Do you know all about the different types of cranes? Cranes are one of the most essential tools in any construction site. They are responsible for lifting and moving heavy materials. They are also one of the most common types of construction equipment found on construction sites.
But did you know that there are different uses and sizes of cranes available? If not, read on. In this article, we will discuss the various types of cranes often used in construction and their unique features.
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What Are Cranes?
Cranes are machines that use mechanical, hydraulic, or electric power to lift and move heavy objects. They have a wide range of uses, from construction sites to shipping ports.
But, in construction sites, cranes that you can rent or buy from companies like Shannahan Crane are essential for moving materials. This includes materials such as steel beams, precast concrete, and other large and heavy items.
Each type of crane can come in various types and sizes, and each has its own special functions.
Tower Cranes
One of the most common types of cranes that are used in construction sites is the tower crane. This type of crane is tall and usually attached to the ground. It is capable of lifting very heavy loads and has a long horizontal reach.
Tower cranes are often used to lift different types of construction materials on large construction sites. Tower cranes are composed of a mast, a slewing unit, and a jib.
The mast is a vertical tower that provides the crane’s height. The slewing unit is the base of the crane that allows it to rotate, while the jib is the horizontal arm that extends from the slewing unit. The jib can be fixed or have an adjustable angle.
Tower cranes have a lifting capacity of up to 20 tons, and their height can reach up to 1000 feet. Their long reach makes them perfect for large construction sites where heavy materials need to be lifted and moved over a long distance.
Tower cranes are also used in bridge construction, where they can lift heavy segments into place.
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are another common type of construction cranes. As the name suggests, mobile cranes are designed to move around a construction site. They are mounted on a truck or crawler tracks and can be moved from one location to another with relative ease.
These cranes are used for lifting and moving smaller loads, such as construction materials and equipment. Mobile cranes come in various sizes and types, such as rough terrain cranes, all-terrain cranes, and truck-mounted cranes.
Rough terrain cranes have four-wheel drive and are designed to work in rough and uneven terrain. All-terrain cranes can be used both on and off-road and have high lifting capacities. Truck-mounted cranes are mounted on a truck and are often used for short-term projects.
Telescopic Cranes
Telescopic cranes are also known as boom cranes. They have a long, telescopic arm that can extend and retract, allowing them to reach great heights and lengths. Telescopic cranes are often used for working in tight spaces, as they can maneuver around obstacles with ease.
They are also used for lifting and moving materials that require a long reach, such as steel beams and precast concrete sections. Telescopic cranes are mounted on truck or crawler tracks.
Also, there are different sizes and types of telescopic cranes. This includes the hydraulic boom crane, lattice boom crane, and knuckle boom crane. Hydraulic boom cranes are compact and can be transported to different job sites in a simple manner.
Lattice boom cranes have a long and heavy boom and are often used in heavy lifting operations. Knuckle boom cranes are versatile and can be used for various lifting tasks.
Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes are used in factories and warehouses to move heavy materials and equipment. They are mounted on rails that run along the ceiling, allowing them to move materials around the facility.
Overhead cranes are more often used for lifting and moving heavy items, such as steel coils and large machinery. These cranes are also divided into different types when you look for them. This includes types such as single-girder cranes, double-girder cranes, and gantry cranes.
Single girder cranes have a single bridge beam and are used for lighter loads. Double girder cranes have two bridge beams and are used for heavier loads. Gantry cranes are more or less the same as overhead cranes, but they are not attached to a ceiling.
Instead, they are supported by a gantry that runs along the ground. Gantry cranes are often used in shipyards and other locations where heavy items need to be lifted and moved over a wide area.
Loader Cranes
Loader cranes are mounted on trucks or trailers and are used to load and unload materials. They are often used in shipping ports, where they can be used to lift and move containers from ships to trucks.
Loader cranes are also used in construction sites most of the time to move materials and equipment. There are different types of Loader Cranes, including hydraulic loader cranes and knuckle boom cranes.
Hydraulic loader cranes are versatile and can be used for different lifting tasks. Knuckle boom cranes are compact and can be transported to different job sites.
Knowing All About the Different Types of Cranes
In conclusion, cranes are essential tools in any construction site, and their applications are diverse. From tower cranes to mobile cranes and telescopic cranes, each type has its own unique features and uses.
Understanding the different types of cranes and their uses is an important part of the construction industry. This knowledge can help construction companies and workers choose the right equipment for the job.
So, now that you know the different crane types available, you’ll be able to say which one you need the next time you have a project. Go out and rent or buy the right construction equipment today!
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