The Driveway Gantry Crane

When you're building a smoker from a 500-gallon propane tank, the first problem isn't welding — it's lifting. These tanks weigh about 1,000 pounds empty. I was able to manhandle the tank onto the roller frame using a big digging bar as a lever. Getting the whole unit, now probably closer to 2,000 lbs off of the roller jig and onto a trailer is an entirely different matter.

I didn't have a skid steer yet, so I built this thing. Now it lives in my shop.

The Frame

The gantry is welded from square tube steel — two tall A-frame legs connected by a cross beam at the top. The beam runs on a trolley so the hoist can travel the full width. The legs are tall enough to clear the smoker tank with room to work underneath.

Standing It Up

Once the frame was welded flat on the ground, it needed to go vertical. This is a two-person job at minimum — the frame is heavy and awkward. Tall posts, wide base, and a cross beam that needs to be level.

Painted and Working

A coat of black paint and a yellow electric hoist mounted on the trolley beam. The propane tank hangs from it on chains — ready to be lifted onto the roller frame or positioned for welding.

The gantry made the entire smoker build possible. Without it, I would have needed help every time the tank needed to move — onto the roller, off the roller, onto the trailer. With it, one person can lift and position a tank solo.

More Angles

Some additional views of the gantry frame during construction — painted in red primer, standing tall enough to work under comfortably.

Raising It With the Truck

The best part of the build was raising the gantry into position using the truck. A strap from the truck to the top beam, then just pull forward slow until it swings up.