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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

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.
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 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.
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
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 Type | Common Specification Range | Remarks |
| Rated Lifting Capacity | 30t ~ 70t | Mainstream: 40t ~ 65t. 40.5t common for standard containers; 60t supports dual 20ft lifting; 51t used for heavy-duty yards. |
| Span | 10m ~ 35m (customizable), mainstream 23.47m | 23.47m = 6+1 layout (6 container rows + 1 truck lane); 26.5m = 7+1; 29.1m = 8+1. |
| Lifting Height | 14.9m ~ 23.5m | 14.9m = 4 layers; 17.7m = 5 over 6 stack; 18.5m = 6 layers; 20.6m = 6 over 7; 23.5m = 7 layers. |
| Trolley Travel Speed | 60 ~ 80 m/min | 70 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/min | 23/50 m/min for 5-over-6; 25/55 m/min for 6-over-7 configurations. |
| Gantry Travel Speed | 70 ~ 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 Time | 8–10 s (gantry) | Lifting: 2.5–3 s; trolley: 4–6 s for smooth control. |
| Common Tire Models | 1800-25 / 2100-25 | 1800-25 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.
Modern RTG container crane offers high flexibility, energy-efficient power, and intelligent control to meet diverse port and yard operational needs.
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.
With its flexible mobility and rail-free deployment, the RTG container crane is widely used in container and heavy load handling:




Handles heavy components and containers with 40–65t capacity, adaptable to changing layouts.
Supports multimodal transport, handling containers between trucks and rail cars.
No rails required; hardening the ground is sufficient. Low cost, fast deployment, covering multiple yard zones.
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.
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.
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 RTG container crane can be fully customized according to yard layout, operational requirements, and working mode, covering structure, power systems, automation, and key components.
Custom lifting capacity, span (10–35m), and lifting height (4–8 layers) for different yard layouts and workloads.
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
Special spreaders for 20ft/40ft, reefers, open-top, and rail containers with optional temperature control.
Diesel, grid, battery, or hybrid options with energy-saving and energy recovery configurations.
Supports upgrade from assisted operation to full automation, compatible with smart terminal systems.
Customized transport and installation for inland, seasonal, or oversized export conditions.
Old RTG upgrades for PLC, drives, and control systems to improve reliability and extend service life.
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.
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:

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, 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.
An RTG container crane is used for container stacking, loading/unloading trucks, and yard transfer operations in ports, terminals, and logistics centers.
Typical capacity ranges from 30 to 70 tons, with common configurations between 40 and 65 tons depending on operational needs.
Standard span ranges from 10 to 35 meters, with customized designs available to match different yard layouts and container rows.
Yes. The RTG container crane can be customized in structure, lifting capacity, span, height, power system, and automation level.
Options include diesel, grid power, diesel-electric hybrid, lithium battery systems, and fully electric solutions for green operations.
Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.
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