14 Jul 2025
WHY REID GANTRY SYSTEMS ARE CHANGING THE GAME IN LIFTING SOLUTIONS
When it comes to portable lifting systems, few names carry as much weight (literally and figuratively) as REID Lifting. Known for their aluminium gantry systems, REID’s products are engineered for versatility, safety, and ease of use — and after speaking directly with both REID’s technical team and several customers using their systems in the field, I’ve come to appreciate just how impactful these gantries are.
Whether you work in wastewater, confined space entry, manufacturing, or even event rigging, REID Gantry Systems offer a smarter, safer, and more cost-effective way to lift and move loads. In this blog, I’ll break down what REID Gantry Systems are, explore the key benefits, and share some real-world use cases that demonstrate their value in action.
WHAT ARE REID GANTRY SYSTEMS?
REID Gantry Systems are lightweight, portable lifting structures made from high-grade aluminium. Designed and manufactured in the UK, these systems are most commonly used for temporary lifting tasks — ideal for when a permanent crane isn’t practical or economically viable.
Some of REID’s most popular models include:
- PORTA-GANTRY: Lightweight, foldable, and ideal for rapid deployment.
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PORTA-GANTRY RAPIDE: Quick to assemble with no tools required — great for emergency and confined space applications.
Each of these models is tested and certified to international safety standards, giving users full peace of mind in demanding environments.
KEY BENEFITS OF REID GANTRY SYSTEMS
After multiple discussions with the REID team, it became clear that their design philosophy centres around three core pillars: portability, compliance, and customization.
Portability Without Compromising Strength
One of the most cited advantages by REID customers is portability. Unlike traditional steel gantries, REID systems can be carried in a van, wheeled into position by one or two operators, and set up in minutes. I recently spoke to a customer in the water utilities sector who said:
We replaced our fixed crane setup with a REID PORTA-GANTRY RAPIDE, and it’s been a game-changer. We can deploy it across multiple sites in a day — previously unthinkable with traditional gear
Compliance for Confined Space and Fall Protection
REID systems are not just for lifting loads — they’re also fully certified for fall protection and confined space rescue, which is critical in sectors like utilities, telecoms, and petrochemical. The PORTA-GANTRY RAPIDE, for example, is EN795 certified and supports personnel lifting equipment.
During my chat with a REID representative, they explained:
We see safety as part of the product design, not an add-on. Our gantries are designed to meet both lifting and fall arrest requirements simultaneously.This dual functionality means less equipment on-site and better compliance with health and safety regulations.
Modular and Configurable
Whether you’re lifting a 100kg pump out of a confined chamber or moving a 2-ton generator across a mezzanine, REID gantries can be configured to fit. Telescopic height adjustment, adjustable beam lengths, and a range of custom accessories (such as winches, trolleys, and locking kits) allow each setup to be tailored to the job.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF REID GANTRY SYSTEMS
Let’s look at how REID Gantry Systems are used in different industries — these examples are drawn from actual conversations with users and site visits, offering firsthand experience.
✅ Case Study: Local Council – Confined Space Entry in Drainage Systems
A facilities manager from a UK local authority discussed how the PORTA-GANTRY RAPIDE has helped streamline operations across urban drainage and inspection sites.
Before REID, every confined space job required extensive scaffolding or tripod setups. Now, we keep two RAPIDEs in our fleet — compact, fast to deploy, and fully compliant with our fall protection requirements
The RAPIDE’s no-tools assembly is particularly useful for small teams working in constrained city spaces. It folds down to fit in the boot of a standard estate car.
✅ Case Study: Events & Entertainment Rigging
While not as obvious, REID’s gantries are also popular in the events industry for rigging temporary lighting and speaker setups. A freelance production manager told me:
We used a REID gantry to suspend lighting over a temporary stage at a heritage site where no permanent fixings were allowed. The quick install and professional look made a big difference — and we met all safety requirements
TRUST, EXPERTISE, & ONGOING SUPPORT
One of the biggest factors that sets REID apart — and something I personally noticed in my dealings with them — is their commitment to customer education and support. Their team takes time to understand the use case, advise on the best product configuration, and even provide on-site training when needed.
REID also offers extensive documentation, compliance guides, and inspection support, reinforcing their commitment to long-term product safety and customer trust.
It’s not just about selling the kit. It’s about making sure the customer knows exactly how to use it safely and effectively.
said one REID engineer during our call
FINAL THOUGHTS: ARE REID GANTRIES RIGHT FOR YOU?
If your business involves any kind of lifting — whether that's for maintenance, rescue, or materials handling — a REID Gantry System is absolutely worth considering. With modular options to suit every industry, robust safety certifications, and the flexibility to go where cranes can’t, REID gantries offer a smarter solution for modern lifting challenges.
👉 Browse Our Full Range of REID Gantry Systems
Or contact us directly — we’re happy to talk through your needs, just like I did with REID and their customers.
