The development of the global economy has brought new opportunities for the container industry while also imposing higher demands on container handling machinery technology. With the increasing size of container ships, shore-based container cranes have also grown larger, driving rapid advancements in container lifting equipment technology. Container handling machinery lifting equipment has evolved from single fixed configurations to nested designs, transitioning from telescopic single-container spreaders to center-locking, movable double-container spreaders. Spreaders capable of lifting two to three containers simultaneously have also emerged. Control methods for spreaders have also undergone significant changes, transitioning from primarily manual locking/unlocking operations to predominantly computer program control. Notably, the development of center-locking movable container spreaders has led to their widespread adoption across major container terminals, creating favorable conditions for optimal performance of handling machinery.
Performance Analysis of Container Equipment
Analysis of Operating Principles
Understanding the performance of container handling machinery lifting devices requires first grasping their operating principles. Building on this foundation, comparative performance evaluations of different lifting devices should be conducted to comprehend the capabilities of various container lifting device types.
The working principle of a standard single-container hydraulic lifting device primarily involves transmitting commands from the operator through the control system and connecting cables to the lifting device. Based on the received signals, corresponding solenoid valves activate, directing high-pressure oil generated by the oil pump to various actuators to execute the device’s movements. The spreader must connect the driver’s cab to the spreader via a single cable to facilitate command transmission and feedback. All spreader movements are transmitted through the hydraulic system, which comprises a hydraulic oil pump, relief valves, directional control valves, various control and protective hydraulic valves, twistlock cylinders, telescopic hydraulic motors, swing motors, and oil containers with hydraulic lines. The operator issues commands via switches and buttons on the control console. These signals enter and exit the PLC control system. The PLC evaluates pre-programmed conditions and outputs signals when criteria are met. Signals from the PLC travel through the hoist cable to the hoist. Corresponding solenoid valves on the hoist energize and open hydraulic circuits, enabling the hoist to perform the required actions. Once the action is completed, limit switches promptly send feedback signals to the control system, and indicators alert the operator. The rapidly developing remote-controlled and electric lifting devices represent improvements and advancements over traditional lifting equipment.
These primarily replace conventional hydraulic systems with electric motor drives. Remote-controlled lifting devices mainly transmit control and feedback signals via infrared wireless transmission. The process occurs in two steps: first, the remote control transmits signals, and the receiver completes signal reception. The hoist’s power is primarily supplied by a generator installed on the upper frame’s lifting pulley, utilizing a power generation and storage regulation device. Familiarity with the characteristics of various container spreaders is essential for selecting the appropriate one. Below is a comparison of several different container spreader types.
First, standard single-container spreaders. Their primary advantages lie in their relatively simple structure, lower initial investment costs, and reduced maintenance expenses. However, they also have significant drawbacks, primarily manifested in relatively low loading/unloading efficiency, which fails to meet the high efficiency demands of modern container transportation.
Second, remote-controlled and electric spreaders. These share similarities. Their primary advantage is eliminating the need for onboard hydraulic systems, resulting in lower acquisition and maintenance costs. Remote-controlled spreaders operate independently of weather conditions, functioning reliably in diverse environments and avoiding cable damage from high winds. However, both types have drawbacks. For instance, remote-controlled spreaders demand advanced signal processing capabilities. Signal interference inevitably occurs, potentially causing malfunctions or even mis operations leading to accidents. Third, standard center-lock movable dual-container spreaders. This spreader type offers dual advantages: it possesses all the functions of a single-container telescopic spreader while simultaneously lifting two 20-foot containers, with adjustable spacing between them. Its operation is relatively straightforward, and it offers high loading/unloading efficiency. The primary drawback lies in its more complex electrical and hydraulic systems compared to standard single-container spreaders, resulting in relatively higher failure rates. However, with ongoing research and technological advancements, dual-container spreaders have become significantly more reliable. By understanding the performance characteristics of different container spreaders, we can select appropriate equipment for container handling machinery based on specific operational requirements.
Application Analysis of Container Spreaders
Container spreaders significantly facilitate container handling, primarily in two aspects. Firstly, they effectively enhance cargo loading/unloading efficiency, saving labor and time. Secondly, they enable mechanization and automation of container operations, reducing direct manual handling and lowering labor costs. Consequently, container spreaders find extensive application in the container industry.
Application Scope of Container Lifting Equipment
The emergence and application of container lifting equipment are inseparable from the expansion and development of the container industry. Traditional container transportation primarily relied on wire rope slings, manually operated container cranes, and roll-on/roll-off loading/unloading methods using container chassis trucks. However, as container transportation demands increasingly higher efficiency, new requirements have emerged for container handling technology. The need for more flexible and convenient techniques to replace traditional methods has driven the improvement and development of container spreaders. Conversely, the advancement of container spreaders has also propelled progress in the container transportation industry.
Each type of container handling spreader has distinct performance characteristics, resulting in significant differences in their practical application scope. For instance, standard single-container spreaders have been in use for decades, with stable and mature technical performance. They are currently the most widely adopted spreader type at major container terminals worldwide. However, due to inherent limitations in handling efficiency, they are best suited for smaller vessel types, lower throughput volumes, and smaller-scale terminals, as well as yard container cranes. They are not suitable for the large-scale, modern container cranes used at large modern container terminals.
Remote-controlled and electric spreaders, however, remain in the experimental phase due to unresolved design and technical issues, limiting their broader adoption. Only a handful of terminals have attempted to use these spreaders
Current trends indicate that standard center-lock movable container-lift spreaders are gaining increasingly widespread application. This type of spreader technology has reached a relatively mature stage, with relatively uncomplicated operation, leading to its growing adoption in large, modern container terminals.
Development of New Container Spreaders
Beyond traditional container spreaders, modern container operations have witnessed emerging technologies that pave the way for innovative mechanical spreaders. Examples include the aforementioned electric and remote-controlled spreaders, which eliminate traditional hydraulic transmission systems. This eliminates all hydraulic components, addressing drawbacks such as low efficiency, noise, and pollution associated with hydraulic systems. Furthermore, driven by increasing demands for container handling efficiency, dual 40-foot container spreaders and triple 40-foot container spreaders have been developed. These are already in use at major container terminals like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Reports indicate a certain degree of improvement in handling efficiency, though this requires synchronized enhancements to production and operating systems.
Container transportation, leveraging its inherent advantages, has gained prominence in modern logistics and achieved rapid development. The continuous growth of the container shipping industry necessitates ongoing improvements in container spreaders. These spreaders will evolve toward greater technological optimization, enhanced reliability, and increased efficiency. Dual 40-foot spreaders, triple 40-foot spreaders, and electric remote-controlled cable-free spreaders will see broader adoption. In the future container transportation industry, container lifting equipment technology will become increasingly mature and capable of functioning across broader applications. This will contribute to enhancing container loading/unloading rates and improving the efficiency of the container logistics sector.
GBM High-Quality Container Spreaders For Loading/Unloading
Against the backdrop of evolving container spreader technology and rising demands for loading/unloading efficiency, GBM is committed to developing and manufacturing high-performance, highly reliable container spreaders. These provide critical equipment support for modern terminal automation and intelligent operations. GBM spreaders embody advanced technical concepts and mature engineering expertise in structural design, control systems, and safety protection.
In automated terminal scenarios, GBM spreaders seamlessly coordinate with host equipment like quay cranes and gantry cranes, enabling functions such as container position detection, lock status detection, and load sway prevention. This significantly enhances single-unit operational efficiency and system response speed.
Regarding safety, GBM spreaders incorporate multiple protective mechanisms, including fully automatic twistlock detection, spreader tilt alarms, cable breakage prevention, and hydraulic system overload protection, effectively mitigating safety risks from operational errors and equipment failures. The spreader structure utilizes high-strength steel and optimized welding techniques, delivering excellent fatigue resistance and durability to withstand demanding terminal operating conditions.
The GBM container spreader not only aligns with the current trend toward automation and intelligence in port handling equipment but also stands out for its outstanding reliability, safety, and operational adaptability. It has become a key piece of equipment for enhancing terminal throughput capacity, reducing operational costs, and achieving green, efficient logistics. It is widely used and recognized in numerous large container terminals around the world.
