Straddle Carrier Cranes for Efficient Container Handling

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Container yard featuring straddle carriers and stacked containers under a rainy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Container yard featuring straddle carriers and stacked containers under a rainy sky.

Straddle carrier cranes are a game-changer for efficient container handling, especially in busy ports and terminals.

They can lift and move containers weighing up to 40 tons, making them a vital part of the logistics process.

These machines are designed to work in tight spaces, allowing for faster turnaround times and increased productivity.

With a straddle carrier crane, a single operator can manage multiple containers in a short amount of time, streamlining the entire operation.

For another approach, see: Straddle Truck

Kalmar Products

Kalmar Products are designed to revolutionize container handling and meet the evolving demands of next-generation container ports.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers are a single flexible solution for container handling across your operations, allowing you to maximize space and reduce capital costs.

They can work in any part of your yard, no matter its shape, and handle many container handling processes with one solution.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers provide ultimate flexibility, enabling them to:

  • Load and unload trucks
  • Carry containers and stack them up to 1 over 3
  • Work with other cranes seamlessly
  • Be integrated into your rail exchange
  • Move containers to and from reefer stacks
  • Operate effectively between your warehouse or depot and main yard

These carriers are highly eco-efficient, productive, reliable, and safe to operate, making them a great choice for container handling operations.

Rubber-Tired MST 400

Illuminated ship deck with cranes operating at night, showcasing industrial maritime activities.
Credit: pexels.com, Illuminated ship deck with cranes operating at night, showcasing industrial maritime activities.

The Kalmar Straddle Carrier, specifically the rubber-tired MST 400, is an impressive piece of machinery. It has a lifting capacity of 400 t.

This mobile straddle transporter on tyres is designed to handle and transport coils. The MST 400 is a low volume, standard chain, straddle carrier, primarily used for loading and unloading containers and various loads from trailers to the ground.

Some key specifications of the MST 400 include an overall height of 5165 mm and an overall width of 4920 mm.

Precast Beam Mg Series

The Kalmar Products range includes a variety of precast beam straddle carriers designed for handling and transporting precast elements. The MST 35, for example, has a lifting capacity of 35 t and is a mobile straddle transporter on tyres.

These machines are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. The COMBI-MG series, in particular, is highly customisable and can be built to dimensions specifically to suit your needs.

Container terminal with straddle carriers and stacked shipping containers under a cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Container terminal with straddle carriers and stacked shipping containers under a cloudy sky.

The lifting capacity of the COMBI-MG series ranges from 20,000 kg to 100,000 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of load handling challenges. This flexibility is a major advantage in the construction industry where different projects often require different solutions.

Kalmar also offers a range of lifting accessories for the COMBI-MG series, allowing you to tailor the machine to your specific requirements. This level of customisation can be a major time and cost saver in the long run.

In terms of speed, the COMBI-SC3 has a travel speed of 10 km/h, making it a relatively fast and efficient machine. The Wowjoint Special Carrier, on the other hand, has a lifting capacity ranging from 300T to 900T, making it suitable for even the heaviest pre-casted concreted beams.

Container Handling

Container handling is a crucial aspect of straddle carrier cranes, and it's great to see how they're designed to make the job easier and more efficient. Our Kalmar Electric Straddle Carrier can lift up to 40, 50, or 60 tons, making it perfect for transporting heavy goods like rails or containers.

Buildings And Cranes
Credit: pexels.com, Buildings And Cranes

Straddle carriers can also be used for shuttle operations, allowing cranes to operate at their optimal best at all times. This means that other cranes are free to focus on their main job, moving containers without being held up by container movements.

These machines are known for their excellent productivity, manoeuvrability, and high speed, making them a reliable choice for container terminals. They're available in versions stacking containers 1-over-1, 1-over-2, or 1-over-3, providing flexibility for step-by-step enlargement of container terminals as needed.

Worth a look: Blue Carrier 1

Precast Beam 120

The Precast Beam 120 is a mobile straddle transporter designed for handling and transporting precast elements. It's a heavy-duty machine, capable of lifting 120 tons.

This particular model, the MST 120, is equipped with tyres, allowing it to move around easily on different terrain. It's a versatile piece of equipment that can handle a variety of precast elements.

The Precast Beam 120 is built for efficiency, with a focus on speed and productivity. It's not the only option available, but it's certainly a popular choice among contractors and builders.

In fact, Wowjoint supplies a range of Special Carriers for lifting heavy pre-casted concrete beams, with capacities ranging from 300T to 900T.

Efficient Container Handling Range

Ship with Crane in Sea on Sunset
Credit: pexels.com, Ship with Crane in Sea on Sunset

Kalmar Straddle Carriers are designed for efficient container handling with various power sources to choose from.

They can be operated manually or automated with the Kalmar One Automation System, giving you flexibility in your terminal operations.

Kalmar Electric Straddle Carrier produces zero emissions and comes with CCS charging as standard, making it a great option for environmentally conscious businesses.

This straddle carrier uses the latest lithium-ion battery technology and has a FastCharge option available for opportune charging while working in the yard.

Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carrier reduces fuel bills and emissions by up to 40% using regenerative energy and stop-start technology.

Lifting capacities for these straddle carriers range from 40 to 60 tons, making them suitable for heavy goods like rails or containers.

Straddle carriers can be equipped with a multidirectional steering system, allowing for safe transportation of long and heavy goods.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers can be used for shuttle operations, decoupling container movements from quayside to landside, and allowing cranes to operate at their optimal best at all times.

A serene view of a bustling cargo port at sunset, featuring cranes and ships.
Credit: pexels.com, A serene view of a bustling cargo port at sunset, featuring cranes and ships.

Straddle carriers can operate effectively in any part of the yard and can even handle irregularly shaped yards, providing ultimate flexibility in container handling operations.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers can be used for end-to-end terminal operations, providing a single solution for all container handling needs.

These straddle carriers can optimize the usage of available space, making them a great option for businesses with limited yard space.

Learn More About

Container handling is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The most common types of containers used in international shipping are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, which can be easily stacked and transported.

The largest container ships can carry over 24,000 containers. These massive vessels are a marvel of modern engineering and play a critical role in global trade.

To ensure safe and efficient container handling, terminals must have the right equipment, including cranes, gantry cranes, and straddle carriers. These machines are designed to lift, move, and stack containers with precision and speed.

Aerial shot of cargo containers and cranes at Bremerhaven port, Germany.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial shot of cargo containers and cranes at Bremerhaven port, Germany.

The average container handling operation involves multiple stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, and freight forwarders. Effective communication and coordination are essential to ensure smooth container handling and delivery.

A single container can be worth up to $50,000, making it a valuable commodity in the shipping industry. The cost of container handling and transportation is a significant factor in the overall cost of goods.

Konecranes Noell

Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers are known for their excellent productivity and high speed, making them a great option for container handling. They're also very maneuverable and reliable.

Their low initial investment costs are due to the fact that they don't require yard infrastructure. This makes them ideal for step-by-step enlargement of container terminals as needed.

The drives can be diesel-hydraulic, diesel-electric, or diesel-battery-hybrid, giving you flexibility in your equipment choices. They're also available as automated versions for even greater efficiency.

Mobicon Systems

The Mobicon Straddle Carrier is a unique two-tower machine designed to lift and move shipping containers.

Stunning view of illuminated container ships at Hamburg port with crane operations during twilight.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning view of illuminated container ships at Hamburg port with crane operations during twilight.

Its design allows it to connect the two towers with draw-bars when no container is being carried.

This machine is versatile, suitable for a huge variety of work environments, including transport & logistics, manufacturers, and mining.

The Mobicon Straddle Carrier's design enables it to carry the rear of the container on the rear tower and the front of the container on the front tower when moving a container.

This way, the container becomes part of the Straddle Carrier structure, making it an efficient machine for moving large containers.

Automation and Efficiency

The Konecranes Noell Sprinter and Straddle Carrier are arguably the most adaptable to automation on the market.

You can automate according to your investment budget, moving forward at your own pace and renewing the machine park first.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers can be operated manually or automated with Kalmar One Automation System.

The choice of power source for Kalmar Straddle Carriers includes electric, diesel-electric, and hybrid options, each with its own benefits.

For more insights, see: Electric Bike Carrier for Car

Workers smoothing concrete on a construction site with heavy machinery equipment.
Credit: pexels.com, Workers smoothing concrete on a construction site with heavy machinery equipment.

Kalmar Electric Straddle Carrier produces zero emissions at source and comes with CCS charging as standard.

Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carrier can reduce fuel bills and emissions by up to 40% using regenerative energy and stop-start technology.

Automation can help you choose the level of automation that is right for your terminal operations with Kalmar AutoStrad.

A single flexible solution for container handling across your operations can be provided by Kalmar Straddle Carriers, allowing you to maximise space and reduce capital costs.

Kalmar Straddle Carriers are designed to revolutionize container handling and meet the evolving demands of next-generation container ports.

Electric and Charging

Electric and Charging is an essential aspect of straddle carrier crane operation. If you have chosen to have your straddle carriers fitted with Kalmar FastCharge, you can charge your equipment while it is working in your yard.

Standard CCS chargers take significantly longer to charge, but still offer a convenient solution for recharging your straddle carrier. Your equipment is ready to operate for up to 4 hours after just 45 minutes of charging with a standard CCS charger.

Charging times can vary depending on the type of charger used, but Kalmar FastCharge offers a faster and more efficient way to recharge your straddle carrier.

Explore and Learn

Cargo cranes lifting shipping containers at a bustling industrial port.
Credit: pexels.com, Cargo cranes lifting shipping containers at a bustling industrial port.

The straddle carrier crane is a versatile machine that can be used in various settings. It's perfect for container terminals, where it can efficiently move containers around the yard.

One of its key features is the ability to straddle a container, allowing for easy loading and unloading. This feature is made possible by the crane's long, horizontal beam that can be lowered to the ground.

The straddle carrier crane is designed to be highly maneuverable, with a tight turning radius that makes it easy to navigate through tight spaces. This is especially useful in container terminals where space is limited.

Its lifting capacity is impressive, with some models capable of lifting up to 40 tons. This makes it an ideal choice for handling heavy containers.

The straddle carrier crane is also highly efficient, with some models able to move at speeds of up to 6 miles per hour. This is much faster than traditional cranes, which can save time and increase productivity.

Brands and Models

A docked bulk carrier ship with cranes at sunset, reflecting in the harbor water.
Credit: pexels.com, A docked bulk carrier ship with cranes at sunset, reflecting in the harbor water.

Straddle carrier cranes are offered by several manufacturers, including Konecranes and TII Group.

The TII Group offers several straddle carrier models, including the K-MAX and the K-MAX Hybrid.

Konecranes' straddle carriers are designed for high productivity and efficiency.

The Konecranes Gottwald MC 510-D is a popular straddle carrier model, known for its high lifting capacity and reach.

The TII Group's K-MAX Hybrid straddle carrier features a hybrid drive system, which combines the efficiency of electric power with the reliability of diesel power.

Konecranes' straddle carriers are used in a variety of applications, including container terminals, intermodal facilities, and heavy industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a straddle carrier a crane?

No, a straddle carrier is not a crane, as it moves with its load unlike traditional cranes which lift and hold in place. It's a unique piece of equipment designed for off-road container and oversized load transport.

What does a straddle carrier operator do?

A straddle carrier operator is responsible for safely loading and unloading truck trailers, as well as managing container storage and retrieval in a warehouse or terminal setting. Their duties require a combination of mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and effective equipment operation.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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