A gantry crane and an overhead crane both lift and move loads along a straight path. The difference is what carries the crane: an overhead crane runs on beams fixed to the building, a gantry crane runs on its own legs and rails on the ground.
That one difference decides where each type fits, and what the site must provide.
How they are supported
An overhead crane (EOT crane) travels on runway beams carried by the building columns. A gantry crane stands on legs with wheels and travels on rails at floor level.
A semi-gantry crane combines the two. One side runs on a runway beam in the building and the other side stands on legs and a ground rail.
Capacity range
CESAN builds single girder overhead cranes up to 32 t and double girder overhead cranes up to 250 t. Gantry cranes are available up to 500 t.
When an overhead crane fits
- The crane works inside a workshop, hall or plant with a structure that can carry a runway.
- You want the floor free of legs and rails.
- You need the lifting height and floor coverage of the full bay.
- The work is protected from wind and weather.
When a gantry crane fits
- The work is outdoors: stockyards, precast yards, ports, shipyards and construction sites.
- There is no building, or the building cannot carry crane loads.
- The crane needs to cover a yard that extends beyond a building line, including cantilevers.
- Very heavy loads where a ground-supported structure is the practical choice.
When a semi-gantry crane fits
- One side of the bay has a building wall or column line that can carry a runway.
- The other side is open, for example along a yard edge or a loading area.
- You want to save one runway structure on the open side.
What to check for a gantry crane
- Ground and rails: foundation, rail level and the rail length the crane needs.
- Wind and outdoor conditions at the site, including rain and temperature range.
- Power supply along the rail length.
- Clearance for legs and wheels at the edges of the working area.
What to check for an overhead crane
- Building structure: can the columns and runway take the wheel loads?
- Headroom under the roof trusses.
- Span between runway rails.
- Access for installation and later maintenance.
Operation and maintenance
Both types use similar hoists, drives and controls. The difference is in the surroundings. An overhead crane works under a roof. A gantry crane works in the open, so weather protection, rail upkeep and ground settlement need attention over the years.
A quick way to decide
- Inside a building that can carry a runway: an overhead crane.
- Outdoors or no suitable structure: a gantry crane.
- One side in a building, one side open: a semi-gantry crane.
Send us your requirements
If you are not sure which type suits the site, send the layout, load, span and lifting height. Send them through the enquiry form and our engineers will reply with a technical and budgetary assessment.
See our overhead cranes and gantry cranes, and the guide to gantry crane capacity.