The Weihua U-shaped double-girder gantry crane is the high-end flagship product in Weihua Group's gantry crane series, named for its unique "U"-shaped structure formed by the legs and lower crossbeam. Unlike A-type (A-frame) and L-type (inverted L-shaped) legs, the U-shaped gantry crane features vertical legs, creating a wide passageway. This structural characteristic makes it ideal for handling large, long materials and containers.
As an important member of the double-girder gantry crane family, the U-shaped gantry crane combines the high load-bearing advantages of the double-girder structure with the large passageway of the U-shaped legs. The product range covers an ultra-wide range of lifting capacities from 5 tons to 1000 tons, spans from 18 meters to 50 meters, and working classes including A5, A6, and A7, meeting diverse operational needs from general freight yard loading and unloading to offshore wind power equipment hoisting.
In terms of structural design, Weihua's U-shaped double-girder gantry crane adopts a double-girder box-shaped welded structure, with two vertical legs connected to the lower crossbeam, forming an overall "U" shape. Compared to A-type gantry cranes, the U-shaped gantry crane eliminates the traditional saddle frame structure, resulting in a lower overall height for the same lifting height. Simultaneously, due to the larger trolley track gauge, the clearance over the legs can reach nearly 7 meters, making it particularly suitable for loading and unloading long, heavy cargo and containers.
In recent years, Weihua has continuously broken industry records in the field of U-shaped gantry cranes. In 2023, Weihua's independently developed and manufactured 550-ton new Chinese-style gantry crane successfully completed heavy-load testing in Guangdong, breaking the record for the largest tonnage of a double-girder U-shaped gantry crane in my country. In October 2024, Weihua's 1000-ton double-girder gantry crane was successfully put into operation at the Fujian Fuqing Jiangyin Port National Offshore Wind Power Research and Testing Base, further solidifying Weihua's technological leadership in the field of ultra-large tonnage U-shaped gantry cranes.
This product is widely used in industries such as machinery manufacturing, metallurgy and mining, power energy, railway transportation, ports and docks, and petrochemicals. It has irreplaceable application value, especially in the fields of offshore wind power equipment manufacturing, port container loading and unloading, and railway long and long cargo transportation.
Parameter
Lifting Opposity
Main
t
20
32
Aux.
5
5
Span
m
18
22
26
30
35
18
22
26
30
35
Lifting Height
10
10
10.5
10.79
Duty
A5
A5
Speed
Main
m/min
7.1
6.3
Aux.
9.2
9.2
Trolley Traveling
44.6
42.4
Crane Traveling
44
38
40.1
limit dimension
L1
mm
7500
10000
7500
10000
L2
7500
10000
7500
10000
L
900
980
C1
5000
7500
5000 7500
C2
5000
7500
5000 7500
main dimension
H
mm
13961
14178
H1
10000
10000
H2
500
790
H3
700
590
700
B
12166
11652
12362
K
7000
7000
W
10000
8300
8400
Max.Wheel Loading
kN
360
380
400
445
460
250
265
280
315
330
Total Power
kw
77
77
77
77
77
91.3
91.3
91.3
109.3
109.3
Crane Rail Recommended
QU70
QU70
Power Supply
3-Phase A.C.50Hz 380V
3-Phase A.C.50Hz 380V
Feature&Advantages
1. Structural Advantages: U-Shaped Design, Ample Leg Clearance
The core competitiveness of the U-shaped double-girder gantry crane stems from its unique U-shaped leg design. The two legs connect vertically downwards to the lower crossbeam, forming a wide leg clearance. This structural layout brings three core advantages:
Ample leg clearance and excellent cargo handling: The U-shaped gantry crane has a larger trolley track gauge, with a leg clearance of nearly 7 meters, allowing large-sized cargo to easily pass between the legs. It is particularly suitable for lifting long and oversized cargo such as containers, wind turbine blades, and large steel structural components, solving the problem of traditional gantry cranes being unable to handle large loads due to leg spacing limitations.
Low overall height and good space adaptability: The U-shaped structure eliminates the saddle frame unique to A-type gantry cranes, significantly reducing the overall height for the same lifting height requirements. This feature is especially important for operating environments with aviation height restrictions or limited factory height, effectively expanding the equipment's applicability.
Stable Structure and High Load-Bearing Capacity: The double main beam layout combined with U-shaped outriggers gives the machine excellent lateral stability and anti-overturning capability. The large trolley base distance contributes to good structural stability, maintaining stability and reliability even under large span and heavy load conditions.
2. Load-Bearing Capacity: Wide Tonnage Range, Heavy-Duty King
Weihua U-type double main beam gantry cranes continue to lead the industry in load-bearing capacity:
Full Tonnage Range Coverage: Lifting capacities range from 5 tons to 1000 tons, with mainstream models covering 10 tons, 16 tons, 20 tons, 32 tons, 40 tons, and 50 tons, as well as ultra-large models such as 275+275 tons and 1000 tons.
Dual Lifting Point Synchronization Technology: For ultra-large tonnage models, the main lifting mechanism adopts a dual lifting point design (e.g., 275+275t), which can work independently or in tandem. Equipped with advanced synchronization control functions, it ensures that the two lifting points lift and lower simultaneously, and the load is evenly distributed.
Flexible Working Level Configuration: The working levels cover A5, A6, and A7, allowing users to choose the most suitable configuration based on actual operating frequency and conditions.
3. Technical Performance: Variable Frequency + PLC, Precise and Intelligent
Weihua U-shaped double-girder gantry cranes integrate cutting-edge industry technologies in their technical configuration, making them a model product of intelligent lifting equipment:
Variable Frequency + PLC Control System: All mechanisms (lifting, trolley travel, and main trolley travel) adopt variable frequency drive technology, combined with a PLC programmable controller, to achieve graded speed control from slow speed under full load to fast speed under light load. Lifting and operation are smooth and shock-free, effectively extending the equipment's service life.
High-Precision Control Capability: On the 1000-ton U-shaped gantry crane, Weihua has achieved adjustable lateral and longitudinal distances and free rotation of the lifting beam, with a control accuracy of ±1mm, meeting the precision operation requirements of offshore wind power equipment installation, etc.
Lightweight Design: The entire machine is designed using finite element analysis for structural optimization, achieving a compact structure, reduced weight, lower wheel pressure, and optimized energy consumption while meeting strength and stiffness requirements. Compared to traditional designs, the new Chinese-style U-shaped gantry crane reduces its weight by 10% to 15% while maintaining the same load capacity.
Optimized Trolley Traveling Structure: The gantry traveling mechanism adopts a multi-stage balance beam and trolley combination structure. The trolley and balance beam are connected by a half-hing, ensuring even force distribution on each wheel and smooth, reliable operation.
4. Key Components: High-Quality Materials, Durable and Long-Lasting
Weihua U-shaped Double-Girder Gantry Cranes adhere to high standards in the configuration of key components:
Main Girder Structure: Adopts a box-shaped double-beam welded structure. All steel plates undergo shot blasting pretreatment. The main welds are automatically welded using submerged arc welding and undergo ultrasonic and X-ray non-destructive testing to ensure welding quality.
Traveling Mechanism: The gantry traveling mechanism adopts a separate drive system, equipped with a hardened gear reducer, resulting in strong load capacity, smooth transmission, and low noise.
Wheel Assembly: Uses 65Mn forged wheels, offering excellent wear resistance and a service life far exceeding that of ordinary cast steel wheels.
Electrical System: The electric motor uses a Y-series high-efficiency motor, coupled with a new electrical control box, ensuring reliable operation and low energy consumption.
5. Safety Protection: Multiple Guarantees for Worry-Free Operation
As a large-scale outdoor operating equipment, the Weihua U-shaped double-girder gantry crane is comprehensively equipped with safety protection features:
Crane Safety Monitoring and Management System: This system has complete functions such as task management, status monitoring, recording, storage, querying, and tracing of operating parameters. It is also equipped with multimedia prompts such as alarms and image displays, significantly reducing operational risks and improving the safety factor.
Wind Protection Devices: Standard configuration includes rail clamps; optional features include anchoring devices and anemometers. The anemometer can monitor ambient wind speed in real time, automatically alarming and prompting to stop operation when the wind speed exceeds the set threshold.
Multiple Limit Protections: The hoisting mechanism is equipped with dual limit protection to ensure the hook does not hit the top; the traveling mechanism is equipped with travel limit switches to prevent over-travel.
Overload Limiter: Real-time monitoring of the lifting load; automatically alarming and cutting off the hoisting circuit when the load exceeds the rated lifting capacity to prevent overload accidents.
6. Economic Efficiency: Outstanding Life Cycle Value
Large Space Utilization: The U-shaped structure eliminates the need for a saddle frame, resulting in a lower overall height for the same lifting height. This reduces the required operating space and saves on factory construction or renovation investment.
Low Maintenance Costs: Modular design and standardized components reduce maintenance difficulty and spare parts costs; the application of frequency conversion technology reduces mechanical shock and extends component lifespan.
Energy Optimization: Lightweight design combined with frequency conversion speed control technology reduces overall energy consumption by 10%~15% compared to traditional models, resulting in significant long-term electricity cost savings.
Application
1. Offshore Wind Power Equipment Manufacturing and Testing
This is the most representative application area of Weihua's U-shaped double-girder gantry crane in recent years. In 2023, Weihua's 550-ton U-shaped gantry crane was successfully applied to a wind power project in Guangdong; in 2024, Weihua's 1000-ton U-shaped gantry crane was put into operation at the National Offshore Wind Power Research and Testing Base, becoming a benchmark project in this field.
Core Operations:
Lifting and assembly of core components such as wind turbine nacelles and hubs
Lifting and testing of ultra-long wind turbine blades (length can reach over 100 meters)
Diamond assembly between wind turbine tower sections
Variable frequency + PLC control, control accuracy up to ±1mm
Adjustable lateral and longitudinal distances, free rotation of the lifting beam
Crane safety monitoring and management system, real-time monitoring of operating status
The successful implementation of this project fills the gap in the testing and verification of high-power, full-size equipment in my country's offshore wind power field, and strongly supports the improvement of my country's independent R&D capabilities for offshore wind power equipment.
2. Port Terminals and Container Berths
Port terminals are a traditional and advantageous application area for U-shaped double-girder gantry cranes. The U-shaped design provides ample leg clearance and excellent structural stability, making it particularly suitable for the heavy-load, high-frequency operating environment of ports.
Typical Operation Types:
Container loading and unloading from ships and yard transfers
Loading and unloading of general cargo (steel, timber, large equipment)
Grab operations for bulk cargo (coal, ore)
Advantages:
The U-shaped gantry crane offers ample leg clearance, allowing containers and large general cargo to pass smoothly through the legs without the need for complex auxiliary lifting schemes; the double-girder structure ensures stability and safety during heavy-load operations; the large trolley base distance provides strong wind resistance, adapting to the windy environment of ports.
3. Railway Freight Yards and Long and Oversized Cargo Transportation
Railway freight yards place two core requirements on lifting equipment: large span (covering the railway line) and the ability to handle long and oversized cargo. U-shaped double-girder gantry cranes perfectly meet these two requirements.
Typical Operating Scenarios:
Loading and unloading of long and heavy goods (rails, large pipes, bridge components) inside railway carriages
Railway arrival and departure operations for containers
Railway transfer and loading/unloading of various construction machinery
Technical Advantages:
The U-shaped gantry crane has a large track gauge and a clearance of nearly 7 meters over the outriggers, meeting the requirements for long and heavy goods to pass through the outriggers; its large span design can cover the loading and unloading area of the railway line, achieving a highly efficient "lift upon arrival, depart immediately after lifting" operation mode.
4. Large Open-Air Freight Yards and Logistics Parks
Various industrial raw material storage yards, finished product warehouses, building material markets, container transfer stations, etc., require frequent loading, unloading, transfer, and stacking operations of heavy materials.
U-type gantry cranes have a lifting capacity ranging from 10 to 1000 tons, meeting the needs of all scenarios from light to heavy items; the double main beam structure ensures stable and reliable lifting, reducing cargo damage; the large legroom improves operational flexibility.
5. Iron and Steel Metallurgy Industry
Raw material storage yards, finished product warehouses, and transfer warehouses in steel enterprises are important application areas for U-type double main beam gantry cranes.
Typical Operations:
Unloading and stockpiling of raw materials such as iron ore and coke
Lifting and loading of finished products such as billets, wire rods, and plates
Loading, unloading, and transferring scrap steel
Adaptability Advantages:
The steel industry involves heavy materials, high operating frequency, and complex environmental conditions (high temperature, dust). The U-shaped gantry crane's double-girder structure provides excellent load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, meeting the requirements of high working classes such as A6 and A7.
6. Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering Construction
In water conservancy projects, thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and large-scale infrastructure construction projects, U-shaped double-girder gantry cranes can be used for the installation and maintenance of large equipment, and the transfer of building materials.
Typical Applications:
Installation and maintenance of gate hoists in hydropower stations
Lifting of large equipment (generator rotors, transformers) in power plants
Lifting of prefabricated components in large-scale infrastructure projects
Technical Support:
U-shaped gantry cranes can be equipped with variable frequency speed control and safety monitoring systems to meet the dual requirements of speed and precision during the installation of large equipment; at the same time, a comprehensive safety protection system ensures safe operation under complex working conditions.
For information on specific model selection, technical solutions, or to obtain accurate quotations for Weihua U-shaped double-girder gantry cranes, please contact Weihua Group's official sales channels. Weihua's professional engineering team will provide customized solutions and comprehensive technical support based on your actual working conditions, cargo type, operation frequency, and other needs.
Company Strength
1. Company Overview and Industry Position
Henan Weihua Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd., founded in 1988, is a core holding subsidiary of Weihua Group. Headquartered at No. 18 Shanhai Avenue, Changyuan City, Henan Province, known as the "Capital of Lifting Machinery in China," the company boasts a registered capital of RMB 1.066 billion. It is a leading enterprise in China's crane manufacturing industry and one of the world's largest industrial crane manufacturers. As a national manufacturing single-item champion enterprise, Henan Weihua holds a significant position in the domestic and international lifting machinery industry.
2. Main Business and Product System
The company focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of bridge cranes, gantry cranes, electric hoists, and new intelligent lifting equipment. Product types cover multiple series including general-purpose bridge cranes, European-style cranes, metallurgical cranes, explosion-proof cranes, and port gantry cranes, meeting the complex operational needs of various industries. With its modular, lightweight, and intelligent design concepts, Henan Weihua's products are at the forefront of the industry in terms of structural performance, safety, reliability, and service life.
3. Application Areas and Market Coverage
Henan Weihua's products are widely used in many key sectors of the national economy, including machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, power energy, port logistics, railway transportation, petrochemicals, and construction engineering. The company's products not only sell well in all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, but are also exported to more than 100 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies and key national engineering projects, earning a good international reputation.
4. Technology R&D and Quality Assurance
The company highly values technological innovation and has established several high-end R&D platforms, including a national-level enterprise technology center, a postdoctoral research station, and the Henan Provincial Lifting Machinery Engineering Technology Research Center. In recent years, Henan Weihua has actively promoted intelligent and digital manufacturing transformation, accumulating over a thousand national authorized patents and participating in the formulation of multiple national and industry standards. In terms of quality management, the company has passed ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 international system certifications and has successively won numerous honors such as "China Famous Brand Product," "National Quality Benchmark," and "National Technological Innovation Demonstration Enterprise," establishing a comprehensive quality control system from raw materials to finished products.
