Overhead Crane Wiki: DIY Gantry Crane
A gantry crane is a structure that has at least two legs that support a bridge or beam. The device allows you to move loads from one location to another. You see larger gantry cranes along shipyards or train stockyards. The crane will lift a load and move it horizontally to a desired location. You can build one of these devices to use in your workshop or garage to lift loads, such as engines, logs or other articles that are too heavy to lift manually. With a little welding knowledge and some mechanical aptitude, you can build a gantry crane.
Things You’ll Need
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Welder
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I-beams
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Wheel casters
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Tapping bits
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Steel drill bits
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Drill
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Tape measure
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Measure the length, height and width of the area where you want to place the gantry crane. Purchase the I-beams at the length, height and width required, taking into account the extra height of the wheels. Casters are wheel assemblies that will bolt to any metal object and allow it to roll from one place to another. The wheels are secured to the bottom of the gantry crane with bolts.
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Weld the vertical beams to the beams you will use as the feet of the gantry crane. You must center the vertical beam on the feet beam to ensure it does not tip over when loaded. Set the assembly upright, where the vertical beams are separated at the length of the I-beam you will use as the bridge. Rest the bridge beam on top of the leg beams and weld the bridge in place.
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Turn the gantry crane on its side, so you have access to the bottom of the feet beams. Drill holes in the I-beams that you will use as the feet of the gantry crane. These holes must match the size and shape of the caster wheel assembly. Thread the holes with your tapping bit, so you can screw the casters on the feet of the gantry crane. Tighten the bolts, washers and caster assemblies to the feet beam of your crane. Each foot beam must have two casters place on each end.
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Set the gantry crane upright and ensure it fits the length, height and width of the desired location. You can attach a hoisting device, such as winch, to the bridge and lift a load. The caster allows you to move the load to a different location by manually pushing the structure.
