Uses, features, assembly, and how to pick a crane from the different crane types suitable for your needs
Construction sites are probably the best place to spot different types of machinery and different crane types. They require equipment to execute tasks quickly and accurately. Some of the most common machines seen around job sites are tower cranes and truck-mounted cranes.
Construction cranes are indispensable on construction sites, assisting workers in material handling activities and increasing efficiency.
In the past, construction works only relied on the simplest method of lifting loads, using a primary pulley and a rope. Although the technique has proven useful, it only offers a limited weight capacity and range. It is still used in small construction projects, but crane rentals have gained popularity.
Furthermore, the potential and limitations of this basic technology inspired industries to invent the crane. This led to creating different types of cranes to carry out a more comprehensive range of activities. Expanding their range and capacity enabled enhanced work efficiency. Now cranes are widely present in most work fields, from construction, industry, and harbours to small-scale activities, either owned or rented.
There are many crane types used in construction and other industries. In this post, we will describe some of them and their uses.
If you plan to buy a new or second-hand crane or rent one, you must consider several factors such as resources, finances, applications, availability, etc.
Crane rental is a popular and cost-effective option. But before renting, you must identify the most suitable one for your needs from the many existing different crane types.
First, we suggest going over our next three questions about construction cranes for basic knowledge. If you already know this, skip it and proceed to the list of the different types of cranes.
Basic Info about Construction Cranes
What is a crane?
Construction cranes are machines mainly used for lifting materials. They can lift very heavy loads at heights that standard lifting equipment cannot reach. You will typically see a crane on every multi-story building construction site.
Cranes are equipped with hoist rope, wire ropes (or chains), and sheaves to sustain the load weight. They are of two categories: (1) fixed cranes, manoeuvrable horizontally or vertically yet fixed on the ground, and (2) mobile cranes, which are movable and can sometimes be used to transport construction materials from site to site.
Modern technology is continuously improving. Popular crane manufacturers are now focused on electric cranes powered by electricity instead of fuel, thus making them even more cost-efficient.
Electric cranes have changed the construction industry by presenting more features and advantages. They are also one of the solutions for a greener environment, with most projects having stricter requirements regarding environmental sustainability.
Experts estimate that electric cranes will dominate the construction industry within a decade, considering that they will replace current cranes in terms of capacity and price.
How do cranes work?
Cranes use a simple mechanism – a pulley with a rope and a lever to control it. The crane operator must be professionally trained to operate a construction crane and to understand the balancing mechanism related to the weight of loads.
A construction crane operator must have the proper set of skills to execute different functions correctly, like lifting, moving, and balancing objects and construction materials.
The different types of cranes that we see today on a construction site are highly modern and equipped with the latest technology to precisely perform and avoid accidents. These technologies include cameras, sensors, counterbalances, and more accessible controls.
What is the largest crane in the world?
You might think that the cranes you see around the city are already the tallest. Construction cranes are often erected at 30-60 meters tall, but the largest crane in the world stands 250 meters tall. Its name is “Big Carl” and was built by Sarens, a Belgian crane company. This crane can carry 5000 tons in a single lift.
Big Carl is currently working on a nuclear construction site in the U.K.
There are many types of cranes commonly used in construction sites, various industries, and harbours. These cranes can be classified as either mobile or fixed. Below is a list of the main categories of cranes and different construction cranes for each category.
Crane Types
A. Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes possess mobility, a great feature for a construction crane. However, only a few of them can travel on the road to job sites, while others require special transportation. They are manoeuvrable around the site and adjustable for better reach.
The mobile crane can adjust to perform the given task in any area, and most have a boom to extend their range further. These types of cranes are some of the best machines to quickly perform tasks for short-term activities due to their mobility and overall capacity.
- Truck-mounted cranes(Hiab)
- Crawler Cranes
- Rough-terrain cranes
- Floating cranes
- Telescopic cranes
- Carry deck cranes
- All-terrain cranes
- Spider cranes
- Aerial cranes (sky cranes)
B. Fixed Crane Types
The fixed crane is the opposite of a mobile crane since it is stationary and requires assembly. These crane types are suitable for long-term projects and lift oversized loads. Fixed cranes are ideal for performing extensive activities, such as the construction of tall buildings, handling maritime loads in dockyards, extending railroads, etc.
- Tower cranes
- Self-folding cranes
- Overhead cranes
- Level-luffing cranes
- Railroad cranes
- Bulk-handling cranes
- Hammerhead cranes
Different Crane Types – Mobile Cranes
As mentioned before, a mobile crane has a boom or extendable arm with a pulley. The ropes or chains hold the load, while the arm moves it. Operating through a range of transmissions and systems, it may use steam engines, powered motors, or combustion engines to work. Below are some of the frequently rented mobile cranes.
Truck-Mounted Crane – HIAB
HIAB is the abbreviation given for Hydrauliska Industri AB Company. Is a Swedish company which was founded in 1944 by Eric Sundin who found a way to use hydraulics to operate a loader crane.
These types of equipment consist of a truck and crane combined to help with the loading and unloading operations by using the truck’s engine to power up the hydraulic system of the crane as lifting equipment. The loader cranes have a single arm and are grouped into two common categories:
Rigid – means that the truck crane and the trailer are all put together into a whole rigid structure
Articulated – means that the loader crane is mounted straight on the back of the cabin of the trailer truck.
Truck-mounted cranes are unique and special because their utility extends not just to construction sites but also logistics. The truck-mounted crane is lightweight and has wheels, it can travel on highways and streets just like ordinary trucks.
You can see examples of truck-mounted HIAB cranes here.
Unique features: The truck crane has a rear platform for the transportation of materials; versatile and lightweight.
Crawler crane
A crawler crane is a heavy-duty type of mobile crane suitable for long-term projects due to its bulkiness, maximum lifting capacity, and extended range. Some of them have a telescopic boom, allowing them to adjust their range. These crane types are also highly adaptable to different terrains.
Instead of wheels, a crawler crane uses a pair of rubber trucks to navigate around a rough-terrain job site. This also makes it possible for them to perform on soft soils, especially on construction sites with limited movement and the possibility of sinking.
The only drawback is that crawler cranes are quite massive and require special transportation.
Liebherr, a well-known crane manufacturer, built a crane that is considered a breakthrough in construction. In 2020, they introduced electric crawler cranes. A gigantic mobile crane, previously dependent on fuel, is now shifting to electrical power. Liebherr states that electric crawler cranes or “unplugged cranes” can change the construction field, making it more sustainable. These crawler cranes can be recharged using the electrical sources on the site.
Unplugged cranes can work for four hours straight because of their heavy-duty built-in battery. Additionally, they can lift loads weighing 70 to 250 tonnes.
Unique features: Tracks instead of tires, useful for long-term projects, manoeuvrable around rough terrain.
Rough-terrain crane
If you are looking for other types of cranes for demanding terrain without tracks, the rough-terrain crane is the right crane for you. This type uses four massive rubber tires instead of tracks, providing more mobility. The rough-terrain crane is a good choice if you are looking for a machine stronger than a truck crane and smaller than a crawler crane.
Unique features: Massive rubber tires for rough terrain works, bulky, and high capacity.
- Floating crane
Not all mobile cranes work on land. There is a type of mobile crane for performing lifting work in harbours or on the water.
Harbour floating cranes, also known as crane vessels/crane ships are indispensable in projects located in ports or at sea. They assist construction works in sea oil platforms, oil rigs, naval shipyards, maritime logistics, and even lift a sunken yacht.
There are only a few types of floating cranes. Variations such as the sheerleg and semi-submersible are available. Nevertheless, the only difference floating cranes have from the other types of construction cranes is they perform marine construction work directly on the water.
Unique features: The only crane used in works at sea with heavy-duty lifting capacity.
In Constanta, the demand for mobile cranes is high due to active industries like ports, construction, and logistics. Kran provides fast and precise mobile crane rentals at an affordable rental price.
Floating cranes (crane vessels)
Not all cranes work on the land. There is a type of mobile crane for performing lifting work in harbours or on the water. They are called floating cranes.
Harbour floating cranes, also known as crane vessels /crane ships are indispensable in projects located in ports or at sea. They assist construction works in sea oil platforms, oil rigs, naval shipyards, maritime logistics, and even lift a sunken yacht.
There are only a few types of floating cranes. Variations such as the sheerleg and semi-submersible are available. The only difference that a floating crane has from the other types of cranes is that they perform marine construction work directly on the water.
Unique features: The only type of crane used in works at sea with heavy-duty lifting capacity.
Carry deck crane
Simple and small – two words that describe this mobile crane. Carry deck cranes are a much smaller type and have a rotatable turret. The name comes from its appearance and unique function – it has a flat deck for easily transporting materials within the site. Carry deck cranes are suitable for confined spaces.
Unique features: 360-degree rotatable turret and a flat deck in front.
All-terrain crane
The all-terrain cranes can travel both on highways and off-road with ease. They have the latest equipment, such as digitals for controlling their numerous wheels, a hydraulic system to support their vertical clearance, and a boom crane. An all-terrain crane is probably the most suitable mobile crane for most activities.
Unique features: Fully controllable wheels, boom lifts, equipped with the latest technology.
Spider cranes
Spider cranes are a special type of mobile crane rarely seen in construction yet highly applicable in some activities. The name comes from its spider-like form: the core part resembles the spider’s body, while the support legs are similar to the spider’s limbs.
At first sight, you would assume they also move like spiders, but the resemblance ends here. Tracks support their movement so they can navigate rough terrains.
Spider cranes can access restricted or confined spaces. Their structure is compact, which allows them to perform efficiently in sites with complicated terrain and narrow spaces. Most spider cranes run with electricity, which helps contribute to zero-emission work.
Different Crane Types of Fixed Construction Cranes
Static cranes are commonly anchored in the ground. The crane has a foundation to provide maximum lifting and height capacity. Although the fixed crane is not movable, it is highly suitable for lifting oversized loads. Additionally, it can reach greater heights due to its stability.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are probably the most prominent type of fixed crane in every urban construction site. They stand hundreds of feet from the ground, and they are ideal in the construction industry because they can lift multiple construction materials at once.
A tower crane is usually erected higher than the buildings. Tower cranes are in demand for tall building construction because of their lifting capabilities.
A close variation is the Luffing Tower Crane. A luffing tower crane also called a hammerhead-style or interlaced jib crane is designed differently from typical tower cranes because they can be elevated and lowered in motion known as “luffing”.
Unique features: Crane height according to the building height and easy to set up.
Self-Folding Cranes / Self-Erecting Tower Crane Types
The self-erecting tower crane is a modern innovation creating practical solutions for most construction sites. Unlike traditional fixed cranes, setting up a self-erecting crane is simple because they are already fully assembled.
Self-erecting cranes have new features that provide greater advantages than tower cranes. They have wheels for quick adjustment of their position. Self-erecting tower cranes also have a reliable and accurate load moment limiter and load lifting limiter.
Overhead Crane
The bridge crane, also known as the overhead crane, is primarily used in industries, such as factories, maintenance work, and hangars. The name comes from the holder that is located and attached above the head.
An overhead crane is precise. Ports use this type of suspended cranes because they are used for lifting cargo and oversized loads.
There are several types of overhead cranes: gantry cranes, bridges, jib cranes, etc. The general premise is the same, but the difference is that a jib crane is attached to the wall or the ground, while a gantry and bridge crane is secured near the roof or ceiling.
Unique features: Precise and a space saver.
Level Luffing Crane Types
Ports and dockyards also need fixed cranes for assistance in handling freight containers. Two types of harbour cranes are mainly found in dockyards: the level luffing crane and the bulk-handling cranes.
A level luffing crane is mainly used in shipyards to load and unload freight containers and materials. Some level luffing cranes can move sideways while others are fixed. The crane in front can move back and forth while its hook remains in the same position. The level luffing crane is especially demanded for tall buildings on congested sites.
Unique features: The level luffing crane handles freight containers.
Bulk Handling Crane
Another type of fixed crane commonly used in harbours is the bulk-handling crane. This crane can handle aggregates like coals, minerals, gravel, etc. Instead of having a hook at the end of its hoist, it has a grab bucket for grabbing materials and moving them in and out of the cargo ship.
Unique features: Grab bucket for moving aggregates and fine materials.
Railroad Crane
Railroad cranes function primarily on railroads to lift materials on the tracks. As we all know, some localities depend on train infrastructure – this is where bulk materials (such as coals, lumber, and palletized goods) are handled. Additionally, railroad cranes can respond immediately during emergencies such as accidents and recovery work.
Unique features: The only crane that can perform on railroads.
Hammerhead Crane / Hammerhead Tower Crane
A hammerhead crane is also known as a cantilever crane and is a heavy-duty crane that can lift a tremendous amount of weight. These cranes are some of the least used cranes in construction projects but are best for large-scale industries.
The hammerhead crane has a horizontal, swivelling lever resting on a fixed tower. Additionally, hammerhead cranes also allow racking, with the trolley moving back and forth horizontally.
Hammerhead tower cranes are fixed and cannot be moved to other locations, which is why positioning them is a crucial task. Their complex setting up procedure requires more equipment and power.
Unique features: Heavy-duty crane that can lift a tremendous amount of weight.
Setting up a Crane for Construction Work
There are several questions related to assembling cranes. Some inquiries are about their setup since most of us are curious how it happens so fast. We are often surprised to see a crane set up in just a day or two. This section will focus on setting up a crane, how much time it takes to set up a crane, and the main materials and tools used for setup.
How long does it take to set up a construction crane?
Setting up a construction crane may vary depending on its type, whether it is a fixed or a mobile crane.
The average setup time for a fixed crane is approximately one day. This includes the assembling time and erection from the ground. Enormous cranes take more than a day or sometimes, even a week.
On the other hand, the setup for a mobile crane can only take minutes. So, it is best to rent a mobile crane for urgent projects.
How are construction cranes assembled and erected on the ground?
Assembling a fixed crane requires several tools and machines like renting a truck crane to set up its foundation. It needs to be assembled part by part and connected by a series of joints. For the step-by-step procedure, here are the basic steps on how to assemble a construction crane.
- Pouring the foundation
A tower crane mast section must be set into a foundation with steel pedestals. Cement or attachment is poured into the area where the crane will be mounted. The crane is ready to be erected after the concrete curing. - Addition of primary joints
The second stage of crane setup includes the addition of bolt nuts and hydraulic wrenches to serve as joints and increase the mobility of the construction crane. - Repeat the process
The process is repeated until the desired height is achieved and the crane is fully erected from the ground. Mobile crane services can help establish the foundation of a fixed tower crane. You can refer to our list above about the types of construction cranes.
How to choose a construction crane for your project?
For start-up construction projects, we recommend asking a heavy equipment rental agency for crane renting services. We recommend choosing a mobile crane since it is more suitable for most projects. However, if you are working on a big construction project, you will need to use a fixed crane. Leave it to professionals to advise you on the most suitable type for your activity.
August 27, 2021
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