In a large industrial gantry crane, also known as a dockside and container crane, the operator sits in a compartment right above the hoisting area. Smaller gantry cranes are often operated from side controls or through a remote system. The most basic types involve a manual hoisting system, such as a specialized pulley or similar device, which requires the operator to perform the necessary lifting work.
Gantry cranes are available in light-weight aluminum designs, as well as more sturdy materials, such as steel. Portable aluminum cranes provide an easily assembled and disassembled mobile hoisting system, which facilitates transport between job sites. Fixed gantry cranes tend to have much higher lifting capacities, and are often customized to facility or ship operations. Given the system design, large gantry cranes can support crossbeam tracks spanning more than 100-feet.