 50,000 (if building structure is suitable) | USD 30,000 – 150,000+ |
| Installation Conditions | Ground rail + single-side building support | Complete runway beams and sufficient building load capacity | Ground rail, steel structure, and concrete foundation |
| Typical Applications | Existing workshops, retrofit projects | Standard indoor factory buildings | Outdoor yards or areas without buildings |
| Installation Time | Short | Short | Long |
| Operation & Maintenance | Easy maintenance, controlled operating cost | Simple maintenance | Higher maintenance and inspection workload |
Weihua is a manufacturer and supplier of semi gantry cranes with over 37 years of experience in crane design and manufacturing. Our products are CE and ISO certified, ensuring quality and safety that meet international standards.
Weihua’s semi-gantry cranes have been exported to numerous countries and regions worldwide, giving us extensive experience in various engineering projects.
Weihua has a professional engineering team that can provide selection advice and design support during the initial stages of your project. After equipment delivery, we provide installation guidance, technical support, and comprehensive after-sales service, along with a one-year warranty. Please contact the Weihua engineering team; we will customize a suitable solution based on your specific operating conditions.


Weihua, founded in 1988, has evolved into a global leader in China's intelligent manufacturing field. We specialize in smart crane R&D and production while offering AGV solutions. Our professional engineering, delivery, and after-sales teams provide one-stop technical support, customized solutions, on-site installation guidance, and rapid-response global services to ensure every project operates safely and efficiently.
If your workshop has a factory beam structure on one side and limited space, a semi-gantry crane is a practical and economical option.
Semi gantry cranes commonly have a lifting capacity of 1–50 tons, and can be customized according to working conditions.
Yes. Lifting capacity, span, lifting height, control method, and safety features can all be customized according to your needs.
Yes. Semi gantry cranes have a simpler structure, require less investment in civil engineering and steel structures, resulting in lower overall costs.
Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.
The gantry crane is a lifting equipment widely used across various industries, construction sites, ports, warehouses, and other fields. Its unique structure and powerful load-bearing capacity make it ideal for modern heavy-duty material handling. The “gantry” structure design allows the crane to move freely within a space, covering a large working area. So, what makes gantry cranes special? What are their types, parameters, control methods, applications, and working principles? How do they differ from bridge cranes? Let’s explore together. Types of Gantry Cranes Based on design, application, and operating environment, gantry cranes are typically categorized into the following types: Single-Girder Gantry Crane Single-girder gantry cranes are widely used across industrial sectors, warehouses, ports, and workshops. Featuring a single-girder support lifting mechanism, they traverse via side columns and bottom rails. With their simple structure, user-friendly operation, and moderate lifting capacity, they are ideal for handling light to medium loads. Capable of spanning large distances freely, single-girder gantry cranes are suitable for heavy material handling and lifting operations. Double Girder Gantry Crane Compared to single-girder gantry cranes, double-girder gantry cranes offer greater…
In ports, logistics parks, and industrial material handling, Portal Cranes and Gantry Cranes are two common and core loading/unloading equipment types. They differ in structural design, performance characteristics, operating methods, application scenarios, and investment costs. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Portal Crane vs Gantry Crane and guides you in making the right selection. Structural Design Comparison The structural differences between Portal Cranes and Gantry Cranes primarily manifest in load-bearing methods, movement trajectories, and coverage ranges. The former centers on a fixed tower and rotating boom, emphasizing “point coverage” and flexible horizontal rotation. The latter features a portal frame structure and longitudinal rail travel, prioritizing “extensive horizontal movement” and efficient on-site logistics handling. Consequently, their distinct structural designs directly dictate their differing application scenarios. Portal Crane Structural Characteristics Portal slewing cranes employ single/double cantilever boom structures with the tower fixed to foundations or rails, enabling 360° or partial rotation. This configuration enables flexible operation in narrow, elongated spaces such as shorelines, dock fronts, and ship berths, making it particularly suitable for ship-to-shore material handling. Its core functionality combines vertical…
In modern industrial operations, efficient material handling is crucial for maximizing productivity and optimizing workflow. Bridge cranes, also known as overhead cranes or EOT cranes, are fixed material handling systems widely used in manufacturing, metal processing, warehousing, and loading/unloading operations. In this article, we will explore the working principle, main components, applications, and operational benefits of bridge cranes, providing a comprehensive guide for industrial planners and logistics professionals. Bridge Crane Working Principle A bridge crane operates on a bridge-like structure spanning the workspace, with a trolley and hoist system that moves horizontally along the bridge and vertically lifts or lowers loads. The crane’s movement across the runway, combined with precise hoist control, enables efficient and safe handling of heavy materials in factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities. For information on how overhead cranes work, please see this article: Overhead Crane Working Principle: Components, Motion & Operating Process Bridge Crane Terminology The following is an introduction to terminology related to bridge crane parts. Crane Capacity: Crane capacity refers to the maximum weight a bridge crane can safely lift. Typically measured in tons…
An EOT Crane (Electric Overhead Traveling Crane) is an efficient and reliable overhead lifting system used to handle heavy materials in factories, warehouses, workshops, and industrial plants. Running on overhead rails, EOT cranes enable safe and precise three-dimensional movement of loads through coordinated lifting, cross travel, and long travel motions. This article will guide you through EOT crane definitions, types, structure, working principles, applications, and cost factors to help you select the most suitable solution for your lifting needs. How EOT Crane Works? The working principle of an EOT crane involves a combination of vertical lifting, horizontal trolley movement, and longitudinal bridge travel, enabling efficient handling of heavy loads across industrial facilities. The crane operates on elevated runway rails installed along the building structure, with the bridge girder spanning the workspace. The hoist mechanism raises or lowers the load using steel wire ropes or chains, while the trolley moves the load horizontally along the bridge. The entire crane travels longitudinally along the runway rails, enabling three-dimensional positioning of materials. Modern EOT cranes are powered by electric motors with precise speed…
Gantry cranes are widely used in open-air stockyards, shipyards, factories, and construction sites, making them one of the most versatile and extensively applied material handling solutions. Gantry cranes come in various types, each customizable to suit different load capacities, site conditions, and operational requirements. However, selecting the wrong configuration can lead to unnecessary expenses, limited lifting capacity, or future expansion constraints. So, what are the main types of gantry cranes? How do you choose the right type for your application? In this guide, we will provide a detailed overview of different types of gantry cranes based on structure, mobility, and application scenarios, helping you make the right decision before investing in a lifting solution. The article is quite lengthy. Below is our table of contents. Please jump to the corresponding section as needed: What Is a Gantry Crane? Gantry cranes are lifting equipment designed for efficient handling of heavy cargo in large open-air sites. Their signature structure features one or more main beams supported by rigid (or flexible) legs on either side, forming a monumental “gate”-shaped frame. These cranes traverse…