Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes are critical to the efficient handling of containers and bulk cargo in ports, container yards, and intermodal terminals. When you purchase an RTG crane, one of the key decisions you’ll face during the deployment process is how to handle installation. Should you opt for on-site installation support, or is online/remote installation guidance sufficient? This decision significantly affects project cost, timeline, and operational readiness.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both on-site and online installation support, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your project size, budget, timeline, and technical capability.
Understanding the Two Installation Support Options
On-Site Installation Support
On-site support involves the rubber tyred gantry crane manufacturers sending professional engineers or technicians to your facility or yard to oversee, guide, or directly handle the installation process. It usually includes physical inspections, assembly supervision, functional testing, calibration, and operator training.
Online Installation Support
Online support, on the other hand, leverages digital tools such as video calls, instructional videos, live chat, technical manuals, and remote diagnostics. The supplier provides remote guidance, enabling your local team to handle the mechanical and electrical assembly under remote supervision.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between On-Site and Online Support
1. Project Complexity
The complexity of the RTG crane project is perhaps the most important factor.
- On-site recommended for:
Large-capacity RTGs, dual-lifting systems, integration with yard management systems, or installations requiring multiple cranes working in tandem. - Online support feasible for:
Standard RTG cranes with minimal customization, especially if your team has prior experience with crane assembly and commissioning.
2. Your Team’s Technical Capabilities
Evaluate your in-house team or local contractor’s experience.
- If your team is skilled in heavy machinery installation:
Online support can suffice. Most quality gantry crane suppliers provide detailed assembly manuals, electrical wiring diagrams, and operation setup procedures. - If your team lacks experience with gantry cranes or complex lifting systems:
On-site installation ensures a safer and more accurate setup, especially for critical steps like load testing, system integration, and fault troubleshooting.
Pros and Cons of On-Site Installation Support
✅ Pros
- Hands-On Expertise
- On-site engineers can immediately identify issues during assembly and rectify them before they escalate into serious problems.
- Faster Troubleshooting
- Real-time, face-to-face troubleshooting significantly reduces downtime due to miscommunication or misinterpretation of instructions.
- Comprehensive Training
- Operator and maintenance crew training is much more effective in person, including practical demonstrations and Q&A sessions.
- Quality Assurance
- Factory-trained personnel ensure that your RTG crane is assembled to OEM standards and safety regulations.
- Peace of Mind
- It reduces the stress and risk of managing a high-value, high-stakes equipment installation without expert help.
❌ Cons
- Higher Cost
- Travel, lodging, per diem, and service fees for on-site technicians can be expensive, especially for international installations.
- Scheduling Delays
- Lead time to deploy engineers can vary due to visa issues, flight availability, or regional travel restrictions.
- Language and Cultural Barriers
- Miscommunication can occur in regions where local staff and foreign engineers don’t share a common language.
Pros and Cons of Online Installation Support
✅ Pros
- Cost-Effective
- Eliminates travel and accommodation expenses. Ideal for companies working within tight budgets.
- Flexible Scheduling
- Online support allows coordination with your team’s availability and shifts. No need to wait for a technician’s arrival.
- Scalable
- Multiple support sessions can be arranged quickly if new issues arise during different stages of installation.
- Empowers Your Team
- Encourages internal knowledge-building. Once trained remotely, your team is better equipped for future maintenance and operation.
- Fast Response Time
- Suppliers often have dedicated technical support teams who can respond quickly via chat, video, or shared documentation.
❌ Cons
- Reliance on Internet Connection
- Poor connectivity can disrupt support sessions, delay feedback, or cause misunderstandings in complex procedures.
- Limited Physical Supervision
- Remote experts can’t physically inspect or intervene if something goes wrong during installation or testing.
- Risk of Incorrect Assembly
- Small errors in alignment, wiring, or safety system setup may go unnoticed without in-person verification.
- Requires a Skilled Team
- Your local team must be proactive, technically proficient, and capable of interpreting technical documents independently.
Real-World Scenarios: Which Support Option Works Best?
Case 1: A Port in Southeast Asia Expanding Container Capacity
A major port opted for on-site installation because the RTG crane was equipped with advanced anti-sway control, GPS yard tracking, and integration with an automated terminal operating system (TOS). Their team lacked experience with such systems, and downtime would have been extremely costly. On-site support ensured smooth commissioning.
Case 2: A Logistics Yard in Eastern Europe
The customer had previously installed similar RTG cranes and had experienced in-house mechanics and electricians. They successfully completed installation with online support, including scheduled video calls, pre-recorded step-by-step videos, and real-time chat with engineers.
This approach saved over $10,000 in costs and reduced project lead time by two weeks.
Hybrid Support: A Middle Ground
Some suppliers now offer a hybrid approach—a mix of online and on-site support:
- Online support is used for early stages such as unloading, steel structure assembly, and wiring.
- On-site engineers arrive only for final testing, commissioning, and training.
This option can balance cost-efficiency with safety and quality assurance.
Questions to Ask Your Crane Supplier Before Choosing
- Do you provide detailed video installation manuals and wiring diagrams?
- How experienced is your team with remote troubleshooting?
- Can you offer online training sessions for operators and technicians?
- What languages do your engineers support during online calls?
- What is your response time for remote support queries?
- Do you offer hybrid support services?
Conclusion: What’s Better for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between on-site and online installation support depends on the specific conditions of your project:
- Go with on-site support if:
You’re dealing with a highly customized RTG crane, lack experienced installation personnel, or require full compliance verification for insurance and safety regulations. - Choose online support if:
You have a technically capable team, a standard crane configuration, and a tight budget or timeline. - Opt for hybrid support if:
You want the cost savings of remote guidance but the assurance of expert oversight during critical phases.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that minimizes your risk while maximizing operational efficiency. A good crane supplier will help assess your needs and tailor the installation support to suit your capabilities and objectives.
