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Lets Talk Gantry Cranes
- Thread starter coolidge
- Start date
Coolidge, I bought the HF gantry and have been pretty happy with it, although mine is in a high ceilinged area, so no problem w/ overhead clearance or door tracks. My lathes and other equipment are out far enough from the N. wall that I can run the wheels on that side between the wall and the machinery, even tho I have lots of hanging storage on the wall. (come-alongs, grinders, drill motors etc.)
The S. side requires an open runway down the floor for the depth of the building. The only fly in the buttermilk that I noticed was that, due to having 4 castor type wheels, it required lots of jigging back and forth to roll it the whole depth of the shop when I'm alone. I replaced the 2 castors on the W. end of the frame with solid wheels, and that helped out a lot. I'm also thinking of shooting down to the floor, a channel iron guide track on the N. side where it wouldn't be a tripping hazard. Mine is wide enough that with my shop layout, I could drive a vehicle in under it, just outboard of the lathes, for either unloading or vehicle maintenance.
Glad you bought yours, you won't be sorry.
BTW, If you'd like to look at it, I live in the North Image neighborhood of Vancouver, not too far from you.
larrybates42@comcast.net 360-258-1648
The S. side requires an open runway down the floor for the depth of the building. The only fly in the buttermilk that I noticed was that, due to having 4 castor type wheels, it required lots of jigging back and forth to roll it the whole depth of the shop when I'm alone. I replaced the 2 castors on the W. end of the frame with solid wheels, and that helped out a lot. I'm also thinking of shooting down to the floor, a channel iron guide track on the N. side where it wouldn't be a tripping hazard. Mine is wide enough that with my shop layout, I could drive a vehicle in under it, just outboard of the lathes, for either unloading or vehicle maintenance.
Glad you bought yours, you won't be sorry.
BTW, If you'd like to look at it, I live in the North Image neighborhood of Vancouver, not too far from you.
larrybates42@comcast.net 360-258-1648
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 28, 2015
- Messages
- 7
I built my own rolling bridge crane for the shop. One of the best things I ever did. I use it much more than I ever thought I would. For safety, I welded and bolted the connections to form the "I" that is the bridge crane.
I also purchased a HF gantry for outside use. For that one, I replaced HF I-beam with one I had that was much more substantial.
I also purchased a HF gantry for outside use. For that one, I replaced HF I-beam with one I had that was much more substantial.
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2012
- Messages
- 960
That bridge frame looks awesome! I like the idea of using the HF trollys.
Bought a portable hydraulic, 2 ton rolling crane (collapsing "A" frame spreads is on the floor) form HF for under $200.00, which I used to move my equipment from receiving crates in my car port to the resting work place. very good. It folds up for a minimum of storage space. Also bought a balance bar for $39.95 to balance the lathe due to the heavy side where the head stock is worked very well, also worked well, I since then have used it for may other things like picking up my garden tractor, etc.
I use my cherry picker engine hoist & have had good luck with it. My shop has a 36" wide entry door off the garage. Gantry crane wouldn't do me any good. My hoist is an earlier Harbor Freight 2 ton that doesn't fold-up which is fine for me. I have a 42" Bridgeport that I took it thru that 36" door by only removing the bed & flipping the head. After lifting I pulled the mill over the legs & set it down with 2x4 supports. With it stable I used a 2x4 to jockey it thru the door. I also brought my 16" Atlas lathe in the same door. I first lifted the tail stock end & set it on a 1000 lb piano mover from Harbor Freight with wood on top & strapped down. I moved to other end with carriage & tail stock move toward head stock, then use the same 3" nylon strap to lift head stock end to sit on hoist legs as before. In both instance I left the hoist hooked up to prevent an accident. When you have to make do, you may surprise yourself. Your needs may differ from mine, but an engine hoist will do the job. How often do you move heavy stuff? Moving something with gantry crane & swivel casters & hanging weight can be a chore. Hope this helps you make up your mind.
Michael