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?
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:
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.
Powered by grid electricity through a cable reel or conductor rail system, reducing fuel consumption, operating costs, and emissions.
Integrates electric, hybrid, or automated technologies to support low-emission operation, energy recovery, and intelligent container handling.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intermodal RTG Crane shows balanced performance in flexibility, space utilization, efficiency, and environmental compatibility, making it a key piece of equipment in intermodal yards.
Intermodal RTG Crane is widely used in multiple container logistics scenarios:

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

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

supports phased expansion and variable throughput operations.

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.
When selecting a rubber-tired gantry crane (RTG) for intermodal transport applications, a comprehensive evaluation must be conducted based on a variety of factors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RTG Crane price depends on:
Price is determined by specification and application conditions.
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:

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, 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.
It is used for container handling in ports, rail terminals, and inland logistics hubs, covering stacking, loading, and intermodal transfer operations.
It offers flexible movement without fixed rails, high stacking capacity, efficient container transfer, and compatibility with different terminal layouts.
Most RTG cranes can stack 6–8 containers high, depending on design and site conditions.
Common options include diesel generator sets, cable reel power supply, and battery or hybrid energy systems.
Yes, they can be equipped with remote control, automatic positioning, anti-sway systems, and yard management integration.
Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.
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