HF Gantry Crane Modification

[myfinishingtouch]

Has anybody replaced the I-beam on the Harbor Freight gantry crane to get a wider span between the uprights? Sure would be nice to be able to back my trailer under the crane. An extra foot would be perfect.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[johndeereman]

No sir but your on to something.

 

[8man]

I am purchasing a 12' section of 4" flange x 6" web at 12 lbs/foot to do just what you are talking about. I had a structural engineer verify the 6 W12 section of beam to support 2,000 lbs at the center point and the beam is being cut to length today. I'll use a little heavier plat to make the mounting plates, as it was free. I hope to have 11' between the upright posts when done.

I agree, I like the gantry, it is just too narrow.

 

[kythri]

Dumb question:

Beyond verifying that the new beam will support the weight at center, how does that all reconcile with the vertical supports?

Will they support the new beam with full load at center?

Going from an 8' to 11' width between the supports is a pretty sizable increase. I'd be curious to see how the maths all play out on that.

 

[katy]

I have a small gantry similar to the HF one. I extended it up and out by sandwiching 1' long pieces of I beam between the uprights and the cross beam.