Versatile straddle carrier

What is this?

The versatile straddle carrier is a self-propelled, wheel-mounted material handling machine designed for lifting, transporting, and stacking containers and heavy cargo within terminals, ports, and industrial yards. Unlike traditional gantry cranes, the straddle carrier straddles over its load – lifting containers or cargo from above using a telescopic spreader or hook, then transporting them horizontally to stacking areas or truck loading bays. Combining the functions of a crane and a truck, it offers unmatched operational flexibility. Equipped with a telescopic container spreader, it can handle 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot ISO containers; with optional hook or grab attachments, it can also handle steel coils, concrete pipes, timber, and bulk materials. If you are managing a busy container terminal, an intermodal rail yard, a port back-up area, or an industrial facility requiring fast, frequent, and flexible container/cargo handling without the need for rail tracks or crane runway beams, this product is designed for you.

Why choose a versatile straddle carrier over a rubber tyred gantry crane (RTG)?

Compared to rubber tyred gantry cranes, the versatile straddle carrier offers four core advantages:

First, superior mobility and speed – straddle carriers travel at speeds up to 25 km/h (loaded) and 35 km/h (empty), significantly faster than typical RTGs, enabling rapid point-to-point transport across large yards.

Second, multi-functional transport – straddle carriers not only stack containers but also transport them horizontally between yard zones, shipside, and truck loading areas – eliminating the need for separate terminal tractors and trailers.

Third, compact turning radius – with articulated steering and a shorter wheelbase, straddle carriers can maneuver in tight spaces, making them ideal for congested terminals and restricted yard layouts.

Fourth, faster cycle times – the ability to lift, travel, and stack in a single machine reduces container handling cycles from multiple steps to one, dramatically improving overall terminal productivity.

If your operations require frequent container movement across the yard, rapid truck turnaround times, and flexible handling without the investment in separate trailers or rail systems, the versatile straddle carrier is the most productive and agile solution.

What can we do for you? We understand that every terminal has different container throughput, different yard layouts, and different operational workflows. Therefore, we offer flexible customization options: lifting capacity from 20 tons to 60 tons (up to 100 tons for special applications); span from 4 meters to 12 meters (straddling 1 – 3 rows of containers or trucks); lifting height from 3 meters to 12 meters (stacking up to 5 containers high); power options of diesel engine (standard), hybrid, or fully electric; transmission options of hydrostatic or mechanical drive; control options of cabin control (standard), wireless remote, or semi-automated; spreader options of telescopic container spreader (20ft/40ft/45ft), hook, C-hook (for coils), or grab (for bulk materials); cabin options of elevated or low-profile cabin design for optimal visibility and container alignment.

Whether your terminal handles ISO containers, heavy steel products, or general cargo, we can match the most suitable capacity, span, and power system for your specific operational needs.

Unsure? Don't know?

Not sure whether a straddle carrier or RTG crane is more suitable for your terminal? Not sure what capacity, span, or power option is needed to meet your throughput requirements? No problem. Just tell us: your yard area and layout, your typical cargo types and weights, your design stacking height, your annual container/cargo throughput, and your truck turnaround time requirements. Our engineers will provide you with an accurate quote and CAD layout drawings within 24 hours. Click the button below or contact us via WhatsApp/email to get your customized solution.

💡 Tip: We offer free selection consulting. Even if you are unsure about specific parameters, feel free to describe your terminal size and operational needs, and we will calculate the optimal solution for you.

[1] Container Ports & Terminals – Rapid loading/unloading of ships and horizontal transport to stacking areas.

[2] Intermodal Rail Yards – Transferring containers between rail wagons and truck bays with fast cycle times.

[3] Inland Container Depots (ICDs) – Stacking, retrieval, and truck loading for export/import containers.

[4] Steel Service Centers – Handling heavy steel coils and plates with C-hooks or magnets.

[5] Industrial Manufacturing Sites – Moving large fabricated components, machinery, and raw materials between production zones.

[6] Recycling & Scrap Yards – Transporting and stacking scrap metal containers or bulk materials using grab attachments.

[1] Exceptional Mobility – Rubber-tyred, self-propelled design enables high-speed travel and unrestricted yard movement without rail tracks or runway beams.

[2] Multi-Functional Operation – Combines lifting, transporting, and stacking in a single machine – eliminates the need for separate tractors and trailers.

[3] High Productivity – Fast travel speeds (up to 35 km/h) and quick cycle times significantly reduce container handling time per move.

[4] Tight Turning Radius – Articulated steering allows operation in congested yards and narrow aisle ways, maximizing usable yard space.

[5] Versatile Lifting Attachments – Interchangeable spreader, hook, C-hook, or grab handles containers, steel coils, timber, and bulk materials with minimal changeover time.

[6] Automation Ready – GPS positioning and terminal operating system (TOS) integration options for semi-automated or fully automated operation.