Aluminum gantries are a go-to piece of portable rigging equipment — lightweight, versatile, and simple to set up. But with widespread use often comes widespread misuse. And when it comes to gantries, even a small mistake can result in serious safety risks. Here are 7 of the most common (and costly) aluminum gantry safety mistakes — and how to avoid them.
An aluminum gantry crane from LGH.
The Mistake: Wrapping a sling directly around the beam instead of using a trolley or beam clamp.
The Risk: This creates a concentrated point-load that can bend or collapse the beam — a major structural failure.
✅ Do This Instead: Always use properly rated rigging hardware to spread the load evenly across the beam.
The Mistake: Using two aluminum gantries to lift the same load without a monorail beam.
The Risk: Unbalanced lifting forces can tip or collapse the gantries.
✅ Do This Instead: Use a proper monorail beam setup between gantries to ensure balanced, vertical force distribution.
The Mistake: Moving one gantry leg at a time while under load.
The Risk: This introduces dynamic forces and swinging, destabilizing the gantry and increasing the chance of collapse.
✅ Do This Instead: Always move both legs simultaneously to keep the load stable and centered.
A properly used aluminum gantry crane.
The Mistake: Assembling or operating a gantry on a sloped or uneven surface.
The Risk: The load can roll unexpectedly or concentrate stress on one leg, risking a catastrophic buckle.
✅ Do This Instead: Confirm the surface is level, stable, and cleared before setup and lifting.
The Mistake: Failing to calculate or adjust for the load’s center of gravity.
The Risk: The load may shift or bounce unexpectedly during the lift, putting strain on the gantry frame.
✅ Do This Instead: Plan ahead—identify the center of gravity and rig accordingly to avoid imbalance.
The Mistake: Combining parts with mismatched capacities (e.g., 1-ton legs with a 3-ton beam).
The Risk: The entire system is only as strong as its lowest-rated component.
✅ Do This Instead: Always match capacity across all components—legs, beam, plates, inserts, and wheels.
The Mistake: Using incorrect or worn connecting bolts or hardware at key joints.
The Risk: These connections aren’t designed for lateral or dynamic force—failure can mean total collapse.
✅ Do This Instead: Use manufacturer-approved hardware only, and inspect for wear before every lift.
Aluminum gantries are powerful tools—but only when used correctly. These seven mistakes are easy to overlook, especially in high-pressure environments. But taking a few extra minutes to plan, inspect, and follow rigging safety best practices could prevent injuries, equipment damage, or worse.
If you have questions about gantry setup or safe lifting practices, reach out to your LGH representative or call us at 800-878-7305. We’re here to help you lift safely and confidently.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
