Straddle carrier is specially designed for ports, terminals, and intermodal yards for lifting, transporting and stacking sea containers. It is capable of picking and placing containers within the yard independently of other equipment to optimize storage space within the terminal.
straddle carrier crane dimensions
The dimensions of container straddle carrier vary greatly depending on their design purpose, stacking capacity and the dimensions of different manufacturers. Empty container straddle carrier are often narrower and taller than loaded container ones because empty containers can be stacked in more layers.
Analysis of key dimensions of straddle carrier:
1、Net width of door legs (key parameter)
Standard value: 3.8-4.3m (ISO container width is 2.44m, and a safety gap of ≥0.6m is required on both sides)
Determine the type of container/equipment that can be crossed (such as chassis width is usually ≤2.6m).
2、Lifting height
Stacking 3 layers: the container is lifted to ≥7.8m from the ground (1 layer of box height is 2.9m×2 + safety gap).
Stacking 4 layers: ≥10.7m (layer height×3 + gap).
3、Vehicle width and channel design
The width of the yard channel must meet: vehicle width + safety margin on both sides (≥1.5m).
Example: 6m wide straddle carrier requires a channel width of ≥7.5m.
4、Turning radius vs. yard layout
All-wheel steering technology is used to reduce the turning radius and adapt to dense yards.
When turning at zero radius, the whole vehicle rotates around the center without taking up extra space.
Safety-related dimensions | ||
Item | Value range | Function |
Minimum ground clearance | 0.35 – 0.50m | Avoid crushing ground pipelines/obstacles |
Minimum operating height of hoist | 0.15 – 0.30m | Pick up and place ground containers |
Cabin field of view height | 5.0 – 7.0m | Monitor container stacking status |
Rearview mirror extension width | 0.5 – 0.8m | Need to be included in the vehicle’s passage width |
Design constraint basis
ISO container size: length 6.1/12.2m × width 2.44m × height 2.9m (standard box).
Chassis height: gooseneck trough ≤1.4m from the ground (straddle carrier needs to cross).
Wharf ground load: tire ground pressure ≤1.2kg/cm² (extra-wide tires disperse load).
Haitec crane can customized the technical specifications of the straddle carrier for your actual needs, such as capacity, spreader, dimension, etc.
Capacity | 35ton | 45ton | 120ton |
Dimension (Length*Width*Height) | 7100*5000*5500mm | 10000*5800*7000mm | 12000*8210*6900mm |
Inner Width | 3100mm | 3400mm | 6500mm |
Wheel Base | 6000mm | 6500mm | 9000mm |
Min Ground Clearance | 300mm | 600mm | 300mm |
Engine | Cummins/Weichai | Weichai 170KW | WeichaI（247KW) |
Travel Pump (closed travel) | Hytek/Linde/Danfoss | Linde/Danfoss | Linde/Danfoss |
Turning Radius | 7000mm | 8500mm | 15000mm |
Gradeability | 5-15% | 5-15% | 5-15% |
Running Speed (with load) | 6-8km/h | 7-10km/h | 3-5km/h |
Running Speed (without load) | 8-10km/h | 9-12km/h | 3-5km/h |
Manipulation | Steering wheel (can be romote control) | ||
Lifting Tools | Customized oversized load spreader | ||
Working Ambient Temperature | -20°C~+50°C | ||
Straddle Carrier Structure
A container straddle carrier primarily consists of the following components:
Frame: The frame is the straddle carrier’s basic structure, typically featuring a portal-shaped design. It straddles the sides of a container, providing a stable platform for subsequent operations.
Powertrain: Powering the straddle carrier are a diesel engine and lithium-ion battery.
Hydraulic System: Hydraulic control is used to power all mechanisms within the straddle carrier.
Control System: This includes a control panel, electronic control unit (ECU), sensor network, human-machine interface (such as a touchscreen or joystick), and remote communication module. It coordinates the operation of various subsystems and controls the straddle carrier’s operation and loading and unloading operations.
Container Spreader: Used to grasp containers and ensure their stability during handling.
how does straddle carrier move ?
Straddle carrier typically move in a variety of steering modes to adapt to different operating environments.
Front-wheel steering: Steering is achieved through friction between the front wheels and the ground. Suitable for conventional road driving and yard operations, it ensures the stability and controllability of the straddle carrier during straight-line driving and simple turns.
All-wheel steering: All wheels can be deflected simultaneously, allowing the vehicle to make small turns on the spot. It is suitable for narrow spaces and complex road conditions, greatly improving the vehicle’s maneuverability in confined spaces.
360-degree on-the-spot steering: allows the vehicle to rotate freely and without restrictions on the spot. Steering can be completed without moving the vehicle, greatly saving operation time and improving operation efficiency.
How does the work of straddle carrier？
Straddle carrier operation requires both precision and safety. Its standardized workflow encompasses three phases: pre-operation preparation, core operations, and finishing work. Each step must strictly adhere to specifications to ensure efficient and orderly container transfer and stacking.
1. Pre-operation Preparation A thorough pre-operation
inspection is key to avoiding accidents. Straddle carrier operators should first conduct a visual inspection of the equipment: check tire wear and ensure air pressure is within the standard range (typically 8-10 bar). Ensure the wheel rims are free of deformation and the wheel hub bolts are tight. Check the portal frame welds for cracks, the spreader frame and locking mechanism for integrity, and the hydraulic line connections for leaks. After entering the cab, connect the main power supply and check the instrument panel indicators for normal operation. Specifically, ensure that the hydraulic oil temperature, level, and brake pressure are within safe ranges. Next, test key functions: operate the spreader control handles, sequentially checking for smooth lifting, rotation (±90°), and lateral movement, and confirming that the limit switches automatically shut down at their limit positions. Test the braking system, ensuring the pedal travel is moderate and the vehicle body remains stable when the parking brake is engaged.
Environmental surveys are equally important. Operators must ensure the work area is clear of obstructions, standing water (no more than 5cm deep), and unauthorized personnel. Stacking operations must be suspended if wind speeds exceed 10m/s. Container information (container number, dimensions, weight) and stacking location must be verified according to dispatch instructions. Ensure the aisle width meets turning requirements to avoid secondary adjustments due to planning errors.
II. Core Operations of a Straddle Carrier
When approaching the grabbing point, the straddle carrier must maintain steady speed, with an unladen speed not exceeding 15 km/h. When approaching the target container, slow down to 3-5 km/h. Using the spreader’s camera or visually aligning the gantry directly over the container, stop and apply the parking brake, ensuring the spreader is aligned within 10 cm of the container’s corner fittings.
The grabbing process requires precise control: Slowly lower the spreader to a point 30 cm from the top of the container, pause, and fine-tune the lateral position to align the lock head with the corner fitting. Continue lowering until the lock head is inserted. Press the lock button after a click. Wait for the instrument panel to display “Locked Complete” (green light illuminates), then raise the spreader at a speed of ≤ 0.5 m/s. Empty containers must be 1.2 meters above the ground, and loaded containers 0.8 meters above the ground to avoid collisions with obstacles during operation.
During the transfer phase, maintain a constant speed, with loaded containers no more than 10 km/h. Before turning, reduce speed to below 5 km/h and utilize the multi-wheel steering system to achieve a minimum turn radius (≤6 meters). Monitor both sides of the mast using rearview mirrors and maintain a safe distance of at least 0.5 meters from surrounding stacks. Reduce speed when navigating uneven surfaces to prevent container sway.
When stacking, first align the vehicle body with the target location. Slowly lower the spreader to a point 20 cm above the underlying surface, pause, and confirm horizontal alignment before continuing to lower. The cushioning function reduces impact. Once the container is securely positioned, press the unlock button. After confirming the lock is fully retracted, raise the spreader to a safe height of 1.5 meters and sound the horn to signal completion.
III. Closing the Straddle Carrier Operation（Video）
After completing the straddle carrier operation, drive the straddle carrier to a designated parking area (must be flat and solid), apply the parking brake, return the operating handle to neutral, and turn off the spreader power. If parking for an extended period, release hydraulic pressure, shut off the engine, and remove the key.
Finally, perform an inspection and record-keeping exercise: clean the spreader locks of debris, inspect tires and pipes for any abnormalities, enter the container number, operation time, and equipment status on the work sheet, and report any abnormalities promptly. Arrange items in the cab and hand over precautions to the next shift’s operators to ensure accurate information transfer.
The entire process must adhere to the principle of “slow start, steady operation, and gentle braking.” Standardized procedures achieve a balance between safety and efficiency, protecting the equipment and ensuring the smooth operation of logistics operations.
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