Rubber-tired Gantry Crane FAQs

What IS the BEST INDUSTRIAL RUBBER-TIRED GANTRY CRANE?

As a global leader, Shuttlelift offers a number of different crane models with custom features, custom spreaders designed for your specific loads and a wide range of lift capacities. Our team will talk you through the options to customize the best crane for your unique lifting needs.

What industries use Shuttlelift mobile gantry cranes?

Shuttlelift cranes are used in many different industries including, but not limited to precast concrete, steel fabrication, power generation, modular construction, utility infrastructure, renewable energy, heavy manufacturing, and general industrial material handling.

What are the lifting capacities of Shuttlelift gantry cranes?

Our cranes range from 25 tons to 1,000+ tons, depending on series and configuration (SB, SL, DB, or E Series).

What is the difference between the SB, SL, DB, and E Series?

SB Series: Single-beam, ideal for use as a bridge crane without track restrictions
DB Series: Double-beam, high-capacity for oversized loads
SL Series: Pick-and-carry mobile gantry crane
E Series: Electric powered, zero-emission gantry cranes

Can rubber-tired gantry cranes be customized to my yard or workflow?

Yes. All Shuttlelift cranes are custom-engineered for height, width, wheelbase, controls, steering, power system, hoists, spreaders, and operational needs.

What industries use Shuttlelift mobile gantry cranes?

Shuttlelift cranes are used in many different industries including, but not limited to precast concrete, steel fabrication, power generation, modular construction, utility infrastructure, renewable energy, heavy manufacturing, and general industrial material handling.

Do Shuttlelift gantry cranes operate indoors and outdoors?

Absolutely. Cranes can be configured for indoor-only facilities, outdoor yards, mixed environments, or low-clearance buildings. Our professionals will come to our facility and gather all the information to make sure the crane operates just how you expect.

What power options are available?

• Diesel
• Propane
• Electric Power (E Series)

Can Shuttlelift gantry cranes replace forklifts or tandem lifts?

Yes. Many operations replace multiple forklifts or carry deck style cranes, and eliminate high risk tandem picks with one Shuttlelift crane providing greater safety and efficiency.

What all-wheel steering modes are available on rubber-tired cranes?

Our optional AWS system is patented to offer maximum speed and efficiency with all steer modes, including crab, carousel, transverse, coordinate, 2WS front, 2WS rear.

Are wireless remote controls available ON rubber-tired cranes?

Yes. All Shuttlelift cranes can be equipped with wireless remote operation for better visibility and safer load placement. Our DB and SB Series cranes have wireless remote as a standard feature.

Do Shuttlelift cranes require special ground preparation?

Shuttlelift cranes operate on most improved yard surfaces and produce lower ground pressure than many wheeled or tracked machines. If you can drive an 18-wheeler on the ground you can operate a Shuttlelift on it.

What kind of spreaders or attachments can Shuttlelift configure?

Custom spreaders for beams, coils, modules, precast components, long steel lengths, irregular loads, and specialized assemblies. We are an engineering company and therefor can provide design and fabricate most any attachment needed.

What maintenance is required?

Preventative maintenance typically includes hydraulic checks, hoist inspection, fluid changes, wear-item checks, and routine structural reviews. All Shuttlelift cranes come with a maintenance check list in the O&M manual which defines specific checks to be performed at different hour intervals

Does Shuttlelift offer parts and service support?

Yes — including OEM-certified parts, maintenance programs, inspections, repairs, diagnostics, and regional support (including the Mid-Atlantic and Florida hubs).

How long does it take to build a custom gantry crane?

Lead times vary by configuration and prior sales, averaging 24–32 weeks, depending on workload and custom requirements.

Can Shuttlelift cranes be used in cold-weather climates?

Yes. We offer cold-weather packages including hydraulic heaters, block heaters, battery trickle chargers, and enhanced cooling systems.

Are there noise-reduction options?

Yes — including quiet hydraulic systems, sound-suppression kits, and naturally quieter electric powertrains.

Do Shuttlelift cranes have onboard diagnostics?

All Shuttlelift cranes include onboard monitoring, with remote diagnostics available on most models through a free app. Downloaded to a smartphone or tablet.

What training is provided for operators?

Shuttlelift offers on-site operator training, safety orientation, maintenance instruction, and commissioning support during all machine set ups. We also offer onsite training at any time throughout the year for any new operators.

What safety features are included?

Load monitoring, emergency shutdown, redundant hydraulic systems, advanced steering protection, strobe lights, motion alarms and precision controls.

How do I start designing a GANTRY crane for my facility?

Simply submit your load types, yard layout, and workflow challenges or give us a call — our professional team will develop a custom configuration and quote.