If you are planning a shop move, a line change, or a heavy equipment set, a 5 ton gantry crane rental can be the fastest way to lift and roll a load without committing to a permanent system. This guide explains how to plan clearance, estimate caster loads, and decide when 5 tons is the right capacity for your job. You will also learn what to expect from a rental, how to prep your site, and when to bring in a machinery moving crew. American Erecting & Ironworks serves Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee counties in Wisconsin and parts of Lake County, Illinois with reliable crane services, machinery moving, and well-maintained rental equipment. Our team is NCCCO certified and our fleet is kept in late-model condition for dependable performance.

Why choose a 5 ton gantry crane rental

A 5 ton gantry crane rental is a versatile solution for many industrial and construction tasks. It bridges the gap between a small shop hoist and a truck crane. It also rolls under roof, reaches into tight bays, and can travel with your load as long as the floor can support it. For many lifts such as machinery swaps, HVAC units, dies, injection molding components, and steel fabrications, a 5 ton gantry gives you enough capacity without overbuying. American Erecting & Ironworks can supply a 5 ton gantry crane rental along with forklifts, rigging gear, and a skilled crew if you need full-service help.

Clearance checklist: headroom and pathways

Clearance is the first thing to confirm. A gantry that fits outside might not pass through a doorway or under pipe racks once assembled. Before you book your 5 ton gantry crane rental, measure the entire path from staging to the lift point.

Key measurements to take

• Ceiling height: Measure slab to the lowest obstruction such as sprinkler lines, lights, ductwork, or bridge crane rails.
• Door and corridor height: Include the top of thresholds, rolled-up door tracks, and any sloped transitions.
• Clear span width: Ensure the gantry end frames and wheels fit between columns, benches, and machines.
• Hook height: Determine the minimum hook height you need. Account for beam depth, trolley, hook block, and sling headroom.
• Lift zone footprint: Measure the footprint the gantry needs to straddle your load and any pallet or machine base.
• Turning and rolling lanes: Confirm aisle width for rolling the gantry, including swing room to steer around obstacles.

How gantry dimensions affect headroom

A 5 ton gantry crane is usually adjustable in height and span. However, every inch of headroom matters. The available hook height equals your ceiling height minus the gantry beam depth, the trolley saddle and hook block height, and sling length. If you need to clear a tall load, consider low headroom trolleys and short slings suited to the load’s rigging points. American Erecting & Ironworks can help you select a beam length, height setting, and trolley style to maximize your hook height in a tight bay.

Plan the route, not just the lift

Getting the gantry into place can be the hardest part on a crowded plant floor. If you must pass through doorways, a knockdown gantry or assembled-at-location plan is important. Note spots where you might need to reduce height, then raise once inside the lift area. Communicate these details when you request your 5 ton gantry crane rental so we can recommend the right frame style and assembly approach.

Understanding caster loads and floor capacity

Casters carry everything. The load plus the gantry’s self-weight travels through four wheels into your slab. Estimating caster load and checking your floor rating is essential for safety and to avoid slab damage. When you rent a 5 ton gantry crane from American Erecting & Ironworks, we review the caster rating, expected load per wheel, and your floor conditions before delivery.

Quick method to estimate load per caster

1. Add the lifted load weight and the gantry self-weight. Include the trolley and any rigging you plan to hang from the hook.
2. Divide by four to estimate average static load per caster.
3. Apply a dynamic factor to cover rolling shock and uneven slabs. A common planning factor is 1.15 to 1.25. When in doubt, use 1.25.

Example: If your machine weighs 10,000 pounds and the gantry, trolley, and rigging weigh 4,000 pounds, total suspended and structure load is 14,000 pounds. Average static per caster is 3,500 pounds. With a 1.25 factor, plan for 4,375 pounds per caster. If your gantry has larger capacity casters rated above that value and your floor can support the pressure, you are in good shape. If your route includes joints, slopes, or ramps, consider a higher factor and slower travel speeds.

Floor pressure and slab checks

Two values matter for floors: the weight per caster and the pressure under each wheel. Caster manufacturers can provide the wheel contact area. Pressure equals load per caster divided by the wheel contact area. For example, if a caster carries 4,000 pounds and the contact area is 4 square inches, the pressure is about 1,000 psi. Actual floors are designed based on subgrade, thickness, reinforcement, and load type, not only psi. Always follow your facility engineer’s guidance. If the slab is thin or has unknown reinforcement, it may not be safe to roll a loaded gantry.

Tips to manage caster loads

• Use larger diameter, wider wheels that spread load across a bigger area and roll easier.
• Keep the load centered under the beam to avoid uneven wheel loads.
• Roll slowly and avoid sudden stops to reduce dynamic shock.
• Bridge joints with steel plates when needed to smooth transitions and distribute load.
• If the floor is questionable, consider lifting in place without travel or use a forklift or a truck crane instead.

American Erecting & Ironworks can advise on wheel selection and floor protection strategies during your 5 ton gantry crane rental. We can also provide machinery moving services if a different method is safer for your site.

When is 5 tons enough? A simple decision guide

Capacity choice starts with the actual lifted weight, then adds rigging and a safety margin. A 5 ton gantry crane rental is right when your required capacity fits a conservative plan and your floor can carry the travel loads.

Start with accurate weights

• Check nameplates, manuals, and shipping documents for exact machine weight.
• Account for fluids, attachments, and tooling that may still be installed.
• Include rigging hardware such as spreader bars, shackles, slings, and a low headroom trolley.

As a rule of thumb, add 10 to 20 percent over your best weight estimate for planning. If the total is at or below 10,000 pounds plus rigging with suitable safety margin, a 5 ton gantry may be appropriate. If you are close to the limit, it is usually best to step up in capacity or change methods.

Consider lift geometry

Capacity at the hook is not the only constraint. The beam and side frames must be set to a span and height that keep the hook centered over the center of gravity. If your load has an offset center of gravity or if you must boom the trolley to one side, wheel loads will become uneven. A wider beam or a higher capacity gantry can add stability margin. American Erecting & Ironworks can help you model the lift geometry before you commit to a 5 ton gantry crane rental.

Situations where 5 tons fits well

• HVAC unit swaps on the ground or inside a plant before a roof pick.
• Moving 3 to 10 thousand pound machines within a bay where a bridge crane is not available.
• Die and mold changes on presses where you can roll the tool straight out and set it on a cart.
• Loading heavy fabrications onto a trailer inside a loading dock area.

When to consider more than 5 tons

• You are at the limit after adding rigging weight and safety margin.
• The floor is uneven, the route has ramps, or the load must be moved over long distances.
• The load has a high center of gravity or awkward pick points that increase side loading.
• You need extra hook height or a longer beam that increases gantry self-weight.

If these conditions apply, American Erecting & Ironworks can recommend a larger gantry, a forklift with a rigger boom, or a truck crane pick. Our team operates late-model cranes and forklifts and can supply full-service machinery moving to keep your project on schedule.

What comes with a 5 ton gantry crane rental

Every job is different, so your rental package should match your lift plan. Tell us your load, location, and timeline, and we will configure a safe, efficient setup.

Common rental inclusions and options

• Adjustable 5 ton gantry frames with appropriate beam length and caster style.
• Manual or low headroom powered trolley compatible with the beam.
• Chain hoist or compatible hoisting device if needed.
• Rigging gear such as slings and shackles sized to your load.
• Steel plates for floor protection when traveling over joints.
• Delivery, setup assistance, and basic familiarization.

American Erecting & Ironworks also rents forklifts with or without rigger booms, rough terrain telehandlers, and genie boom lifts. Rental terms are flexible and available daily, weekly, monthly, or extended. Bundling your 5 ton gantry crane rental with a forklift often speeds up staging and reduces downtime.

Safety best practices for gantry use

Follow OSHA and manufacturer instructions at all times. A simple plan and a brief safety talk go a long way to prevent issues.

Essential steps before you lift

1. Inspect all components for damage, proper pins, and secure connections.
2. Verify capacity at your selected height and span against the load weight plus rigging.
3. Level the gantry and set wheel brakes or chocks before you pick the load.
4. Use proper rigging with angle factors understood and documented.
5. Keep people clear of the load path and never allow anyone under a suspended load.
6. Travel slowly with a clear guide and spotter if moving a loaded gantry.

American Erecting & Ironworks provides NCCCO-certified operators for crane work and can supply experienced riggers for machinery moving projects. If you prefer a turn-key lift, our crew will handle planning, permits if needed, and execution.

Why American Erecting & Ironworks

American Erecting & Ironworks is a second-generation, family-owned company based in Racine, Wisconsin. Incorporated on April 15, 1991, we have spent more than 30 years serving contractors, builders, and manufacturers across Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee counties, as well as parts of Lake County, Illinois. We run a fleet of late-model cranes, tractor-trailers, forklifts, and specialized rigging equipment. Our NCCCO-certified operators and trained riggers work to high safety standards, and we schedule around your operations, including holiday and weekend hours when needed. When you ask about a 5 ton gantry crane rental, we do more than quote a rate. We help you choose the right beam, trolley, caster, and rigging package, and we confirm clearance, caster loads, and floor conditions to reduce risk. If a different method is safer or faster, we will recommend it and provide the equipment and crew to get the job done.

Service menu beyond gantries

• Crane services: HVAC sets, structural picks, plant support lifts, and more.
• Machinery moving: Safe, efficient relocation of heavy equipment with minimal downtime.
• Equipment rental: Forklifts with or without rigger booms, rough terrain telehandlers, and genie boom lifts.
• Steel sales: Steel beams and columns in various sizes for projects within Wisconsin.

Learn more at AEAIWI.COM or call our office for immediate help.

How to request a fast quote

Ready to plan your 5 ton gantry crane rental or need a full-service lift? Contact American Erecting & Ironworks and have these details ready so we can turn your quote quickly and accurately.

Information to share

• Job site address and contact
• Lift description and load weight with any drawings or photos
• Key dimensions such as hook height required and path clearances
• Floor type, slab thickness if known, and any ramps or joints along the route
• Dates and times, including any off-shift or weekend needs
• Rigging you have on site and what you want us to supply

Call American Erecting & Ironworks at (262) 637-7177, visit AEAIWI.COM, or stop by 2108 Clark St, Racine, WI 53403. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Frequently asked questions about 5 ton gantry crane rental

Can I roll a loaded 5 ton gantry across my shop floor?

Possibly, but only if the floor can support the wheel loads. Estimate per-caster load, apply a dynamic factor, and consult your facility engineer. We can help evaluate the route and recommend floor plates if needed.

How much hook height can I expect?

Hook height depends on ceiling height, gantry beam depth, and hoist and trolley size. Share your required lift height and we will configure a low headroom setup to maximize clearance.

What if my load is close to 10,000 pounds?

If you are near the limit after adding rigging and safety margin, we may suggest a higher capacity gantry, a forklift with a rigger boom, or a truck crane. It is better to have extra capacity than to work at the edge.

Do you offer setup and training?

Yes. We can deliver, help assemble the gantry, and provide familiarization. For complex lifts, our machinery moving team can handle everything from planning to execution.

Can I rent for just one day?

Yes. We offer daily, weekly, monthly, and extended terms. We can also bundle forklifts, telehandlers, and boom lifts with your 5 ton gantry crane rental.

Do you sell steel for temporary supports?

We sell steel beams and columns in various sizes for projects within Wisconsin. Ask our team at AEAIWI.COM about availability and lead times.

Service area: local expertise that shows up on time

American Erecting & Ironworks is based in Racine and regularly serves Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee counties in Wisconsin, plus parts of Lake County, Illinois. Our crews know local plants, roads, and permitting requirements. That local experience improves planning accuracy and response time for your 5 ton gantry crane rental or any crane and rigging job.

A quick pre-rental checklist

• Confirm accurate load weight including rigging.
• Measure ceiling height, doorways, and required hook height.
• Map the full travel route and note obstacles.
• Estimate caster loads and consult your facility engineer on floor capacity.
• Decide on a manual or powered trolley and any low headroom needs.
• Plan your crew, roles, and communication.
• Schedule delivery, assembly, and return with some buffer time.

Final thoughts: get the right capacity and a proven partner

A 5 ton gantry crane rental is a powerful, flexible tool for many indoor and outdoor lifts. It can shorten downtime and simplify equipment moves when selected and used correctly. The keys are accurate weight data, a clear route with adequate headroom, realistic caster load checks, and a trained crew. American Erecting & Ironworks brings more than 30 years of crane services, machinery moving, and equipment rental experience to every job. We focus on safety, schedule, and clear communication. For fast help with your next lift, call (262) 637-7177, visit AEAIWI.COM, or stop by 2108 Clark St, Racine, WI 53403. Ask about our flexible daily, weekly, and monthly options for your 5 ton gantry crane rental and related equipment. We are ready to help you plan a safe lift and keep your project moving.