Two straddle carriers can share the same rated capacity and still be completely different machines. One may fit through a 5 m portal and turn in a 7 m aisle; the other may need a 12 m turning radius and a reinforced yard. The specification table is the start of the engineering conversation, not the end of it.
The table below shows three common configurations in the 35–80 t range. Machines from 10 t to 500 t are engineered to order, with the frame, spreader, drive and steering configured around the duty.
A straddle carrier specification is defined by more than rated capacity: overall width and height, wheelbase, turning radius, lift height, tyre configuration and ground pressure decide whether the machine fits the yard. HSCRANE publishes 35 t, 60 t and 80 t configurations and engineers 100–500 t machines around the load and route.
35 t, 60 t and 80 t model specifications
These are typical configurations for container, precast and general heavy-load work. Final dimensions depend on the spreader, lift height, load centre and site limits.
| Model | 35 t | 60 t | 80 t |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 7,100 mm | 8,650 mm | 9,150 mm |
| Overall width | 5,100 mm | 5,950 mm | 5,950 mm |
| Overall height* | 5,450 + 1,550 mm | 5,586 + 1,700 mm | 5,586 + 1,700 mm |
| Ground clearance under cab | 240 mm | 300 mm | 300 mm |
| Wheelbase | 6,000 mm | 6,500 mm | 7,500 mm |
| Load area width | 3,200 mm | 3,700 mm | 3,700 mm |
| Turning radius | 7,000 mm | 10,000 mm | 12,000 mm |
| Unladen weight | 18 t (chain + lock) / 20 t (automatic spreader) | 35 t (excluding spreader) | 45 t (excluding spreader) |
| Gradeability | 3% laden / 5% unladen | 3% laden / 5% unladen | 3% laden / 5% unladen |
| Maximum ground speed | 5 km/h | 3–5 km/h | 3–5 km/h |
| Drive mode | Diesel / lithium battery / hybrid | Diesel / lithium battery / hybrid | Diesel / lithium battery / hybrid |
| Engine | Cummins 97 kW / Weichai 103 kW | Weichai 129 kW | Weichai 176 kW |
| Tyres | 1100 solid + 1300 solid, two each | Solid tyres | Solid tyres |
| Remote control | Steering wheel (remote optional) | Steering wheel (remote optional) | Steering wheel (remote optional) |
| Number of tyres | 4 | 4 | 8 |
* Overall height is shown as machine height + lifting height. Confirm portal, door and roof clearance before ordering.
What each specification changes on site
Overall dimensions and lift height
Length, width and height determine whether the machine can pass through gates, under conveyors or between storage rows. The “height + lift” figure matters more than the bare machine height: a machine that fits the aisle when empty may not fit when carrying a precast beam.
Wheelbase and turning radius
A longer wheelbase can improve stability with long loads, but it increases the turning radius. The 35 t model turns in 7 m; the 80 t model needs 12 m. If your yard has tight corners, the smaller machine or a different steering mode may be the better choice.
Unladen weight, tyres and ground pressure
Ground pressure is not just the load divided by four. It depends on the unladen weight, tyre size, number of tyres and load distribution. A 60 t machine on four solid tyres can impose a higher point load than an 80 t machine on eight tyres. We ask for the yard surface, slab thickness and route before recommending a tyre configuration.
Drive and engine
Diesel remains the simplest choice for remote sites. Lithium battery drive suits indoor or emission-sensitive operations, provided charging and ventilation are planned. Hybrid can reduce fuel burn where the duty cycle includes long idle periods. The engine rating is only one part of the choice; duty cycle, shift length and maintenance capability matter more.
Ground pressure, wheel loads and the slab
Ground pressure is the number that most often decides whether a machine can enter a yard at all, and it is the one buyers most often estimate with a simple division. Dividing the laden weight by four is only correct for a four-wheel machine with perfectly even load distribution — which is rare once a long load shifts the centre of gravity forward.
The figure that matters for the slab is the maximum wheel load, not the average. With a 30 m beam carried towards the front of the portal, the front axle group can carry well over half the total weight. Tyre size then converts that wheel load into contact pressure: the same load spread over eight tyres is a different problem from the same load on four.
- Slab and joints. A slab that carries a forklift may still fail at a joint under a loaded straddle carrier wheel. Joint layout and edge distance matter as much as slab thickness.
- Sub-base and drains. Buried drainage runs and service trenches are common failure points; the route should avoid them or be reinforced.
- Dynamic effects. Braking, steering and lifting introduce factors above the static wheel load, especially on semi-rough precast yards.
- Tyre choice. Solid, pneumatic and super-elastic tyres distribute load differently and suit different surfaces.
We calculate wheel loads per configuration rather than publishing a single number, because the answer changes with the load position, the tyre set and the machine's own weight distribution. Send the slab drawing, joint layout and route and the calculation can be checked against the actual yard instead of a generic assumption. The precast page covers the long-load cases where this matters most, and the types page explains how tyre and wheel configuration change with the machine family.
From 100 t to 500 t: custom configurations
Above the standard 80 t platform, the machine is designed around the load rather than selected from a catalogue. Typical changes include:
- Longer or wider frames for precast beams, modules or tanks;
- Multi-point lifting with synchronised hoists;
- More wheels or larger tyres to spread ground pressure;
- Custom spreaders, saddles, clamps or lifting frames;
- Remote control, anti-sway and load monitoring;
- Cold-region, explosion-proof or indoor electric packages.
We do not publish a single dimension table for 100–500 t because the machine is configured to the load and route. Send the load drawing and site constraints and we will return a dimensional proposal.
Related heavy-lift platforms
Some projects need a different machine family rather than a larger straddle carrier. These two platforms are engineered by the same team and use the same project process.
| Model | 1,200 t travel lift | 900 t rubber-tyred gantry |
|---|---|---|
| Working level | A4 | A3 |
| Span × base | 18.8 × 21 m | 18.8 × 30 m |
| Lifting / lowering height | 18.8 / 6 m | 24.5 / 6 m |
| Travel speed | 0–25 m/min | 0–25 m/min |
| Capacity | 1,200 t | 900 t |
| Hoisting speed | 0–3 m/min | 0–3 m/min |
| Wheel load | 1,200 kN | 500 kN |
| Sling length / quantity | 10 / 20 (m/t) | 8 / 20 (m/t) |
| Diesel engine | 600 kW | 600 kW |
| Maximum gradient | 4% | 4% |
| Ground pressure | 8 MPa | 8 MPa |
Travel lifts and RTGs are separate product families, not straddle carrier variants. They are listed here so you can compare the right machine for the duty.
What we need to quote
The selection guide explains how each of these inputs changes the machine, and why the order matters.
- Load: weight, dimensions, centre of gravity and lifting points.
- Route: aisle width, turning radius, door/portal clearance and travel distance.
- Ground: surface type, slab thickness, drains, slopes and any weight limits.
- Lift: required height, stacking arrangement and approach clearance.
- Power and control: diesel, electric or hybrid; cab or remote; local voltage.
- Environment: indoor/outdoor, dust, salt, temperature, explosion-proof zone.
- Drawings and photos: load drawing, site layout and a short description of the operation.
Specifications FAQ
Can a straddle carrier lift 100 t?
Yes. Machines above 80 t are engineered to order. The answer depends on span, lift height, load centre and ground conditions, so we need the load and site data before confirming a configuration.
What is the smallest straddle carrier you build?
The range starts at 10 t. The 35 t model is the most common starting point for container, precast and general yard work; smaller machines are usually purpose-built for a specific load or aisle.
Can it handle 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft containers?
Yes. The spreader or lifting frame is selected for the container sizes and the stacking pattern. Twin-lift and adjustable spreaders are available when the duty requires them.
How do you calculate ground pressure?
We combine the unladen weight, rated load, tyre size, number of tyres and load distribution. The final figure is checked against the yard surface and slab. A site survey or slab drawing is the most reliable input.
Can the machine run indoors on electric power?
Yes. Lithium battery and hybrid drive are available. Indoor projects need a charging plan, ventilation review and a clear procedure for battery maintenance.
Next step
Send the load, route and site constraints. We will confirm the machine family, propose a dimensional configuration and return a quotation with the delivery scope.