KELLS CRANE Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes are one of the most popular types of equipment used in container terminals and intermodal yards worldwide. They are used to load, unload, and stack standard shipping containers.

Their popularity stems from a unique combination of mobility, high capacity, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the primary advantages of using Rubber Tired Container Gantry Cranes:

1. Exceptional Mobility and Flexibility

Unlike Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes, which are restricted to moving back and forth on fixed steel tracks, RTGs run on massive rubber tires.

• Block Transfer: The rubber tires allow the crane to turn 90 degrees and drive from one container block (stack) to another.

• Dynamic Resource Allocation: Terminal operators can move RTGs to different parts of the yard based on real-time ship loading/unloading demands, preventing bottlenecks.

2. Excellent Space Utilization (High Stacking Density)

RTGs are highly efficient when it comes to yard space.

• They typically span 5 to 8 container widths, plus one lane for a terminal tractor/truck.

• They can stack containers high—commonly "1 over 4" (stacking 4 containers high and lifting a 5th over them), "1 over 5," or even "1 over 6."

• This creates a much higher container density per square meter compared to using Reach Stackers or Straddle Carriers, making RTGs ideal for ports with limited land area.

3. Lower Initial Infrastructure Costs

Because they do not run on rails, RTGs require significantly less upfront civil engineering compared to RMGs.

• There is no need to dig deep foundations and lay expensive steel tracks.

• While the yard still requires reinforced concrete or heavy-duty asphalt to support the weight of the crane and containers, the overall infrastructure investment is considerably lower and faster to build.

4. Scalability and Phased Expansion

If a port is growing, expanding an RTG-based yard is much easier than a rail-based yard. Port operators can purchase additional RTGs and simply expand the paved yard block by block as throughput increases, without the rigid planning required to lay down a rail network.

5. High Operational Efficiency and Precision

Modern RTGs are equipped with advanced technologies that make them incredibly efficient:

• Anti-sway systems: These electronic and mechanical systems stop the container from swinging like a pendulum while being moved, allowing the operator to place the container precisely and quickly.

• Auto-steering: Many RTGs use GPS or laser-guided auto-steering to keep the crane driving in a perfectly straight line down the container aisle, reducing operator fatigue and increasing speed.

6. Advancements in Green Technology (E-RTGs)

Historically, RTGs were powered purely by large diesel generators, making them noisy and polluting. However, the modern advantage is the rise of Electrified RTGs (E-RTGs) and Hybrids:

• E-RTGs can be connected to the local power grid via motorized cable reels or conductor busbars.

• This dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers noise pollution (crucial for ports near residential areas), and drastically cuts fuel and maintenance costs.

• Hybrid RTGs use a smaller diesel engine combined with a lithium-ion battery pack, regenerating power when lowering containers.

7. Less Wear and Tear on Yard Surfaces (Compared to alternatives)

While RTGs are heavy, they travel in straight lines down dedicated lanes. Conversely, Reach Stackers and large forklifts have to constantly turn, pivot, and reverse while carrying heavy loads, which causes severe rutting and damage to the terminal's asphalt or concrete over time. RTGs greatly reduce pavement maintenance costs.

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