Custom 2,000 lb Aluminum Gantry Crane for Artist Rebecca Johnson
Over the years, EC&MW has designed and manufactured numerous custom portable aluminum gantry cranes for artists and craftsmen. From stone sculptors to woodworkers, every application presents unique lifting challenges, and each crane is engineered to meet the customer’s specific requirements.
One such project was completed in March 2015 for artist Rebecca Johnson of Rebecca Johnson Art. Rebecca’s work can be viewed at https://www.rebeccajohnsonart.com/.
Compact, Portable, and Built for Professional Artists
Rebecca’s crane is a true portable aluminum gantry crane with a 2,000-pound lifting capacity and 8 feet, 6 inches of height under the beam. While capable of handling substantial loads, it is also one of the most compact and portable gantries EC&MW manufactures.
This model was specifically engineered for:
Convenient transportation
Rapid assembly and disassembly
Reliable lifting performance
Portability between job sites and studios
Each base measures only 40 inches high by 60 inches wide and is just 12 inches deep, thanks to its dual pneumatic air-tire casters.
The vertical columns measure only 57 inches long, making them easy for two people to handle during assembly and disassembly. The largest component is the 120-inch (10-foot) aluminum I-beam, which conveniently spans a standard utility trailer for transporting both the crane and finished artwork.
EC&MW manufactures aluminum I-beams ranging from 6 feet to well over 25 feet, allowing every crane to be customized for the customer’s exact application.
Designed for Uneven Terrain
Years of working with artists have shown that many creative projects require lifting on surfaces that are anything but level.
To meet these demands, Rebecca’s crane combines:
Pneumatic air-tire casters
EC&MW crank-down leveling jacks
Built-in bubble levels
This combination allows the crane to be quickly positioned and accurately leveled before lifting begins.
Crank-Down Leveling Jacks
EC&MW first introduced crank-down leveling jacks on its portable aluminum gantry cranes in March 2001. Since then, they have become one of the company’s most requested options for applications requiring precise leveling and stable lifting.
After the loaded crane has been rolled into position, the leveling jacks are lowered until the weight transfers from the wheels to the jacks. This creates a solid, stable, and level lifting platform.
An added advantage is the ability to safely position artwork on slight inclines when necessary—something that is generally not recommended with conventional portable gantry cranes.
Secure Transport for Valuable Artwork
When transporting valuable artwork, preventing suspended loads from swinging or shifting is critical.
When using a beam trolley, the suspended artwork can be secured to the gantry legs with nylon straps to help minimize movement while the crane is being repositioned.
If trolley travel is unnecessary, the load can instead be suspended directly from:
A beam clamp
An EC&MW fixed-eye lifting point mounted beneath the I-beam
Because neither option relies on a trolley, unwanted load movement is eliminated during transport.
Pneumatic Air-Tire Casters
The pneumatic air-tire casters are another key feature of this custom gantry crane.
Unlike conventional hard-wheel casters, pneumatic tires allow the crane to roll while carrying a load across:
Packed dirt
Gravel
Grass
Uneven outdoor surfaces
For applications requiring additional stability, locking wheel brakes are also available.
Safe and Precise Load Positioning
Once the crane has been positioned, the leveling jacks are lowered until the gantry is completely stable and level.
The artwork can then be safely:
Lifted
Lowered
Rotated
Precisely positioned into its final location
This provides artists with exceptional control while reducing the physical effort required to move heavy sculptures or installations.
Custom Engineered for Every Artist
Rebecca’s crane is an excellent example of how thoughtful engineering can combine a 2,000-pound lifting capacity with exceptional portability.
Whether the application involves sculpture, woodworking, metal fabrication, or another artistic trade, every EC&MW portable aluminum gantry crane is custom engineered to meet each customer’s exact requirements while delivering the portability, durability, and long-term reliability professionals depend on.
