Rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes are essential equipment in container terminals, logistics yards, intermodal facilities, and industrial storage areas. Their flexible mobility and ability to stack containers efficiently make them one of the most important assets in modern freight-handling operations. When buyers evaluate RTG crane costs, they typically focus on lifting capacity, span, power systems, or automation features. However, one of the most overlooked yet influential cost drivers is the wheel set configuration and the selected steering mode.
Both factors directly influence the crane’s mobility, structural design, energy consumption, and operational precision. As a result, they have a significant impact on the rubber tyred gantry crane price. Understanding these technical differences can help buyers make more informed purchasing decisions and balance long-term performance with initial budget planning.
1. Wheel Sets: A Core Component That Drives RTG Crane Cost
1.1 Number of Wheel Sets
A standard RTG crane typically uses either:
-
Eight-wheel configuration (4 wheels per side)
-
Sixteen-wheel configuration (8 wheels per side)
A sixteen-wheel RTG is commonly used for heavy-duty applications, wider spans, or high stacking requirements. More wheel sets mean:
-
Higher material cost (more wheels, axles, hydraulic components)
-
Stronger bogie frame to support the wheels
-
Enhanced distribution of ground pressure
-
Better stability on uneven or soft yard surfaces
These structural upgrades add cost but also improve ground adaptability and reduce pavement stress – an important consideration for yards with limited infrastructure capacity.
1.2 Wheel Size and Material
Wheel size and material quality can also elevate RTG gantry crane pricing.
-
Larger wheel diameters improve load distribution, but they cost more to manufacture and install.
-
High-strength forged wheels significantly increase manufacturing costs compared to cast wheels, but they provide longer life and better safety performance.
-
Special wear-resistant materials may be required in harsh environments such as sand, moisture, or corrosive port conditions.
Additionally, wheel bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and vibration-dampening components must match the wheel size and operational duty, further contributing to price differences.
1.3 Wheel Load Requirements
RTG cranes operating in:
-
busy container terminals
-
soft ground conditions
-
high-duty cycles
-
heavy lifting (40t, 45t, or dual-lifting spreaders)
often require specialized wheel load distribution systems. This leads to upgrades such as:
-
Load equalization systems
-
High-capacity bearings
-
Reinforced bogie structures
These design enhancements not only raise the cost of the wheel system but also impact the overall crane structure and price.
2. Steering Modes and Their Price Influence
RTG cranes are known for their ability to maneuver in compact yards with changing traffic conditions. The steering system determines how the mobile gantry crane for sale can move and how much flexibility it has. Steering mode choices dramatically affect production complexity, control technology, hydraulic systems, and ultimately cost.
Most RTG cranes use one of the following steering modes:
2.1 Standard 0° / ±90° Steering
This traditional steering mode allows the crane to:
-
Move straight forward
-
Move sideways (crab steering)
-
Turn at fixed angles
This is the most basic and economical steering solution. It requires fewer steering cylinders, simpler control logic, and less complex wheel alignment systems. This mode is sufficient for standard container yards with straightforward travel paths.
2.2 Full 360° Steering Mode
A more advanced option is the 360-degree steering mode, which enables:
-
Full circular rotation
-
Smoother directional changes
-
Adaptation to non-linear yard layouts
-
Higher maneuverability in tight spaces
This mode includes:
-
Precision sensors
-
Complex hydraulic control systems
-
Real-time wheel angle monitoring
-
More advanced software algorithms
Each of these components increases manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements. Buyers pay more upfront, but the long-term versatility and yard efficiency often justify the investment.
2.3 Multimode Steering Systems (Custom Modes)
Some modern RTG cranes offer customizable steering modes, such as:
-
Diagonal steering
-
Pivot turning around a fixed point
-
Coordinated multi-wheel independent steering
These systems require:
-
Intelligent PLC control
-
More hydraulic actuators
-
Higher-precision wheel angle encoders
-
Integration with anti-sway and automation systems
The additional engineering cost is significant, but these cranes offer unmatched operational flexibility, especially in terminals with space limitations.
3. How Steering Modes Influence Structural and System Design
Steering modes do not simply change the wheel direction; they influence the entire wheeled gantry crane structure. The more complex the steering system, the more robust the structural design has to be.
3.1 Stronger Bogies and Axles
Advanced steering requires each wheel to adjust individually or in coordinated groups. This means:
-
More robust bogies
-
Larger axles
-
Higher torque capacity
-
Stronger joints
-
Increased manufacturing precision
These upgrades directly increase production cost.
3.2 Additional Sensors and Control Technology
When moving in complex steering patterns, RTG cranes need:
-
Wheel angle sensors
-
Travel sensors
-
Sway detection sensors
-
Anti-collision and wheel-positioning systems
-
Adaptive path control
Each layer of automation and feedback loops raises both hardware and software costs.
3.3 Energy Consumption and Power Systems
Advanced steering modes require:
-
More hydraulic power
-
Stronger electric motors
-
High-capacity inverters
For electric RTG cranes (E-RTGs), steering complexity also affects cable reel design, conductor systems, and energy management solutions.
4. Why These Factors Cause Significant Price Variation
Wheel sets and steering modes influence multiple dimensions of the RTG crane:
4.1 Manufacturing Complexity
More wheels + advanced steering =
Higher machining, assembly, testing, and calibration cost.
4.2 Structural Reinforcement
Heavier wheel loads and complex steering require redesigned bogies and frames.
4.3 Technology Integration
Sensors, PLCs, hydraulic systems, and precision actuators drive cost upward.
4.4 Operational Efficiency
Cranes with advanced steering can reduce:
-
Yard space requirements
-
Fuel or energy consumption
-
Container-handling time
While the price is higher, ROI improves in busy or space-constrained terminals.
5. Choosing the Right Wheel & Steering Configuration for Your Budget
When selecting an RTG crane, buyers should consider:
-
Yard size and ground conditions
-
Container throughput
-
Maneuvering requirements
-
Available budget
-
Long-term operating cost
-
Whether advanced steering increases actual yard productivity
A basic wheel and steering setup may be cost-effective for low-traffic yards. In contrast, busy or irregular-shaped terminals benefit considerably from advanced steering systems.
Conclusion
Wheel sets and steering modes are two of the most influential factors in determining the price of a rubber tyred gantry crane. They affect the crane’s mobility, structural strength, technological complexity, operational efficiency, and long-term cost of ownership. Understanding how these systems work—and why they cost more—enables buyers to select the crane configuration that delivers the best balance of performance, durability, and investment value.