Learn about the main applications of side cranes in 3 minutes

Side loader crane is a special type of truck crane, a lifting equipment specially used for loading and unloading containers and transporting them. It is widely used in ports, logistics centers, stations and other scenarios. It is mainly used for loading and unloading goods from the side, and is suitable for narrow spaces or scenarios that require efficient lateral operations. Its core advantages are compact structure, high operating efficiency and significantly better site utilization than traditional equipment (such as reach stackers).

La grue à chargement latéral est un type spécial de grue sur camion, un équipement de levage dédié au chargement, au déchargement et au transport de conteneurs. Il est largement utilisé dans les ports, les centres logistiques, les gares et d’autres scénarios. Il est principalement utilisé pour le chargement et le déchargement latéral des marchandises et convient aux espaces étroits ou aux scénarios nécessitant des opérations latérales efficaces. Ses principaux avantages résident dans sa structure compacte, son efficacité opérationnelle élevée et son utilisation du site nettement meilleure que les équipements traditionnels (tels que les reach stackers).

Side hanging

1. Technical features and design/Caractéristiques techniques et conception

1) Structural design/Conception structurelle

The side crane is usually composed of a body, telescopic arm, spreader and drive unit. The telescopic arm adopts a multi-section arm structure (such as a three-section arm), and the rotation angle is controlled by the variable-length cylinder. The spreader can flexibly adjust its position to meet the needs of container loading and unloading.

Support leg design: Support legs are set at the bottom of the vehicle body to enhance stability, especially to provide multi-point support during lifting operations to prevent tipping.

Hydraulic system: It adopts a dual-pump dual-circuit hydraulic system with wireless remote control technology to achieve precise control and high safety.

2) Performance advantages/Avantages en termes de performances

Efficient operation: Support 24-hour continuous operation.

High site utilization rate: the body of the crane is parallel to the stacking direction of containers, and the required channel width is only 1/3 of that of a reach stacker, which is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized ports and railway freight stations.

3) Main product types/3) Principaux types de produits
According to the lifting capacity, it can be divided into:
Medium and large side cranes: suitable for loading and unloading 20-foot containers
Large side crane: 45-ton model can handle 40-foot containers, and some models can be tested with loads up to 45 tons

2. Core features of side crane/Caractéristiques principales de la grue latérale

1). Lateral operation: The boom can be extended horizontally, which is suitable for working in narrow lanes, warehouses or against walls.
2). Save space: The vehicle does not need to face the cargo, reducing turning radius requirements.
3). Efficient loading and unloading: Especially suitable for the rapid handling of standardized goods (such as containers, pallets, and long materials).

3. Main application scenarios/Principaux scénarios d’application

1). Logistics and warehousing/Logistique et entreposage
o Loading and unloading of palletized cargo, containers (commonly found in ports or logistics centers).
o Perform lateral handling in narrow aisles between racks.
2). City delivery/Livraison en ville
o Unload sideways in crowded streets or alleys to avoid occupying lanes.
3). Construction sites/Chantiers de construction
o Lift long materials such as steel bars and pipes and deliver them directly from the side into the construction area.
4). Special transportation/Transports spéciaux
o Such as lifting large equipment (transformers, machine tools) sideways to a designated location.

4. Operation skills and precautions/Compétences opérationnelles et précautions

1). Preparation before operation/Préparation avant l’opération
• Equipment inspection: Before operation, the side-lifting equipment should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that the equipment is in good condition, safe and reliable.
• Work site inspection: A safety inspection should be carried out on the work site before the work is started to ensure that the work site is safe and tidy.
• Site assessment: Make sure there is enough space to deploy the boom from the side and avoid obstacles (such as power lines, walls).
• Outrigger adjustment: Some side cranes need to be used with outriggers to enhance lateral stability.
• Preparation of operation plan: Prepare a detailed side-lift operation plan based on operation requirements, clarify the operation process, safety measures, etc.
• Staffing: Based on operational requirements, sufficient number of staff should be assigned and the responsibilities of each position should be clearly defined.
• Warning signs: Set up warning signs to remind passers-by to pay attention to safety.
2). During the hoisting process:/Pendant le processus de levage :
• Perform lifting strictly according to the operation plan to ensure the lifting process is safe and stable.
• Hoisted objects should be tied securely to prevent them from falling off during the hoisting process.
• Lifting objects should be done slowly, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration.
• The hoisted objects should be kept balanced to avoid damage or accidents caused by tilting.
• During the lifting process of hoisting objects, it is strictly prohibited for personnel to enter under the hoisted objects.
3). Key points for lateral lifting/Points clés pour le levage latéral
• Balance control: Lateral force can easily cause the vehicle’s center of gravity to shift, so operate slowly and observe the inclination of the vehicle body.
• Limit protection: prohibit overloading or excessive lateral extension to prevent hydraulic system overload or rollover.
• Collaborative work: Cooperate with the signalman’s command to avoid the crane arm from colliding with surrounding facilities.
4). Response to special circumstances/Réponse à des circonstances particulières
• Wind influence: The lateral wind-exposed area is large and operations should be suspended when the wind speed is >8m/s.
• Soft road surface: Steel plates are placed under the outriggers to prevent sinking

5. Purchase suggestions/ Suggestions d’achat

1). Tonnage selection: Select according to the weight of the goods (commonly 3T~20T).
2). Type of boom:
o Folding arm: suitable for space-constrained scenarios (such as warehouses).
o Telescopic arm: provides wider coverage but requires more operating space.
3). Additional functions:
o Rotating platform (360° rotation) and automatic leveling system can improve efficiency.
o Anti-collision sensor (for intensive working environments).

6. Summary
With the advantage of lateral operation, the side crane is irreplaceable in the fields of logistics and urban distribution. During operation, it is necessary to pay strict attention to lateral stability and safety limit. Reasonable selection can greatly improve loading and unloading efficiency. In the future, as the demand for logistics automation grows, the efficiency and adaptability of the side crane will further promote its application and popularization.

Les grues latérales sont irremplaçables dans la logistique, la distribution urbaine et d’autres domaines en raison de leurs avantages de fonctionnement latéral. Pendant le fonctionnement, une attention particulière doit être portée à la stabilité latérale et aux limites de sécurité. Une sélection raisonnable peut grandement améliorer l’efficacité du chargement et du déchargement. À l’avenir, à mesure que la demande d’automatisation logistique augmentera, l’efficacité et l’adaptabilité des chargeurs latéraux favoriseront davantage leur popularisation.

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Post time: May-28-2025