Do you know your knuckle boom from your truck-mounted crane?
Each industrial project is unique, and why it’s important you have the right equipment to hand. When it comes to heavy lifting, it isn’t as simple as using any crane.
But what types of cranes are there and what jobs do they do? Knowing how to choose an industrial crane that is right for your project isn’t always easy.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for these 5 common types of cranes to get you started.
1. Knuckle Boom Cranes
One of the common types of industrial cranes is the knuckle boom crane. It’s designed to handle and deliver materials. It can also lift loads too heavy for people. There are different attachments for the boom tip, making it suitable for a variety of work.
Their design makes them lightweight and easy to move around. This makes them great for handling high payloads in tight spaces. You can find out more here at HIAB the knuckle boom crane experts.
2. Tower Cranes
One of the easiest to recognize types of construction cranes are the tower cranes. They reach impressive heights with even more impressive lifting abilities. This is why they’re often used when constructing taller buildings.
Due to their size, they’re controlled from a small cab the operator has to climb up into. Often they’re built up in height along with the building and then once it is complete, it’s dismantled bit by bit. It’s an essential tool for lifting heavy materials and features to great heights.
3. Bulk-Handling Cranes
Bulk-handling cranes, as the name suggests, will carry large volumes of load. They’re usually used for carrying minerals or coal at mine sites. They don’t have a hook at the end, but a grabbing mechanism and a bucket to hold/lift the materials.
4. Truck-Mounted Cranes
A truck-mounted crane has two parts to it: the truck and the boom or arm. This unique build means they’re highly mobile. They can travel on the road without unique equipment or setups to transport them.
They’re fitted with counterweights and outriggers which keep them stable and mobile. This means you can move them at a slow pace while carrying loads to put them down somewhere else. They’re often used for the building, maintenance, and inspection of bridges.
5. Rough-Terrain Cranes
Rough-terrain cranes do what the names say, lift and move materials on rough terrains. Instead of tracks like a crawler crane might have, they have 4 large tires made of rubber.
These tires are specific for 4-wheel drive, handling off-road surfaces. They’re also fitted with outriggers and a telescopic boom to help with stability. This gives great mobility in tight, rough areas.
Types of Cranes: How to How to Choose a Construction Crane
So, there you have it! Now you know these 5 common types of cranes you can start to find one to suit your needs.
It’s important that you consider the work you need a crane for, and look for one that can handle it. This will save you time and money in the long run. It always pays to get these things right from the start.
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