How To Configure A Porta Gantry

Confirm the total weight to be lifted, including any lifting tackle. Allow for additional force that may be needed to separate corroded, seized or fixed components.

Record the load’s length, width and height, including any projections or lifting attachments. Confirm there is sufficient clearance to lift, manoeuvre and position it safely within the gantry.

Measure the unobstructed distance the beam must cover and allow enough space to manoeuvre the load. Consider whether one gantry is suitable or whether a tandem-lift configuration would provide greater control.

Establish how high the load must be raised and where it will be positioned. Include the combined height of the load, any receiving platform, lifting tackle, hoist and trolley.

Check the vertical space above the lift, including any overhead structures or services. The gantry, trolley, hoist and lifting accessories must fit while still providing the required hook height.

Confirm that the supporting surface is level, stable and capable of carrying the gantry and lifted load. Identify uneven ground, slopes, fragile surfaces or other conditions that may require a specific A-frame or castor configuration.

Confirm whether the gantry must remain stationary or travel while carrying a suspended load. If movement is required, assess the load, route, surface, castor configuration and operating controls to ensure the selected system is suitable for controlled movement under load.

Review doorways, corridors, stairs, restricted working areas and transport routes. Make sure every component can be safely delivered, assembled and moved into position.

Define whether the gantry will be used for goods lifting, personnel lifting, fall protection or a combination of tasks. This determines the required configuration, accessories and applicable safety provisions.

All Reid products incorporate safety factors within their stated rated capacity. A unit rated to 2,000 kg has therefore been tested at loads significantly above its working load limit. There is no need to select a higher-capacity unit solely to add an additional safety margin; choose the capacity that matches the requirements of the intended lift.

A higher-capacity system can handle more lifting tasks as your needs evolve, increasing flexibility and long-term value. For example, a 2,000 kg system offers greater scope than a 500 kg system. The complete system is always limited by its lowest-rated component, so a 2,000 kg beam cannot increase the capacity of 500 kg A-frames.

Selecting the capacity that most closely matches your lifting requirement can reduce the system’s overall weight, making it easier to transport, assemble and position.

Measure the unobstructed distance required between the A-frames, allowing sufficient space to lift, travel and position the load safely. Clear operating span is provided in the product specification tables or by removing 920mm from the total beam length.

Allow enough room to assemble, operate and reposition the gantry safely around nearby structures, services and equipment.

Confirm the load weight and whether it needs to move along the beam. This will help determine the most suitable beam and trolley configuration

Check the expected deflection at the required load and span to ensure the system provides sufficient lifting height and clearance; deflection is given in the specification tables for each product.

A higher-rated beam can be combined with lower-rated A-frames to reduce deflection, but the complete gantry must be used at the rating of its lowest-rated component. Example: 2,000kg A-frames with a 3,000kg beam create a 2,000kg system

Consider the beam weight and the people or equipment available to transport, lift and assemble it safely on site.

Check vehicle capacity, entry points and the route to the work area to ensure every component can be delivered and positioned with ease.

For stability, operating span dimension C must be equal to or greater than the castor-to-castor dimension G of the A-frame.

Select A-frames rated for the load, hoist, trolley and lifting accessories. Allow for any additional release force. The lowest-rated component sets the gantry’s working load limit.

Check for roofs, pipework, services and other overhead obstructions. Choose a frame that delivers the required hook height with space for the beam, trolley and hoist.

Allow room for the A-frame footprint, castor movement, assembly and safe operation around nearby structures and equipment.

Include the height of the load, lifting points, slings, hoist and trolley when calculating the required under-beam height.

Consider the combined weight of the beam, A-frames, trolley and accessories. The lightest suitable configuration will be easier to transport, assemble and position.

Confirm the surface is level, stable and load-bearing. Slopes, uneven ground, fragile surfaces or obstacles may require a different A-frame or castor configuration such as the PORTA GANTRY Pneumatic.

Check the space available below the trolley and allow for the hoist, lifting accessories and load. Recommended: Close Coupled Trolley where headroom is restricted and maximum height of lift is required.

Choose the Gated Trolley when the trolley needs to be added, removed or changed after the gantry has been assembled. Its rotating plate and quick-release pin enable fast reconfiguration without dismantling the complete system.

Choose the Gear Driven Trolley when a lifted load of up to 2,000 kg needs to travel along the beam in a controlled manner. Select a chain length to suit the operating height and application

Choose a Master Link Trolley for a versatile connection point compatible with a wide range of hoists and lifting accessories. Match its rating to the load and lifting equipment, remembering that the lowest-rated component determines the gantry’s working load limit.

Select a compatible Gated Trolley or Master Link Trolley configured as an approved overhead anchorage for the intended application. Confirm the complete system configuration, user capacity and connecting equipment before use.