How can gantry cranes operate safely outdoors under extreme winter conditions?
Date：2025-10-28 View：57
Operating gantry cranes in the harsh conditions of winter is one of the greatest challenges for heavy industry. In regions such as Russia, Northern Europe, and Canada, cranes are often exposed to temperatures below –40°C, strong winds exceeding 20 m/s, and persistent snow or freezing rain. Under such conditions, the performance and safety of a gantry crane can be significantly compromised. Metal components lose ductility, hydraulic systems slow down, electrical circuits become unstable, and visibility drops sharply. Without proper adaptation, these factors can lead to costly downtime — or worse, serious accidents. To ensure both reliability and operator safety, every aspect of the crane and its environment must be considered: material selection, mechanical design, maintenance strategy, and operational behavior. Let’s take a closer look at how extreme weather affects gantry cranes and what practical measures can keep them performing safely in subzero environments. 1. The Impact of Extreme Cold When the ambient temperature falls below freezing, the physical properties of steel change dramatically. At –20°C, the toughness of standard carbon steel begins to drop; at –40°C, it can become brittle and crack under sudden impact. For a gantry crane, this brittleness affects load-bearing structures, weld seams, bolts,...
