With global container throughput exceeding 480 million TEUs, the efficiency of container handling at ports and logistics parks directly determines the turnover speed of the entire supply chain. Container straddle carriers, also known as gantry straddle carriers or tire-mounted container handling vehicles, are rubber-tired lifting equipment capable of both handling and stacking. They are becoming core loading and unloading equipment in an increasing number of terminals, inland container yards, and industrial parks. They require no rails, offer flexible steering, and are multi-functional, making them a cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized ports and logistics companies to improve their handling capacity.
From an external perspective, a straddle carrier mainly consists of the following parts:
- Gantry Frame: Constructed from high-strength steel, with two uprights and a top crossbeam forming a “gate” shape, spanning across the container. Its internal width is approximately 3.5 meters, just enough to allow a standard container to pass through.
- Travel Mechanism: Driven by 4 or 6 sets of rubber tires, each set of tires is independently suspended, enabling four-wheel steering, crab-walking, and other travel modes. It has a small turning radius and strong site adaptability.
- Hoist System: A wire rope winch-type hoisting system equipped with a telescopic spreader, adaptable to 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot standard containers. Some models support twin lifts.
- Cabin: Located at the front or side of the chassis, equipped with a full-view glass window, allowing the driver to clearly observe the status of the spreader and container.
- Power Unit: Available in three main forms: diesel engine-driven, pure electric lithium battery-driven, and hybrid electric.
The biggest feature of straddle carriers is “trackless operation”—no tracks are required; they can operate wherever there is a paved surface. This is the biggest difference between them and traditional rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMG). For small and medium-sized ports and logistics companies with irregular sites, scattered operations, and limited investment, straddle carriers offer a highly flexible option.
If you are also experiencing anxiety regarding straddle carrier services for port transportation, please contact us now for more product information.
Click to Learn More About Container Straddle Carrier
YG Electric Version Container Straddle Carrier Technical Parameters
| Model | YG-3531 | YG-6037 | YG-8037 |
| Capacity | 35t | 60t | 80t |
| Length*Width*Height | 7110*5100*6100mm | 9250*5700*6350mm | 1250*6000*6350mm |
| Effective inner width | 3100mm | 3750mm | 3750mm |
| Wheel base | 6010mm | 6600mm | 7400mm |
| Duplex Lifting Height | 4550mm | 5200mm | 5200mm |
| Max.Lifting Height(Below spreader) | 6150mm | 6300mm | 6300mm |
| Min. Ground Clearance | 230mm | 310mm | 310mm |
| Tire Qty | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Dead weight (does not contain spreader) | 21T | 35T | 45T |
| Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | 85KW | 100KW | 125KW |
| Lithium Battery | Lithium Iron Phosphate | ||
| Closed Travel Pump | Hytek/Danfoss/PMP | ||
| Empty-load max.speed | 115m/min | 80m/min | 80m/min |
| Full-load max. speed | 80m/min | 50m/min | 50m/min |
| Turning Radius | 6950mm | 8900mm | 13000mm |
| No-load/full-load Gradeability | 6%/3% | ||
| Control mode | Cab（remote control optional） | ||
Click to Learn More About Container Straddle Carrier
YG Diesel Version Container Straddle Carrier Technical Parameters
| Model | YG-3531EV | YG-6037EV | YG-8037EV |
| Capacity | 35t | 60t | 80t |
| Length*Width*Height | 7110*5100*6100mm | 9250*5700*6350mm | 1250*6000*6350mm |
| Effective inner width | 3100mm | 3750mm | 3750mm |
| Wheel base | 6010mm | 6600mm | 7400mm |
| Duplex Lifting Height | N/A | 1750mm | 1750mm |
| Max.Lifting Height(Below spreader) | 4600mm | 6300mm | 6300mm |
| Min. Ground Clearance | 230mm | 310mm | 310mm |
| Tire Qty | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Dead weight (does not contain spreader) | 19T | 35T | 45T |
| Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | 103KW | 129KW | 176KW |
| Closed Travel Pump | Hytek/Danfoss/PMP | ||
| Empty-load max.speed | 115m/min | 80m/min | 80m/min |
| Full-load max. speed | 80m/min | 50m/min | 50m/min |
| Turning Radius | 6950mm | 8900mm | 13000mm |
| No-load/full-load Gradeability | 6%/3% | ||
| Control mode | Cab（remote control optional） | ||
| Lifting Tools | Chain+Lock | Oversized Load Spreader | |
Click to Learn More About Container Straddle Carrier
In What Scenarios Are Straddle Carriers Used?
- Port Container Terminals. This is the most classic application scenario for straddle carriers. In small and medium-sized ports or transit yards of large ports, straddle carriers handle the unloading of containers from ships by quay cranes (STS cranes), transporting containers from the quay to the yard for stacking, or from the yard to trucks for loading. For small and medium-sized ports with an annual throughput of less than 500,000 TEUs, straddle carrier solutions are often the most economical choice.
- Inland Container Yards (ICDs). Inland dry ports, railway container centers, and multimodal transport hubs, where operations are scattered and the sites are irregular, fully utilize the flexibility and mobility of straddle carriers. No need for rail tracks, high site utilization, and convenient relocation.
- Logistics Parks and Distribution Centers. Large logistics parks, e-commerce warehousing centers, and bonded zones frequently require container unpacking and repacking, short-haul transportation, and temporary storage. Straddle carriers can move flexibly between warehouses and yards, loading and unloading trucks, stacking containers, and moving empty containers—one unit can handle multiple tasks.
- Industrial Parks and Manufacturing Enterprises. Large manufacturing enterprises and heavy industrial plants transport raw materials and finished products in containers. Straddle carriers can complete container loading, unloading, and handling within the plant. For example, automobile manufacturers, appliance factories, and chemical plants all have significant container logistics needs.
- Container Freight Stations (CFS). Container freight stations and LCL warehouses require frequent container loading, unloading, and packing operations. Straddle carriers can lift containers to the ground or loading/unloading platforms, facilitating manual packing and unpacking.
- Railway Container Yards. Railway container centers and freight yards need to transfer containers between railway flatcars and yards. Straddle carriers can drive directly to the railway line to operate, without waiting for gantry cranes to move, offering greater flexibility.
- Container Repair and Inspection Stations. Container repair shops and container inspection and testing agencies need to lift containers to inspect their undersides, perform repairs, and paint jobs. Straddle carriers can lift containers to a suitable height, facilitating the work of maintenance personnel.
- Military and Emergency Logistics. Military bases and emergency supply depots require rapid loading, unloading, and transfer of containerized goods. Straddle carriers are highly mobile and quick to deploy, making them suitable for emergency scenarios.
YG’s container straddle carriers have been exported to over 100 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Southeast Asian countries with rapid port expansion, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam; Middle Eastern logistics hubs like Saudi Arabia and the UAE; and emerging African markets like Nigeria and Kenya are all regions experiencing rapid growth in demand for straddle carriers.
Click to Learn More About Container Straddle Carrier
Frequently Asked Questions about Container Straddle Carriers
A1: Straddle carriers offer narrower aisles, allowing for more stacking layers and higher site utilization. A single unit covers the entire process of transshipment and stacking, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment. This results in lower investment and higher cost-effectiveness for small and medium-sized yards.
A2: The corresponding load-bearing requirements must be met. For the 30-ton model, the hardened ground must have a load-bearing capacity of ≥5t/㎡. If this is met, it can be used directly. If the load-bearing capacity is insufficient, it is recommended to reinforce the ground first to prevent settlement and cracking.
A3: The standard model is equipped with a telescopic spreader, allowing for quick spacing adjustment, and is compatible with 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers. Some high-end models are also compatible with 45-foot special containers.
A4: This is dedicated lifting equipment for use within the site. Operators must be trained and qualified before operating it. In some areas, a corresponding on-site vehicle operation qualification is required; please follow local regulations.
A5: Choose the electric model if you have fixed charging facilities and long annual operating hours; it has lower operating costs and is more environmentally friendly. Choose the diesel model if there is no electricity in the field or the operation is scattered; it is flexible and not limited by site.
A6: Not difficult. Routine maintenance mainly involves checking tire wear, hydraulic oil level, and the condition of the lifting gear latches. Regular maintenance can be completed by ordinary technicians. The manufacturer provides a complete set of maintenance instructions.
Click to Learn More About Container Straddle Carrier
Buy Container Straddle Carriers – Direct from Yugong Machinery – Factory Direct Sales
Container straddle carriers are highly flexible and efficient container handling equipment. They offer trackless operation, multi-functionality, and cost-effectiveness, making them particularly suitable for small and medium-sized ports, inland yards, logistics parks, and industrial parks. Compared to gantry cranes, they require less infrastructure investment and offer greater flexibility; compared to reach stackers, they maximize site utilization and increase operational efficiency.
YG, as a professional manufacturer of container handling equipment, offers a full range of container straddle carriers from 20 to 80 tons, with diesel, electric, and hybrid power options available, and supports customized designs. Our products have been exported to over 100 countries and regions, demonstrating reliable quality and high cost-effectiveness. Factory direct sales eliminate intermediaries, resulting in prices 40%-60% lower than European and American brands.
If you are planning a container yard or looking to upgrade your existing handling equipment, please contact us for a free design and quote. YG’s professional engineering team provides one-on-one service to help you choose the right equipment and avoid unnecessary detours.
Get a quote now! Click to contact our sales engineer!
