Intermodal RTG crane

The Intermodal RTG Crane is engineered for high-density container handling in rail freight terminals, inland ports, intermodal yards, and logistics hubs. Designed to span multiple rail tracks and truck lanes, it enables efficient container stacking, transfer, and loading operations while maximizing yard utilization and throughput.
Important Parameters
  • Lifting capacity: 30–70t
  • Span: 10–35m
  • Lifting height: 15–30m
  • Working Class: A7-A8

Product Introduction

Intermodal RTG Crane (Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane) is a key piece of equipment serving intermodal logistics scenarios. It is used to achieve efficient transfer of containers between different transportation modes. Its core role is to connect sea, railway, and road transport, supporting fast container transshipment, stacking, and transfer between carriers.

It is the core equipment for intermodal hubs to achieve “seamless transfer”. To learn more about container cranes, read: What Is a Container Crane?

Type
Parts
Specifications

The Intermodal RTG crane, known in Chinese as the Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane (RTG, commonly referred to as a “tire crane”), is the core lifting equipment used in container yard operations at port intermodal hubs. It is typically classified based on its drive system:

 

Diesel-Powered RTG Crane

Traditional Diesel-Powered RTG Crane

Uses a diesel engine as the primary power source, offering high mobility and independence from external power infrastructure, making it suitable for terminals requiring flexible deployment.

  • Lifting Capacity: 35–65 t
  • Span: 23.47–29.10 m
  • Lifting Height: 15–23.5 m
  • Power Source: Diesel Generator Set (400–600 kW)
Electrified RTG Crane

Electrified RTG Crane

Powered by grid electricity through a cable reel or conductor rail system, reducing fuel consumption, operating costs, and emissions.

  • Lifting Capacity: 35–65 t
  • Span: 23.47–29.10 m
  • Lifting Height: 15–23.5 m
  • Power Source: Cable Reel or Conductor Bar Supply
New Energy & Intelligent RTG Crane

New Energy & Intelligent RTG Crane

Integrates electric, hybrid, or automated technologies to support low-emission operation, energy recovery, and intelligent container handling.

  • Lifting Capacity: 35–65 t
  • Span: 23.47–29.10 m
  • Lifting Height: 15–23.5 m
  • Power Source: Lithium Battery, Hybrid System, or Fuel Cell

Parts

Intermodal RTG Crane, also known as Intermodal Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane, is the core equipment for container transfer between different transport modes in intermodal hubs. Its main components and functions are as follows:

Metal Structure Body: Main load-bearing frame, including main beam, gantry legs, bottom beam, and trolley frame, providing structural support and overall stability for the whole machine.

Hoisting Mechanism: Responsible for vertical lifting of containers, using dual-drive units, drum system, and steel wire ropes to ensure stable hoisting performance.

Trolley Traveling Mechanism: Mounted on the main beam rail, enabling horizontal movement of the spreader for precise container positioning and transfer.

Gantry Traveling and Steering System: Controls whole machine movement with multi-wheel drive and steering functions, supporting straight, lateral, and in-situ rotation operations.

Container Spreader System: Telescopic structure for handling standard containers (20ft, 40ft, 45ft), with twist-lock and rotation functions for fast loading and unloading. Type: RTG Crane Spreader,Straddle Carrier Spreader

Power and Electrical Control System: Provides power supply and control via diesel, grid, or hybrid systems, combined with PLC and frequency control for stable operation and monitoring.

Safety Protection System: Includes overload, limit, wind speed, emergency stop, and anti-collision protection to ensure safe operation under all working conditions.

Intermodal RTG Crane is widely used in Port Crane Solutions and Container Yard Equipment scenarios, combining the characteristics of Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane structures to improve Container Handling efficiency and mobility. It is an important part of Port Crane Solutions and Container Yard Equi

Specifications

Intermodal RTG Crane, also known as Intermodal Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane, parameters can be customized according to actual working conditions:

Parameter Category Standard Range
Rated Capacity 35t–40.5t; double-box up to 65t (customizable)
Span 23.47m, 26.50m, 29.10m
Lifting Height 14.9m; 17.7m–18.5m; 20.6m–21.1m; 23.5m
Speed Hoisting: 23/50m/min, 25/55m/min; Trolley: 60–80m/min; Gantry: 20–40m/min (loaded), 70–130m/min (empty)
Acceleration Time Trolley: 4–6s; Hoisting: 2.5–5.5s; Gantry: 8–10s
Structure Class A6–A7; Beam stiffness: 1/750
Gantry System Tire size: 1800-25, 2100-25; 8 or 16 wheels
Diesel Power Diesel engine: 440KW; generator: 530KW
Spreader 20–40ft (45ft optional); rotation: -5°~+275° (Intermodal ±360°)
Wind Resistance Working: 8–10 grade; non-working: 11–12 grade

Note: WEIHUA is a manufacturer and supplier of Intermodal Container Cranes, providing customized solutions based on yard size, workload, and stacking requirements.

Customization Options

An intermodal container crane is a core piece of equipment that enables efficient transfer of standard containers between different transport modes (railway, truck, ship), known as the “handling hub” of logistics terminals. Taking Intermodal RTG (Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane) as an example, customization options are designed around core functional modules to adapt to complex port, yard, or rail station environments.

Steering Modes

Full-wheel steering: each tire can steer independently, supporting 360° rotation and diagonal travel, suitable for limited space yards.
Figure-eight steering: front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, reducing the turning radius for narrow passages.
Crab steering: all wheels move in the same direction for lateral movement and precise positioning.

Power System

Diesel generator set: traditional power source without an external grid, suitable for off-grid or high mobility sites, but with higher noise and emissions.
Cable reel power supply: uses grid power via cable reel, low noise and zero emissions, but limited by cable length.
Lithium battery + supercapacitor system: energy storage solution with energy recovery, suitable for green port applications.

Drive System

Diesel-hydraulic drive: stable output, suitable for heavy duty, higher maintenance cost.
Diesel-electric drive: higher efficiency and lower noise compared to hydraulic systems.
Full electric drive: zero emissions, low noise, lower maintenance, becoming a mainstream trend.

Control System

PLC system: basic logic control for hoisting, traveling, and steering.
Frequency conversion system: stepless speed control for precision and energy management.
Remote control system: operation from the control room via cameras and sensors.

Intelligent Functions

Automatic positioning system: based on GPS, laser, or vision sensors.
Anti-sway system: reduces load swing during lifting.
Condition monitoring system: monitors motors, bearings, and wire ropes.
Yard Management System (YMS) integration: connects with terminal systems for scheduling.

These configurations work together to affect efficiency, adaptability, and intelligence level. Full electric drive combined with a lithium battery system, automatic positioning, and anti-sway functions forms an advanced Intermodal Container Crane solution. Users can select combinations based on site conditions, operation needs, and budget.

Advantages

Intermodal RTG Crane is a core piece of equipment in intermodal yards, used for container transfer between sea, rail, and road transport, with outstanding performance in flexibility, space utilization, and efficiency.

Mobility
rubber-tired structure without fixed rails, flexible movement in yard operations.
Space utilization
6–8 layer stacking capability increases storage density.
Operational efficiency
supports remote and automated operation for faster container turnover.
Environmental adaptability
electric and hybrid systems reduce emissions.

Intermodal RTG Crane shows balanced performance in flexibility, space utilization, efficiency, and environmental compatibility, making it a key piece of equipment in intermodal yards.

Applications

Intermodal RTG Crane is widely used in multiple container logistics scenarios:

Port container yard

stacking, loading, and inter-box transfer between ship, rail, and road.

Rail intermodal hub

container transfer between rail tracks and yard areas without fixed rails.

Inland dry port/logistics hub

supports phased expansion and variable throughput operations.

Container transfer station

flexible deployment for empty container stacking and transfer tasks.

More green and intelligent ports adopt electric RTG cranes and hybrid RTG systems to meet zero-emission requirements.

Selection Guide

When selecting a rubber-tired gantry crane (RTG) for intermodal transport applications, a comprehensive evaluation must be conducted based on a variety of factors.

Industry Application Requirements

Different intermodal terminals have different operational requirements, which directly affect crane selection. Ports typically require high-capacity RTGs for continuous container handling, rail terminals prioritize flexibility and efficient rail-side operations, while inland logistics centers often focus on cost-effective solutions with moderate throughput requirements.

Intermodal Operation Frequency

The intensity of container handling operations determines the required crane configuration. High-volume terminals generally require robust, heavy-duty RTGs for continuous operation, while lower-frequency facilities can benefit from more economical solutions. For applications involving frequent yard transfers, lightweight and highly mobile crane configurations offer greater operational flexibility.

Site Conditions

Yard layout, available space, and ground bearing capacity are key factors in crane selection. Large container yards typically benefit from wide-span cranes that maximize storage density, while smaller or irregular sites may require compact designs. Ground strength should also be evaluated to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Power Supply Options

The available power source affects both operating costs and equipment flexibility. Diesel-powered RTGs offer independent operation, cable reel systems provide continuous power with low operating costs, and battery-powered RTGs combine zero-emission performance with flexible mobility, making them increasingly popular for modern terminals.

Environmental and Climate Conditions

Local environmental conditions influence crane design and protection requirements. Coastal areas often require enhanced wind resistance and corrosion protection, while cold-climate regions may need low-temperature electrical and hydraulic systems. Proper environmental adaptation helps ensure equipment reliability and service life.

The final selection requires a comprehensive, weighted evaluation of all the above factors, balancing equipment performance, initial investment, operating costs, and service life.

Price Factors

RTG Crane price depends on:

  • Lifting capacity: higher capacity increases structural and drive costs.
  • Span: a larger span requires stronger main beam systems.
  • Lifting height: higher stacking needs more complex hoisting systems.
  • Customization: automation, remote control, and special spreaders increase cost.
  • Operating environment: corrosion and extreme climate require a reinforced design.
  • Transport & installation: large equipment logistics and commissioning cost.

Price is determined by specification and application conditions.

Custom Intermodal RTG crane

We offer a full range of customized RTG Cranes for Container Handling services, including Electric RTG Cranes, RTG container cranes, The following is custom options:

  • Load capacity customization (35t-300t)
  • Span, stacking height, and lane configuration customization
  • Power options: Diesel / Hybrid / All-electric / Automated
  • Tire count and steering mode(RTG crane tires are classified as pneumatic and solid.)
  • Intelligent and automated configurations
  • Design tailored for diverse operating conditions in ports, railways, and factories
Get Custom Quotation Now
RTG Crane Diagram

Intermodal RTG Crane Manufacturer and Supplier

WEIHUA is an Intermodal RTG Crane manufacturer and customization supplier, providing structural configuration and system customization based on different yard conditions and operation requirements, including lifting capacity, span, height, and intelligent control systems. It meets high-intensity and diversified application needs in intermodal scenarios.

For equipment selection guidance or customized solutions, please contact us for detailed technical support and quotation information.

Weihua Crane Factory

After-Sales Service

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.

Global Technical Support Team
Delivering remote guidance, on-site commissioning, and operator training to ensure rapid equipment deployment.
Comprehensive Spare Parts & Supply Chain System
Maintaining long-term inventory of critical components to guarantee swift delivery and sustained maintenance.
One-Stop After-Sales Service
Providing end-to-end professional support from installation and commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance Programs
Equipping clients with maintenance manuals to extend crane lifespan and reduce failure rates.
Looking for a reliable crane manufacturer? Weihua will be your trusted partner! Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your project requirements, receive technical advice from our professional engineering team, and obtain a customized quote. Let Weihua leverage its proven manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive service system to deliver efficient, safe crane solutions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure your project's success!

FAQ

What is an Intermodal RTG Crane used for?

It is used for container handling in ports, rail terminals, and inland logistics hubs, covering stacking, loading, and intermodal transfer operations.

What are the main advantages of an RTG Crane?

It offers flexible movement without fixed rails, high stacking capacity, efficient container transfer, and compatibility with different terminal layouts.

How many containers can an RTG Crane stack?

Most RTG cranes can stack 6–8 containers high, depending on design and site conditions.

What power options are available?

Common options include diesel generator sets, cable reel power supply, and battery or hybrid energy systems.

Can RTG Cranes be automated?

Yes, they can be equipped with remote control, automatic positioning, anti-sway systems, and yard management integration.

Customize Your Lifting Solutions

Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.

Please specify your requirement by referring to the following aspects:
  • Which crane product do you need?
  • What is the maximum lifting capacity (in tons) required for your project?
  • Could you specify the lifting height (in meters) needed?
  • Can you provide details on the working environment, such as ground conditions, space limitations, and any obstacles?
  • What is the expected frequency of use and the duration of the project?
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