70T Gantry Cranes for Safe Tandem Lifting of 120T Bridge Beams
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70 Ton Gantry Crane for Safe Tandem Lifting of 120T Concrete Bridge Beams
This project demonstrates how two 70 ton gantry cranes (also known as 70 ton goliath crane / 70 ton goliath gantry crane) working in a synchronized tandem lifting system can safely handle 120-ton concrete beam lifting and handling, providing a practical alternative to a single ultra-heavy crane for bridge construction projects.
Concrete Beam Handling - Project Overview
In this project, the focus is on lifting and moving precast concrete bridge beams in a bridge construction site. These beams are heavy, long, and need to stay stable during lifting. That is why a 70 ton gantry crane system, also known in many projects as a 70 ton goliath crane or 70 ton goliath gantry crane, is selected and used in a tandem lifting arrangement.
The job is not just about lifting weight. It is more about keeping balance, controlling movement, and placing the beam exactly where the bridge structure requires it. In many bridge erection works, even a small deviation during lifting can affect alignment on the pier, so the equipment setup must match that level of control.
- Industry application covers bridge construction, highway expansion projects, and large infrastructure installation work
- Equipment used includes two sets of 70 ton gantry crane units working as a coordinated lifting system
- The system is also commonly referred to as a concrete beam handling gantry crane setup in precast yard and bridge site operations
- Load requirement reaches up to 120 tons for single precast concrete bridge beams
- Operation method is tandem lifting, where two cranes lift the same beam at the same time
- Site condition is outdoor bridge construction with uneven ground conditions and limited stable power supply
- Typical workflow follows a fixed sequence: beam lifting from casting yard, transfer onto beam transport vehicle, then positioning for bridge erection equipment
This kind of setup is often seen in real bridge projects where precast beams are produced in a yard and then moved to the bridge line. The beams are usually long-span and heavy, so a single crane is not always practical or available. Using a dual 70 ton gantry crane arrangement allows the contractor to continue work without waiting for a very large single crane.
In practice, this system is widely used in highway bridge projects, railway viaduct construction, and large-span crossing structures. These are jobs where the beam must be lifted steadily, kept level during travel, and placed accurately on the bridge piers or launching gantry system.
Key Buyer Benefits (Why Bridge Contractors Choose This Solution)
In bridge construction work, contractors usually care about one thing first: can the crane handle the beam safely on site conditions, not just on paper. That is why many projects choose a 70 ton gantry crane system, also known as a 70 ton goliath crane or 70 ton goliath gantry crane, instead of relying on one very large crane.
This setup uses two 70-ton cranes working together in tandem lifting. It is often used for concrete beam handling gantry crane operations, especially in precast bridge projects.
- It replaces the need for one large 120-ton crane, which is often expensive and harder to bring to site
- Two 70 ton gantry cranes work together to lift heavy 120-ton bridge beams safely
- Load is shared between two cranes, so lifting becomes more stable and controlled
- It helps keep long concrete bridge beams level during lifting and placement
- Works well on remote bridge sites where only diesel generator power is available
- Reduces risk during heavy beam lifting, especially in outdoor and changing weather conditions
- Can switch between two working modes: use each crane alone, or use both together for heavy lifting
For many bridge contractors looking for a practical goliath gantry crane solution for bridge erection work, this system is easier to use on real construction sites.
In daily operation, flexibility is important. One moment the cranes may lift precast beams, and another moment they may handle other construction materials. Having both single-crane and tandem lifting options makes the system more useful for real bridge projects.
Technical Solution (70 Ton Goliath Crane System Design)
In this project, the lifting system is built around two 70 ton goliath gantry cranes, designed for outdoor bridge construction and heavy concrete beam handling. The setup is simple in structure, but carefully planned for stable operation on real job sites where conditions are not always ideal.
Crane Type
The system uses two sets of 70 ton goliath gantry cranes, both designed as heavy-duty outdoor gantry cranes.
- Built for bridge construction and precast yard use
- Suitable for long-span concrete beam handling
- Designed to operate in open working environments such as highway and railway bridge sites
Lifting Capacity
The lifting capacity is planned based on both single and combined working conditions.
- Each crane: 70-ton rated lifting capacity
- Tandem lifting: up to 120-ton concrete bridge beam handling with safety margin
- Load is shared between two cranes to keep lifting stable and balanced
This structure allows the system to handle heavy precast beams without relying on one oversized crane.
Working Modes
The system is designed with two practical working modes, depending on site needs.
- Independent mode: each 70 ton gantry crane can be used alone for normal lifting work such as equipment handling or material movement
- Synchronized tandem mode: both cranes work together to lift and move heavy bridge beams as one controlled system
This flexibility helps contractors adjust quickly during different stages of bridge construction.
Main Configuration
To support stable lifting and long working hours, the system uses well-known industrial components.
- ABB motors are used to provide steady torque during heavy lifting and low-speed control
- SEW gear reducers ensure smooth and reliable power transmission during repeated lifting cycles
- Schneider electrical components are used for stable control performance in outdoor conditions
- Yaskawa frequency inverters help control acceleration and deceleration, reducing beam swing during movement
This combination is selected to keep the system stable during continuous bridge beam handling work.
Power Solution
Since many bridge projects are located in remote areas, stable grid power is not always available.
- The system is powered by a diesel generator set
- It supports full operation of the 70 ton goliath gantry crane system without external power supply
- Suitable for highway, railway, and cross-river bridge construction sites
This makes the crane system usable in locations where electrical infrastructure is limited or not ready during early construction stages.
Synchronized Tandem Lifting System (Core Advantage)
The key feature of this 70 ton goliath gantry crane system is its synchronized tandem lifting control, designed specifically for concrete beam handling gantry crane operations.
- Single remote control operates both gantry cranes simultaneously
- Real-time synchronization of lifting speed, hook height, and travel movement
- Automatic load balancing during 120-ton bridge beam lifting
- Prevents uneven force distribution during long-span concrete girder handling
- Ensures stable positioning during bridge erection and launching gantry alignment
- Eliminates operator coordination errors common in traditional dual-crane lifting
This system is especially important in precast concrete beam installation for bridge construction, where millimeter-level alignment affects structural safety.
Problems Solved (Crane Buyer FAQ – Practical Search Intent)
When buyers look for a 70 ton gantry crane or 70 ton goliath crane solution, the real concern is usually not the name of the equipment, but whether it can safely handle heavy bridge beams on site, especially under real construction conditions like limited space, power issues, and installation accuracy. This section answers those practical questions.
How can 120-ton concrete bridge beams be lifted without a single large gantry crane?
A: Two 70 ton gantry cranes (also used as a 70 ton goliath gantry crane system) are operated together in synchronized tandem lifting mode to share the full load safely.
- This method is commonly used in bridge projects where a single 120-ton crane is not available or not practical
- The load is evenly distributed between two cranes to maintain balance during lifting and movement
- It is widely applied in concrete beam handling gantry crane operations
Is a 70 ton gantry crane suitable for concrete beam handling applications?
A: Yes, when arranged in tandem lifting, it is commonly used for precast bridge beam lifting and installation work.
- It fits well in precast yard to bridge site transport workflow
- Suitable for long concrete girder handling in highway and railway bridge projects
- Often selected when flexibility is needed instead of a single large-capacity crane
How is safety ensured during dual goliath gantry crane lifting?
A: Safety is controlled through synchronized operation so both cranes move at the same speed and position in real time.
- Prevents one side lifting faster than the other
- Reduces beam tilt and uneven stress during lifting
- Improves stability when handling long-span concrete bridge girders
Can the system work in remote bridge construction sites?
A: Yes, the system can run independently using a diesel generator without relying on grid electricity.
- Suitable for highway, railway, and cross-river bridge projects
- Keeps the 70 ton goliath crane system operational in remote environments
- Useful in early-stage construction where site power is not ready
How is precision achieved during concrete beam placement?
A: Precision comes from frequency inverter control combined with synchronized lifting movement.
- Helps control smooth start and stop during lifting and lowering
- Reduces beam swing during positioning on bridge piers
- Supports accurate alignment with launching gantry or erection system
Can the gantry cranes operate independently?
A: Yes, each 70 ton gantry crane can work alone or switch to tandem mode when needed.
- Independent mode for normal lifting tasks and material handling
- Tandem mode for heavy 120-ton concrete beam handling gantry crane operations
- Gives flexibility during different stages of bridge construction
Engineering Value for Bridge Construction Projects
In real bridge construction work, equipment choice is not only about lifting capacity. It is more about whether the system can match site conditions, installation sequence, and beam handling accuracy. This 70 ton goliath gantry crane solution, also known as a 70 ton gantry crane system, is designed for exactly this type of practical working environment, especially in concrete beam handling gantry crane operations.
It is widely used in projects where precast concrete beams need to be lifted, moved, and installed in a controlled and repeatable way.
- Commonly applied in highway bridge erection projects where precast girders must be lifted from casting yard to installation point
- Used in railway viaduct construction for precise placement of long-span concrete bridge beams along track alignment
- Suitable for large-span concrete girder lifting where beam length and weight require stable dual-crane coordination
- Often integrated into bridge launching gantry feeding systems, where beams are supplied step by step during erection cycles
- Used in heavy infrastructure construction sites such as river-crossing bridges, elevated highways, and interchange structures
In these projects, contractors often need more flexibility than a single large crane can provide. A fixed high-capacity crane may not match changing site conditions or moving bridge sections. That is where the 70 ton goliath gantry crane system becomes practical.
It allows operators to switch between independent lifting and synchronized tandem lifting, depending on the stage of construction. This makes it easier to handle different tasks without changing equipment on site.
Overall, this solution gives bridge contractors a workable balance between lifting capacity, site adaptability, and control during concrete beam handling gantry crane operations, especially in projects where precision placement is as important as lifting ability.
Conclusion
The 70 ton gantry crane / 70 ton goliath crane tandem lifting system offers a practical and efficient solution for 120-ton concrete bridge beam handling and installation. By combining synchronized lifting technology, diesel-powered flexibility, and industrial-grade control systems, it ensures safe, precise, and reliable performance in modern bridge construction projects where adaptability and lifting accuracy are critical.
Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.