Description
Operate gantry cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials or containers using hoists, trolleys, and bridge travel, ensuring safe loads, clear travel paths, and precise placement.
- • Determine load weights and confirm they are within gantry crane and rigging capacities.
- • Operate hoist, trolley, and bridge travel controls to lift, move, and precisely place loads.
- • Align and engage spreader bars, hooks, or slings; verify secure attachment before lifting.
- • Inspect wire ropes, chains, hooks, sheaves, and spreaders; replace or tag out defective gear.
- • Clean, lubricate, and perform basic maintenance on hoists, trolleys, rails, and lifting gear.
- • Check and adjust brakes, limit switches, load indicators, and anti-collision systems.
- • Coordinate with riggers and signalers via radio or hand signals to position and land loads safely.
- • Load and unload trucks, railcars, or vessels and stack containers or materials per yard plan.
- • Record lift data, container IDs, and weight readings in logs or yard management systems.
- • Review work orders, stacking plans, and delivery schedules to set lift sequences and priorities.
- • Guide drivers into position under the crane and secure or release twist locks or tie-downs safely.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
