Goliath & semi-goliath cranes from workshop duty to 500+ tonnes
Ground-running gantry cranes designed, manufactured, installed and maintained in the UK. No elevated gantry system required, with outdoor-ready options including storm anchors, wind monitoring and weatherproofing.
Heavy lifting without the elevated runway
Goliath and semi-goliath cranes move heavy loads over a specific working area — a manufacturing facility, shipping yard, steel stockyard or construction site — with their weight carried on ground-level tracks rather than an elevated gantry. That eliminates the need, and the cost, of a complete gantry runway system.
Granada's extensive experience in overhead crane manufacturing makes us your ideal partner for goliath and semi-goliath applications: we design the crane, the track and any supporting steelwork around your site, then install, test and maintain it for life.
Goliath or semi-goliath crane?
The right configuration depends on your space, your loads and the infrastructure already on site.
Goliath cranes
Large, versatile lifting machines supported on legs at both ends, travelling along ground-level tracks. Used in shipyards and heavy industry to handle massive components, materials and machinery — with the size and design to span significant distances and carry the heaviest loads.
Semi-goliath cranes
The compact counterpart: one end runs on a fixed elevated runway — typically carried on the building structure — while the other travels on wheels or rails at ground level. Ideal for construction, warehouses and storage yards where space is limited or loads are lighter.
| Goliath | Semi-goliath | |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Supported on legs at both ends, running on ground-level tracks | One end on a fixed elevated runway, the other on ground-level wheels or rails |
| Load capacity | Single girder typically up to 20–25 tonnes; double girder from 20 up to 500+ tonnes | Typically up to 50 tonnes |
| Girder options | Single girder for localised yards and lighter manufacturing; double girder for heavy industrial, rail and infrastructure work | Single or double girder, sized to the existing shop-floor structure |
| Typical settings | Shipyards, steel stockyards, outdoor storage, heavy manufacturing | Construction, warehouses, storage yards, working alongside existing shop-floor infrastructure |
| Infrastructure | Substantial, often permanent ground track to support weight and span | Less extensive infrastructure — more cost-effective and easier to install |
| Versatility | Both types can be customised with different lifting attachments and configurations to suit specific applications | |
Not sure which suits your site? Tell us your loads, space and whether you're working indoors or out, and we'll recommend the right configuration — or see how goliaths compare with overhead gantry cranes for covered bays.
Floor-running goliaths, equipped for the elements
A key advantage of floor-running goliath cranes is eliminating the cost of a complete gantry system — and for outdoor applications, they can be equipped to work safely in any weather.
Storm Anchors
Lock the crane in place to ensure stability during inclement weather conditions.
Wind Speed Monitoring
Real-time data on wind conditions, ensuring the crane only operates when it's safe to do so.
Weatherproofing
Protection for the crane's components against harsh outdoor environments, year round.
'Anti-Trap' Safety Limits
Enhanced personnel safety, preventing trapping accidents during crane operation.
The rest of the family
Goliaths sit within a wider range of gantry and track-based lifting systems we design and build.
Goliath cranes need a thorough examination at least every 12 months
Like all lifting equipment, goliath and semi-goliath cranes are covered by LOLER and must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once every 12 months. Our nationwide team inspects, tests and certifies all makes and models — including outdoor installations.
Book a LOLER inspectionWe've got answers
A goliath crane is a large gantry-style lifting machine supported on legs that travel along ground-level tracks, rather than an elevated runway. They're used in shipyards and heavy industry to handle massive components, materials and machinery — and they eliminate the need for a complete elevated gantry system.
A goliath runs on ground-level tracks at both ends. A semi-goliath has one end on a fixed elevated runway — typically on the building structure — while the other travels on wheels or rails at ground level, making it ideal where space is limited or loads are smaller.
Single girder goliaths typically handle up to 20–25 tonnes for localised yards and lighter manufacturing. Double girder models cover heavy-duty work from 20 tonnes up to 500+ tonnes for industrial, rail and infrastructure tasks. Semi-goliath designs are usually up to 50 tonnes, working alongside existing shop-floor infrastructure.
Yes — outdoor use is one of their most common applications. We can equip them with storm anchors, wind speed monitoring, weatherproofing and anti-trap safety limits for safe operation in any conditions.
Yes. Like all lifting equipment, they must undergo a LOLER thorough examination by a competent person at least once every 12 months. We provide inspection, testing and certification nationwide for all makes and models.
Yes. We design, manufacture, install and maintain goliath and semi-goliath cranes tailored to your site, loads and duty cycle — including the ground-level track and any runway steelwork required.
Choose the UK's largest independent overhead crane company
From site survey and design to manufacture, installation, load testing and lifetime servicing, Granada delivers the complete goliath crane package — indoors or out.
