There is a very specific type of gantry crane that is used at container storage facilities, and also railroads, because of its ability to move. These are called rubber tyred gantry cranes, and although they are mobile, they are absolutely enormous in size. If you have ever owns an electric gantry crane that you use in an auto shop, these are basically made in the same way. The primary difference is that they are incredibly large, capable of stacking containers in rows, because they are able to move from one location to another. If you are in charge of operating one, there are certain safety considerations to make due to the incredible size of these units.
Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes
These particular gantry cranes are used in what are called intermodal operations. This simply means that they will often take something from the ground and then they will stack it on top of another. If you have been to a railroad yard where you see the containers being taken off of the train, and stacked to the side, this is usually done with this particular type of crane. Likewise, if you go to a shipyard, you will see these operating, transitioning containers from the dock to the ship, or vice versa. Outside of the intermodal industry, these RTG units can help with many other operations including assembling components that are quite large, helping to provide proper balance to structures, and also positioning pipelined that are used for water or oil.
How Can You Increase Safety Levels
The best way to use these in the safest possible way is to check on the construction and the tyres. In fact, if one of the tyres does go flat, there are typically more adjacent to it so that the structure does not become imbalanced, but this could lead to a significant problem. These are often extremely tall, and sometimes quite narrow in comparison to other gantry cranes that are constructed. Although the wind will not blow them over, if they are lifting something that is extremely heavy, and one of the tyres goes out, it could lead to a very dangerous situation. One other thing to consider is not having people in proximity to the unit while the containers are being moved. There is also the possibility that the trolley or pulley could become dislodged, or the cable could break, potentially crushing or hurting someone below. This is an important consideration to make if you want to be absolutely sure that operating this gantry crane is as safe as possible.
It is only through making regular inspections, and also trying not to push the rubber tyred gantry crane to its maximum levels, that you can maintain the highest safety levels possible. It also requires you to use a much more methodical and slow movement of the cargo that you are transitioning from one location to another so as not to get it off balance. They are typically made to handle extreme amounts of weight, so this is not typically a problem. However, it is through the proper management of this crane, and using it properly, that safety levels can always be maximized.
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