Port Crane Wheel Block Assembly Explained: Structure, Types, and Selection Guide for Port Cranes

Port crane wheel is an important component of port lifting equipment, such as container cranes, portal cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, and shipbuilding gantry cranes. The wheels undertake core tasks, including supporting the weight of the entire machine, guiding track operation, and transmitting driving force.

RMG Container Gantry Crane

Ship To Shore Crane

Portal Crane

Shipbuilding Gantry Crane

In the port working environment characterized by high humidity, salt spray corrosion, and frequent starting and stopping under heavy loads, the wheels must possess characteristics of high strength, high wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Port Crane Wheel Block Assembly Structure and Types

Port cranes undertake extremely high loads and continuous operation tasks in daily operation. Whether the traveling mechanism can be stable and reliable depends crucially on the structural design and manufacturing precision of the wheel block assembly.

The wheel block assembly is a modular structural unit that organically combines the wheel, shaft, bearing, bearing housing, and mounting support, responsible for achieving core functions such as load transmission, operation guidance, and power transmission.

According to structural form and application characteristics, the commonly used wheel block assemblies for port cranes can be divided into the following categories:

L Block Crane Wheel Assembly

45°Split Bearing Box Crane Wheel Assembly

Round Bearing Box Crane Wheel Assembly with Large Gear Ring

Round Bearing Box Crane Wheel Assembly (European Type)

Parameters and Specifications Display

The common port crane wheel diameter range is Φ400mm–Φ1000mm. Specific parameters (such as wheel width, shaft diameter, and load-bearing capacity) can be consulted in detail in the technical PDF. 

L Block Crane Wheel Assembly

The L-type wheel block assembly adopts an integral welded structure, with the bearing housing and mounting base forming an “L” shaped arrangement. Its structure is compact, lightweight, and reasonably stressed, commonly used in small and medium tonnage gantry or bridge cranes.

The bearing housing is equipped with high-strength roller bearings and labyrinth seals to prevent dust and moisture intrusion. The wheel is forged from 42CrMo or ZG50SiMn, and after heat treatment, it has high surface hardness and excellent wear resistance.

Performance Advantages:

• Simple installation and convenient maintenance, can be directly connected to the reducer for use;
• Strong support rigidity and smooth operation;
• Modular design with high adaptability, suitable for both cart and trolley running mechanisms.

Application Scenarios: 

The L-type wheel block assembly is commonly found in equipment such as RMG container gantry cranes, shipbuilding gantry cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, and portal cranes, especially suitable for medium-load conditions and high-frequency operation environments.

45° Split Bearing Box Crane Wheel Assembly

This type of wheel block assembly adopts a 45° inclined split bearing housing design, where the upper and lower halves are fixed by bolts, allowing inspection and replacement of bearings without disassembling the entire wheel block assembly.

This structure is widely used in large port cranes and continuous operation equipment, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving operational continuity.

Performance Advantages:

• Convenient maintenance, reducing downtime;
• Reasonable bearing arrangement, uniform stress distribution, and strong impact resistance;
• The wheel body mostly uses ZG340–640 or 42CrMo material, with superior fatigue resistance;
• Gear rings can be customized and added according to driven end or driving end requirements.

Application Scenarios: 

Suitable for ship-to-shore container cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, ship loaders, ship unloaders, and other equipment, particularly ideal for operating conditions requiring large loads, long travel distances, and high reliability.

Round Bearing Box with Gear Ring Wheel Assembly

On the basis of the round bearing box, an integral forged gear ring structure is added to achieve high-torque direct transmission. The gear ring is integrally machined with the wheel or connected by high-strength bolts, ensuring transmission accuracy and reliability.

This type of wheel block assembly is often used in conjunction with gear reducers and is suitable for low-speed, high-torque drive systems.

Performance Advantages:

• High transmission efficiency, avoiding additional coupling deviations;
• Large load-bearing capacity and stable operation;
• Modular design for quick replacement and maintenance;
• Supports direct motor connection, reducing intermediate transmission links.

Application Scenarios: 

Mostly used in ultra-large tonnage equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes, shipbuilding gantry cranes, ship unloaders, and portal cranes, especially suitable for port conditions involving heavy loads, high frequency, and long travel operations.

Round Bearing Box Wheel Assembly

The round bearing box wheel block assembly adopts an integral cylindrical bearing housing structure, featuring high coaxiality and good uniform stress distribution. The bearing housing can be connected to the main beam underframe via bolts or flanges, achieving quick replacement and modular installation.

Its appearance is compact with good sealing, and imported high-precision bearings can be selected internally to support long-term maintenance-free operation.

Performance Advantages:

• High-precision fit, low vibration and low noise;
• Gear transmission system can be added according to working conditions to achieve direct drive;
• High transmission efficiency and smooth operation, suitable for European-style structural cranes.

Application Scenarios: 

The round bearing box structure is commonly used in container gantry cranes and shipbuilding gantry cranes. It is especially suitable for work areas with high requirements for operational smoothness and positioning accuracy.

Selection and Customization Guide

When selecting a suitable Port Crane Wheel, it is recommended to comprehensively consider the following factors:

• Load and Operating Frequency: For heavy load and high frequency, it is recommended to select forged steel wheels, with material options of 42CrMo or 65Mn. 
• Track Type: Different track types (QU70, QU80, P43) require matching corresponding flange dimensions. 
• Usage Environment: Special treatment is required for anti-corrosion, explosion-proof, and dust-proof conditions, such as galvanized or phosphated surfaces. 
• Drive Matching: Matching with reducer, bearing housing, and coupling.

KUANGASHAN CRANE Can Provide:

• Non-standard track gauge customization;
• Intelligent wheels with deviation correction and encoder monitoring;
• Multi-layer sealing for dust-proof, waterproof, and salt spray-proof design;
• Optional European standard / national standard interfaces.

Port Crane Wheel Block Assembly Application Cases

KUANGASHAN CRANE’s port crane wheel block assemblies have been successfully applied in multiple global projects:

L Block Crane Wheel Assembly – for 40t portal crane

Round Bearing Box Crane Wheel Assembly – for Georgia Poti Port container gantry crane

L Block Crane Wheel Assembly – for Taicang Port container gantry crane

Conclusion: High-Performance Wheels Enable Efficient Port Cranes

Port crane wheel is the core component for the stable operation of port lifting equipment. High-strength materials, precision machining, and scientific selection not only enhance operational smoothness and service life but also reduce maintenance costs and failure rates.

KUANGASHAN CRANE relies on its integrated production line for independent forging, heat treatment, and precision machining to provide global port customers with reliable, wear-resistant, and customizable port crane wheel solutions.