RTG Container Crane

RTG container crane (Rubber Tyred Gantry crane, abbreviated as RTG or rubber-tyred gantry) is a core mobile lifting equipment in ports and container yards for container handling, stacking, and transfer. It is widely used in port terminals, logistics centers, and railway container transshipment stations, efficiently completing continuous container operations and rapid turnover. At the same time, the equipment supports flexible customization according to different working conditions, including lifting capacity, span, lifting height, power system (diesel or electric/hybrid), and automation control system configurations, to meet different port container crane and terminal crane solutions operational requirements.
Important Parameters
  • Lifting capacity: 30–70t
  • Span: 10–35m
  • Lifting height: 15–30m
  • Working class: A6–A8

Product Introduction

RTG container crane, namely rubber-tyred gantry crane, also commonly referred to as RTG, is a specialized mobile lifting machine used in port container yards and logistics hubs for container stacking, handling, and transfer.

It consists of a gantry frame, power transmission system, hoisting mechanism, gantry travel mechanism, trolley travel mechanism, and telescopic spreader as core structures, and relies on a tire-based travel system for free movement operations.

Types
Working Process
Parts

WEIHUA offers single-girder and double-girder rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) container cranes to meet the needs of various yards and operations. Single-girder RTGs feature a compact design and high maneuverability, making them ideal for small- to medium-sized yards and scenarios requiring rapid deployment; double-girder RTGs, on the other hand, offer greater load-bearing capacity and are suitable for large ports and high-stacking operations.

Whether for medium-load or heavy-load operations, Weihua can provide customized solutions to ensure that the equipment is perfectly matched to site conditions and operational intensity.

ingle-girder RTG container crane

Single-girder RTG container crane

The single-girder RTG has a lightweight main girder, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency. Its low weight, low construction cost, and minimal wind resistance make it ideal for small- to medium-tonnage applications and intermittent high-intensity operations.

  • Lifting capacity: 5–40 t
  • Span: 6–30 m
  • Lifting height: 15–18 m
  • Travel speed: 130–160 m/min
RTG container crane

Double-girder RTG container crane

The double-girder RTG features a design with two parallel main girders. It is intended for continuous, high-intensity operations in large port container yards, offering high structural rigidity, excellent operational stability, and superior load-bearing capacity.

  • Lifting capacity: 40–65 tons
  • Span: 18–35 m
  • Lifting height: 18–30 m
  • Travel speed: 23–83 m/min

Working Process

RTG container crane (Rubber Tyred Gantry crane) is a core mobile device in port yards for contacontrol, achieving continuous and stable container operations in ports and yards.iner stacking, handling, and cross-area transfer. Its workflow revolves around dispatch instructions, precise positioning, and safe lifting.

Operation Instruction Reception and Inspection
After receiving system instructions, confirm the target operation location and complete equipment inspection, including tires, brakes, steering, communication, and safety environment checks, ensuring operational conditions meet requirements.

Gantry Travel and Positioning
Move the gantry using drive wheels, supporting 90° turning and “crab walking” mode for fast repositioning; with laser/GPS correction and synchronous control, achieve precise zone-level positioning.

Trolley and Spreader Fine Positioning
The trolley moves along the main beam to the target above, the spreader automatically adapts to 20ft/40ft specifications, and the positioning system completes precise four-corner alignment.

Lifting Operation
After the spreader locks the container corner fittings, the hoist starts to lift smoothly to a safe height, with speed control to minimize sway.

Transfer Positioning
The container moves with the trolley to the target area above, for either truck handling or yard stacking, with precise position adjustment completed again.

Lowering Operation
The container is gently lowered to the target position, the twist locks are released, and the spreader disengages, completing a single handling or stacking operation.

Operation Completion
The equipment returns to standby position, anchors are engaged if necessary, and the operation completion status is reported to the dispatch system, waiting for the next instruction.

The entire RTG container crane workflow focuses on precise positioning, efficient transfer, and safe

Parts

The structure of the RTG container crane (Rubber Tyred Gantry crane) can be divided into four main categories: core metal structure, functional operating mechanisms, power and control systems, and auxiliary safety devices.

RTG-Crane-Parts

Core Metal Structure

Main Beam: Box-type beam supporting trolley rail; central or offset track design.

Gantry Legs: Box structure with internal space for power/electrical rooms, ensuring stability.

Bottom Beam: Supports power units; reinforced for lateral load resistance.

Trolley Frame: I-beam structure with maintenance platforms for easy servicing.

Key Functional Mechanisms

Gantry Travel: Four-wheel drive system; supports 0–90° steering and crab movement for flexible yard transfer.

Trolley Travel: Moves along the beam via wheel or rack drive for precise positioning and anti-slip control.

Hoisting Mechanism: Lifts containers with encoder feedback and limit protection for accurate control.

Telescopic Spreader: Handles 20ft/40ft containers with twist lock, anti-sway, and fine alignment.

Operator Cabin: Ergonomic cabin with full visibility, air conditioning, and integrated controls.

Power & Control Systems

Power System: Diesel, grid power, hybrid, or fully electric options with optional energy recovery.

Control System: PLC + inverter control with laser/GPS positioning and multi-mode operation.

Safety & Auxiliary Devices

Includes overload protection, limit switches, wind alarm, anti-collision, deviation correction, emergency stop, and tire pressure monitoring.

The RTG container crane combines a stable steel structure, reliable working mechanisms, flexible power options, and multiple safety systems. It delivers steady performa

Specifications

RTG container crane is the abbreviation of Rubber Tyred Container Gantry Crane, which is a special mobile handling equipment for container yards. The main specifications are as follows:

Parameter TypeCommon Specification RangeRemarks
Rated Lifting Capacity30t ~ 70tMainstream: 40t ~ 65t. 40.5t common for standard containers; 60t supports dual 20ft lifting; 51t used for heavy-duty yards.
Span10m ~ 35m (customizable), mainstream 23.47m23.47m = 6+1 layout (6 container rows + 1 truck lane); 26.5m = 7+1; 29.1m = 8+1.
Lifting Height14.9m ~ 23.5m14.9m = 4 layers; 17.7m = 5 over 6 stack; 18.5m = 6 layers; 20.6m = 6 over 7; 23.5m = 7 layers.
Trolley Travel Speed60 ~ 80 m/min70 m/min standard; 60 m/min for low-frequency yards; 80 m/min for high-efficiency terminals.
Lifting Speed (Rated / No Load)(23–25) / (50–55) m/min23/50 m/min for 5-over-6; 25/55 m/min for 6-over-7 configurations.
Gantry Travel Speed70 ~ 130 m/min (no load)Loaded speed: 20–40 m/min. 70–90 m/min for normal yards; 100–130 m/min for high turnover yards.
Acceleration / Deceleration Time8–10 s (gantry)Lifting: 2.5–3 s; trolley: 4–6 s for smooth control.
Common Tire Models1800-25 / 2100-251800-25 for lighter cost-efficient models; 2100-25 for heavy-duty cranes; 16-wheel options reduce tire load.

In actual production, RTG can customize parameters such as span, lifting capacity, and lifting height according to the actual operation needs of the yard. The design and manufacturing of products need to comply with national standards GB/T 14783-2009 and international standards.

Advantages

Modern RTG container crane offers high flexibility, energy-efficient power, and intelligent control to meet diverse port and yard operational needs.

  1. High Mobility
    Travels on pneumatic rubber tires without fixed rails, saving rail construction costs and time. Multi-mode steering supports straight travel, 90° turns, on-spot rotation, and “crab walk,” adapting to different yard layouts.
  2. Versatile and Green Power Options
    Supports grid power, diesel + lithium hybrid, and full electric solutions. Some hybrid models can recover energy from container descent, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
  3. High Control Precision and Multiple Operation Modes
    Digital AC frequency conversion and PLC control, combined with laser/GPS positioning, ensure precise travel and lifting. Supports manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and remote operations; some models allow fully unmanned stacking.
  4. Good Site Adaptability
    Does not rely on fixed rails and tolerates uneven ground. Suitable for small and medium ports, temporary yards, railway freight stations, and dry ports. Large ports can use RTG alongside RMG to balance efficiency and scheduling flexibility.
  5. Comprehensive Safety Design
    Equipped with overload protection, wind alarms, dynamic safety scanning, and safety indicators to fully protect equipment and operators.


The RTG container crane combines flexible mobility, energy-efficient power, precise control, and comprehensive safety to efficiently meet complex operational demands in ports, yards, and various logistics scenarios.

Applications

With its flexible mobility and rail-free deployment, the RTG container crane is widely used in container and heavy load handling:

Industrial Park Yards

Handles heavy components and containers with 40–65t capacity, adaptable to changing layouts.

Inland Dry Ports Railway Stations

Supports multimodal transport, handling containers between trucks and rail cars.

Small and Medium Port Yards

No rails required; hardening the ground is sufficient. Low cost, fast deployment, covering multiple yard zones.

Supplementary Operations at Large Terminals

Used for temporary stacking and cross-zone scheduling, working alongside rail-based cranes to improve overall efficiency.


The RTG container crane, with its flexible mobility and fast deployment, serves diverse operations in ports, rail, and industrial yards.

Precautions

As a highly mobile heavy-duty device, the safe operation of RTG container cranes depends on standardized procedures and systematic management in ports and yards.

  • Weather Conditions: Strong winds or severe weather conditions require a shutdown. During standby, anchoring devices must be activated to ensure stability.
  • Ground Conditions: Operation requires a solid, level, and well-compacted yard surface to maintain stability and accurate travel.
  • Load Control: Strictly follow the rated lifting capacity. Ensure proper container locking and load balance before lifting.
  • Movement Operation: Avoid sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns. Use steering modes correctly to reduce structural stress and load sway.
  • Power Safety: For electric or hybrid systems, maintain a stable power supply and inspect cables, grounding, and electrical components regularly.
  • Operator Requirements: Only trained personnel are allowed to operate the crane, following standardized procedures for all lifting tasks.
  • Maintenance Inspection: Regularly check key components such as tires, brakes, wire ropes, hydraulic systems, and control units.
  • Safety Devices: Ensure all protection systems, including overload limiter, wind alarm, anti-collision, and emergency stop, are fully functional before operation.

Safe operation of RTG container crane depends on controlled working conditions, correct operating procedures, and regular inspection to ensure stable and efficient performance in port and terminal environments.

WEIHUA Customization Services

WEIHUA RTG container crane can be fully customized according to yard layout, operational requirements, and working mode, covering structure, power systems, automation, and key components.

Capacity & Structure

Custom lifting capacity, span (10–35m), and lifting height (4–8 layers) for different yard layouts and workloads.

Structural Types

Optional single-girder, Freerider, or folding designs to reduce wind load or save yard space.
Lifting attachments are a customizable option. For information on the available types, please see: RTG Crane Spreader

Spreader Customization

Special spreaders for 20ft/40ft, reefers, open-top, and rail containers with optional temperature control.

Power Systems

Diesel, grid, battery, or hybrid options with energy-saving and energy recovery configurations.

Automation Upgrade

Supports upgrade from assisted operation to full automation, compatible with smart terminal systems.

Delivery Solutions

Customized transport and installation for inland, seasonal, or oversized export conditions.

Retrofit Upgrade

Old RTG upgrades for PLC, drives, and control systems to improve reliability and extend service life.

Component Customization

Tailored key components for full compatibility with existing terminal equipment.

As a professional RTG container crane manufacturer and supplier, WEIHUA has extensive experience in customized export projects and a well-established engineering and technical team. It provides reliable, tailored solutions for different working conditions. Contact us for professional configuration advice and project support.

Custom RTG container crane

We offer a full range of customized RTG Cranes for Container Handling services, including Electric RTG Cranes, Intermodal RTG 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

RTG container crane Manufacturer and Supplier

As a trusted RTG container crane manufacturer and supplier, Weihua provides complete container handling solutions for ports, rail terminals, inland depots, and logistics hubs worldwide. Beyond equipment manufacturing, we support customers throughout the entire project lifecycle, from technical consultation and custom engineering to installation, commissioning, operator training, and after-sales service.

We have extensive experience in heavy-duty crane manufacturing and export projects across more than 117 countries and regions, Weihua can customize RTG cranes to match your yard layout, stacking requirements, power supply conditions, and operational goals. Contact Weihua today for customized RTG crane solutions, technical consultation, layout design support, and a competitive quotation tailored to your container handling requirements.

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 RTG container crane used for?

An RTG container crane is used for container stacking, loading/unloading trucks, and yard transfer operations in ports, terminals, and logistics centers.

What is the lifting capacity of an RTG container crane?

Typical capacity ranges from 30 to 70 tons, with common configurations between 40 and 65 tons depending on operational needs.

What is the span of an RTG container crane?

Standard span ranges from 10 to 35 meters, with customized designs available to match different yard layouts and container rows.

Can RTG cranes be customized?

Yes. The RTG container crane can be customized in structure, lifting capacity, span, height, power system, and automation level.

What power options are available?

Options include diesel, grid power, diesel-electric hybrid, lithium battery systems, and fully electric solutions for green operations.

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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related products

Container Handling Gantry Crane Solutions for Ports and Terminals
  • Lifting Capacity: 5–80 tons
  • Working Radius: 15–45 meters
  • Lifting Height: 10–45 meters
  • Working Class: A5–A7
Double Girder Gantry Cranes Manufacturer
  • Rated lifting capacity: 5–450t
  • Span: 10–50m
  • Lifting height: 6–36m
  • Working class: A3–A8
Industrial Straddle Carrier​ Crane
  • Lifting Capacity: 30–60 t
  • Container Rows & Stacking Height: 2–4 rows
  • Drive Type: Diesel / Electric / Hybrid
  • Control System: PLC, manual to automated

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