CR120 is the heaviest crane rail in China’s GB/T 2585 standard series. It features a 120 mm head width and a reference mass of approximately 118.1 kg/m, making it the go-to choice for heavy-duty crane runways in ports, steel mills, and shipyards. Because the rail carries exceptional vertical and lateral loads, choosing the correct CR120 rail clips is not optional — it is a safety-critical decision. An undersized or mismatched clamp can allow rail migration, accelerate pad wear, and ultimately compromise runway alignment under repeated heavy-crane cycles.
CR120 Rail Specifications at a Glance
Before selecting a fastener, confirm the rail’s cross-section data. The table below summarises the key CR120 dimensions under GB/T 2585.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Head width | 120 mm |
| Rail height | ≈ 170 mm |
| Base width | ≈ 170 mm |
| Web thickness | ≈ 22 mm |
| Mass per metre | ≈ 118.1 kg/m |
Need to cross-check values for your procurement documents? Use our rail weight calculator to look up rail grade, section, and kg/m data instantly.
For a full multi-grade reference, see the rail size and weight chart on this site.
Technical Spec Comparison — CR120 vs Adjacent Crane Rails
Selecting CR120 rail clips requires knowing how CR120 sits within the broader crane rail family. The matrix below compares five commonly specified sections.
| Rail | Head Width | Rail Height | Base Width | Mass (kg/m) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR80 | 80 mm | ≈ 130 mm | ≈ 130 mm | ≈ 52.8 | GB/T 2585 |
| CR100 | 100 mm | ≈ 150 mm | ≈ 150 mm | ≈ 88.9 | GB/T 2585 |
| CR120 | 120 mm | ≈ 170 mm | ≈ 170 mm | ≈ 118.1 | GB/T 2585 |
| QU120 | 120 mm | ≈ 170 mm | ≈ 170 mm | ≈ 118.1 | GB 3426 |
| A120 | 120 mm | ≈ 172 mm | ≈ 150 mm | ≈ 114.2 | DIN/BS ref. |
Key takeaways:
- CR120 and QU120 share the same 120 mm head and are dimensionally equivalent — clips designed for one generally suit the other. The difference is only the standard designation: GB/T 2585 (CR) versus the older GB 3426 (QU).
- CR120’s base is significantly wider than CR100’s, so CR100 clamps cannot be transferred to CR120 track without re-sizing.
- A120 carries a slightly different base profile; always verify with factory drawings before ordering.
- For lighter-duty runways, refer to CR80 rail dimensions to see whether a smaller section suffices.
Use our rail clip selector to match a rail grade to its compatible clip model in one step.
Rail Clip and Clamp Options for CR120 Rail
Three main fastener families are used with CR120 crane rail:
1. Forged Fastening Clamps The most common choice for CR120 is a heavy-duty forged fastening clamp. Forged from high-strength alloy steel, these clamps grip the 120 mm head with a wide bearing jaw, resist lateral thrust, and tolerate repeated load cycles without loosening. They are typically bolted through pre-drilled base plates.
2. Self-Locking Crane Rail Clips Self-locking crane rail clips use a spring-action body that snaps onto the rail flange without additional hardware. They allow slight longitudinal rail movement — beneficial on long runways subject to thermal expansion — while still preventing lateral shift.
3. Welded Clamps Welded clamps are reserved for permanent, high-cycle installations where zero rail movement is required. Once welded, they are not adjustable, so this option suits fixed-wheel-gauge gantry cranes only.
For a broader overview of fastener families, visit the crane rail clamps page. Always place railway pads between the rail base and beam flange to dampen vibration and protect the steel structure.
Application Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Clip Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Port container crane runway | Forged fastening clamp | High lateral loads; permanent track |
| Steel mill ladle crane | Forged or welded clamp | Extreme thermal + shock loading |
| Shipyard gantry crane | Self-locking clip | Long runway; thermal expansion needed |
| Adjustable / relocatable runway | Self-locking clip | Easy removal and reinstallation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is CR120 rail?
— The heaviest Chinese GB-standard crane rail, with a 120 mm head width and a reference mass of about 118.1 kg/m.
Q2: Which rail clips fit CR120 rail?
— Heavy-duty forged clamps and self-locking clips matched to the 120 mm head and ≈170 mm base.
Q3: How much does CR120 rail weigh per metre?
— Approximately 118.1 kg/m; confirm against the standard or factory drawings.
Q4: What is the difference between CR120 and QU120 rail?
— They are equivalent Chinese crane rail sections. CR is the GB/T 2585 designation and QU is the older GB 3426 designation.
Q5: Can CR120 rail clips be used on CR100 rail?
— No. The 120 mm and 100 mm head profiles differ, so each needs a clamp matched to its own section.
