rail mounted cranes
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing A Rail or Tyre Crane?
Operating site factors
1. Site scope and layout
Rail-mounted cranes:
If the operating site is a relatively fixed area, such as harbour terminals, large factories and workshops, and there are conditions for laying tracks, rail cranes are a better choice. It can work efficiently along the track in a specific range, and the layout of the track can be optimised according to the workflow. For example, in the port container terminal, the track of the rail mounted cranes can be designed according to the ship docking position and yard distribution, so that it is convenient for the crane to work back and forth between the quay shore and the yard.
Tyre Crane
If the work site is a relatively fixed area, such as a harbour terminal, inside a large factory floor, and there are conditions for laying tracks, a rail crane is a better choice. It can work efficiently along the track in a specific range, and the layout of the track can be optimised according to the workflow. For example, in the port container terminal, the track of the rail crane can be designed according to the ship docking position and yard distribution, so that it is convenient for the crane to work back and forth between the quay shore and the yard.
2. Site ground conditions
Rail-type crane:
Higher requirements for the track foundation, need a solid, level track foundation to ensure the stable operation of the crane. Generally installed on the concrete or steel track, the laying of the track requires a certain cost and time, but once the laying is completed, the crane is less affected by the ground conditions when running on the track.
Tyre cranes:
Capable of adapting to a wide range of ground conditions, as long as the ground is relatively flat and solid and can support the weight of the crane. However, too soft ground may cause the tyres to sink, affecting the stability and normal operation of the crane. For example, in some outdoor temporary work sites, such as open-air music festival stage construction site, tyre cranes can work in the grass, squares and other ground conditions, but if you encounter muddy ground, you may need to first ground treatment or choose other ways of operation.
Characteristics of the operating task
1. Lifting capacity and lifting height requirements
Railway crane:
Usually has a large lifting capacity and lifting height, suitable for heavy, large objects lifting. When lifting billets and finished steel products in steel mills, or loading and unloading large container ships in ports, rail cranes can play to their advantage and meet the operational requirements of large tonnage and high lifting height. Its structural design makes it more stable and reliable when handling heavy cargo.
Tyre cranes:
Relatively weak in terms of operational precision, because it will be affected by a variety of factors such as ground flatness and tyre air pressure when moving on the ground. However, through some auxiliary equipment and skilled operating techniques, it can also meet the accuracy requirements to a certain extent, for example, when using tyre cranes to lift prefabricated components in construction, the operator will use some positioning devices to improve the accuracy of placement.
3. Frequency and duration of operation
Rail-mounted cranes:
It is suitable for high frequency and long time continuous operation. In operating environments such as harbours and large factories, it can shuttle back and forth on the track and continuously carry out loading, unloading or lifting work. Its structure and mode of operation determine that it can withstand high work intensity, and the stability of running on the track helps to reduce the wear and tear of the equipment and extend its service life.
Tyre cranes：
To accommodate different frequencies of operation, but may not be as good as rail mounted cranes for long periods of continuous operation. As tyre cranes move on the ground by means of tyres, long working hours may lead to tyre wear, engine overheating and other problems. However, for some intermittent operations or tasks with a short work cycle, such as the installation of street lights in municipal projects and the lifting of materials in construction sites, tyre cranes can work well.
Economic cost factors
1. Equipment procurement costs
Rail mounted cranes:
Procurement costs are relatively high because of their complex structure and the need to consider related costs such as track laying. The design and manufacture of rail mounted cranes usually require higher technical requirements, and rail-based cranes with large lifting capacity and high precision are more expensive.
Tyre cranes:
There is a range of equipment procurement costs, which vary according to factors such as lifting capacity and work performance. Generally speaking, tyre cranes with the same lifting capacity have a slightly lower procurement cost than rail cranes and may be more attractive in terms of initial investment as they do not require additional track laying costs.
2. Operation and maintenance costs
Rail-mounted cranes:
Operating costs mainly include electricity or fuel consumption, equipment maintenance and so on. As it operates on the track, the wear and tear of equipment is relatively small, and the maintenance mainly focuses on the mechanical and electrical systems of the crane itself, and the maintenance cost of the track is calculated separately. Maintenance of the track requires regular inspection of the flatness of the track, tightness of the connection parts, etc., which may increase certain operating costs.
Tyre Crane
Operating costs include fuel consumption, tyre replacement, and equipment maintenance. Tyre wear and tear is an important cost factor, frequent movement and different ground conditions will accelerate tyre wear and tear. Moreover, the mechanical components of tyre cranes may be maintained more frequently due to the relatively complex working environment, such as being affected by dust and vibration at construction sites, and the maintenance cost increases accordingly.
When dealing with the above challenges, choosing an experienced rail supplier is the core to ensure the long-term stable operation of RTG. As a professional service provider in the field of rail foreign trade for 15 years, GLORYRAIL is always committed to providing high-performance rail system solutions for global port customers.
