20 Ton Gantry Crane for Indoor Heavy-Duty Material Handling
Comparing Single Girder vs. Double Girder Designs

When heavy materials need to be moved safely and efficiently inside a workshop or production hall, an indoor gantry crane becomes an essential part of the operation. Instead of relying on outdoor lifting systems or overhead cranes that require complex building supports, a gantry crane provides a flexible, floor-mounted lifting solution that can be adapted to various workshop layouts.

A 20 ton gantry crane is often the preferred choice for medium-to-heavy material handling tasks. It offers enough lifting power to handle large machine components, steel structures, molds, or heavy fabrication assemblies — all within the confined space of an indoor environment. Whether the job involves loading, positioning, or transferring heavy parts between workstations, the 20 ton capacity fits right in that practical middle ground: powerful but not oversized for most industrial needs.

You'll find these cranes working quietly and reliably across different sectors:

• Machinery workshops where large parts need frequent lifting and turning during assembly.
• Fabrication shops handling thick steel plates or welded structures.
• Steel processing plants where billets, beams, and heavy sections are moved for cutting or shaping.
• Warehouse and assembly lines where precise material flow supports continuous production.

When it comes to choosing the right setup, the key decision often comes down to the type of structure — should you go for a single girder or a double girder 20 ton gantry crane? Each design has its place depending on the space, load profile, and lifting height you need. Understanding the difference helps buyers make a more practical and cost-effective decision before installation.

What is an Indoor 20 Ton Gantry Crane?

A 20 ton indoor gantry crane is designed to handle heavy materials inside workshops, factories, and production halls. It stands on its own legs and moves along floor rails, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for indoor lifting without modifying the building structure.

standard 20 ton gantry crane single girder for indoor use

double girder gantry crane 20 ton for indoor use with eupean style open winch 20 ton 

double girder semi gantry crane 20 ton for indoor use

Economical gantry crane 20 ton for indoor use

single girder rubber tyred gantry crane 20 ton for indoor use

double girder a frame rubber tyred gantry crane 20 ton for indoor use

Overview and Function

In simple terms, the crane forms a mobile bridge structure. The hoist moves along the main beam while the entire crane travels on wheels or rails, covering a wide working area. This makes it ideal for indoor applications where frequent heavy lifting is required.

Typical Structure Components

• Main Girder(s): Horizontal beam carrying the hoist and trolley; can be single or double depending on lifting needs.
• Legs: Vertical supports connecting the main beam to the traveling system on the floor.
• Hoist and Trolley: Lifting mechanism that moves along the girder and raises/lowers loads.
• Traveling Mechanism: Wheels or rails that allow crane movement across the workshop floor, manually or motor-driven.
• Electrical System: Power supply, control panel, limit switches, and safety devices for smooth, reliable operation.

Key Advantages for Indoor Use

• No Need for Permanent Runway Beam: Stands independently, avoiding building modifications.
• Compact Design for Limited Headroom: Low-profile structure fits workshops with restricted ceiling height.
• Easy Relocation and Disassembly: Move or reassemble the crane with minimal downtime when layouts change.
• Stable and Safe Lifting: Ground-supported design reduces building stress and ensures load stability.

Key Features of a 20 Ton Indoor Gantry Crane

• Lifting Capacity: Standard 20 tons, with optional auxiliary hoist for dual lifting or fine positioning.
• Span Range: Typically 10–25 meters, customizable to match building width and travel area.
• Lifting Height: Designed to fit headroom and allow sufficient clearance for tall loads.
• Duty Class: Rated A5–A6, suitable for medium to heavy-duty operations with frequent lifts.
• Control Options: Pendant control, wireless remote, or operator cabin depending on user needs.
• Power Supply: Standard 380V/50Hz, adjustable to match regional or industrial electrical standards.

These features make the 20 ton gantry crane a dependable choice for workshops needing both capacity and flexibility, ensuring efficient material flow without compromising safety or performance.

Single Girder 20 Ton Indoor Gantry Crane

For indoor material handling, the 20 ton single girder gantry crane is one of the most practical and space-saving solutions. It's specifically designed for factories, workshops, and assembly bays where lifting heavy components needs to be done safely within limited space. The structure consists of a single main beam with the hoist trolley running underneath, supported by two legs that travel on ground rails.

This indoor gantry crane design makes installation and maintenance simple while providing reliable lifting performance for 20-ton loads. It's widely used in machining workshops, fabrication halls, and steel product handling areas where headroom and floor space must be used efficiently.

MHO 20 ton gantry crane single girder with European style low headroom hoist to save your space

Economical  single girder 20 ton gantry crane to save your cost

Rubber tyred gantry crane 20 ton with single girder design

Advantages for Indoor Use:

• Compact and lightweight design: The single girder structure has lower self-weight, reducing load on the floor rails and making it easier to install inside existing buildings.
• Cost-effective operation: With fewer components, it offers reliable lifting performance at a lower investment cost — ideal for small and medium industrial plants.
• Best fit for low headroom workshops: The under-running hoist makes full use of the available lifting height in indoor environments.

Limitations to Consider:

• Limited lifting height: Since the hoist runs under the girder, the hook height is slightly reduced compared to double girder types.
• Not ideal for wide-span or continuous heavy-duty operations: For frequent or long-span handling, a double girder crane provides better load distribution and durability.

In short, the 20 ton single girder indoor gantry crane offers a balanced solution for workshops needing powerful lifting capacity without large-scale building changes — dependable, affordable, and well-suited for compact industrial spaces.

Double Girder 20 Ton Indoor Gantry Crane

For workshops and production halls that handle heavy or frequent lifting tasks, the 20 ton double girder gantry crane delivers the extra strength and stability required. It features two main beams across the top, with the hoist trolley running on rails mounted on the beam flanges. This design gives it a higher lifting height and improved load distribution — key factors for safe and efficient indoor heavy-duty operations.

The double girder structure is often preferred in large workshops, steel fabrication plants, and equipment assembly areas where wide spans, precise positioning, or multi-shift work are common. It's built to perform consistently under demanding conditions.

MGO 20 ton gantry crane double girder with low headroom open winch trolley

MG 20 ton gantry crane double girder with open winch trolley

20 ton gantry crane with A frame gantry crane and rubber tyred wheels

Advantages for Indoor Use:

• Higher lifting height: The hook travels between the two beams, providing more vertical clearance — a major benefit in tall workshop bays.
• Excellent stability: The twin-beam design ensures smoother movement and less structural deflection, making it suitable for wide-span or long-travel indoor applications.
• Supports additional features: It can easily accommodate a maintenance walkway, auxiliary hoist, or specialized lifting attachments for complex handling jobs.

Limitations to Consider:

• Heavier overall structure: The dual-beam design adds weight, which increases installation complexity and total project cost.
• More headroom required: The crane needs additional vertical space, which may not suit workshops with low ceilings.

Overall, the 20 ton double girder indoor gantry crane is ideal for workshops where lifting precision, span coverage, and long-term durability outweigh initial installation costs. It provides a stable and powerful lifting solution for continuous indoor operations.

Comparison: Single Girder vs. Double Girder 20 Ton Indoor Gantry Crane

When selecting an indoor gantry crane for 20-ton lifting tasks, understanding the structural and operational differences between the single girder and double girder types is essential. Each design has its strengths, depending on your workshop layout, lifting frequency, and available space.

Application Scenarios for Indoor Gantry Crane 20 Ton

When selecting an indoor gantry crane 20 ton, it's important to match the crane type with the workshop's layout, lifting requirements, and operational frequency. Both single girder and double girder 20 ton gantry cranes are widely used in indoor industrial settings, but each has specific applications that maximize efficiency and safety.

Single Girder 20 Ton Gantry Crane Applications

The single girder 20 ton indoor gantry crane is ideal for medium-duty indoor lifting tasks where headroom or floor space is limited. Its compact design makes it a practical choice for everyday operations without extensive installation requirements. Common scenarios include:

• Machinery manufacturing workshops: Moving heavy machine components during assembly.
• Maintenance and repair workshops: Lifting and transferring equipment safely in confined spaces.
• Storage and assembly halls with low ceiling height: Efficient handling of heavy materials without compromising workspace.

Double Girder 20 Ton Gantry Crane Applications

The double girder 20 ton indoor gantry crane provides higher lifting height, greater stability, and better support for frequent or heavy-duty operations. It is ideal for larger indoor workshops and precise material handling tasks. Typical applications include:

• Heavy fabrication and welding bays: Supporting long steel structures and assemblies.
• Steel plate or mold handling workshops: Handling wide, heavy loads with minimal sway.
• Equipment assembly lines requiring high precision: Ensuring smooth material flow for continuous indoor operations.

In summary, indoor gantry cranes 20 ton come in single or double girder configurations. Single girder 20 ton gantry cranes are perfect for medium-duty indoor use with limited headroom, while double girder 20 ton gantry cranes suit heavy-duty, high-lifting, and frequent indoor operations.

Selection Considerations for Indoor Gantry Cranes 20 Ton

Choosing the right indoor gantry crane 20 ton requires careful evaluation of your workshop's needs and operational demands. Selecting between a single girder or double girder 20 ton gantry crane isn't just about upfront cost — it's about ensuring safe, efficient, and long-lasting performance.

Before making a decision, consider the following key factors:

• Load frequency and duty class: Determine whether your operations fall under medium-duty (A5) or heavy-duty (A6) cycles, as this affects crane design and durability.
• Workshop dimensions and headroom: Measure your indoor space carefully. Low ceilings may favor single girder cranes, while double girder cranes require additional vertical clearance.
• Material type: Identify the primary loads — steel plates, molds, machine components, or other heavy items — to ensure the crane and hoist can handle weight and size safely.
• Span and travel distance: Consider the distance the crane must cover across the workshop. Wider spans or longer travel may make a double girder configuration more suitable.
• Installation space and foundation strength: Check floor load capacity and available space for crane rails or wheels. Proper foundation ensures safe operation and prevents excessive wear.
• Budget vs. long-term operational cost: Single girder cranes are usually more economical initially, but double girder cranes may offer better efficiency, stability, and durability for frequent indoor lifting.

Evaluating these factors carefully helps ensure that your 20 ton indoor gantry crane will meet your workshop's operational requirements safely and efficiently for years to come.

Conclusion

Both single girder and double girder 20 ton indoor gantry cranes provide reliable lifting solutions for indoor material handling. Each type has its advantages depending on your workshop space, lifting needs, and operational frequency.

• Single girder 20 ton gantry cranes are ideal for medium-duty applications, offering a compact, space-saving design and lower installation costs.
• Double girder 20 ton gantry cranes are better suited for high-cycle, heavy-duty operations, providing greater lifting height, stability, and precision for demanding indoor tasks.

For a solution that fits your workshop layout, lifting requirements, and budget, contact Yuantai Crane. Our team can provide a customized 20 ton indoor gantry crane designed to deliver safe, efficient, and long-lasting performance for your indoor operations.