4 Things to Remember When Upgrading to a Clamshell Bucket Crane

4 Things to Remember When Upgrading to a Clamshell Bucket Crane

When you work at a construction site, you rely on several pieces of equipment to get the job done. One critical item to use is a clamshell bucket crane.

Clamshell buckets work alongside your digging material to collect dirt and rocks. From there, you can dump the debris away from the digging site.

Clamshell buckets can make your work more efficient. However, not all clamshell bucket models are created equal.

If you want to upgrade your bucket crane, there are several things to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk through four items to consider when purchasing clamshell crane buckets.

1. Choose Your Bucket with Soil Conditions in Mind

Contractors must choose their clamshell cranes based on several factors. One of the primary issues to consider is the type of soil you work with. Different types of clamshell buckets work better in various soil conditions.

For a clamshell crane, heavy-duty options are usually the most popular. These work on several types of soil, including clay, gravel, sand, and silt. They utilize top-quality, abrasion-resistant materials.

2. Choosing the Classification of a Clamshell Bucket Crane

Clamshell buckets often fall under one of two classifications based on the number of cylinders and the constructive geometry they have. A clamshell bucket will have either one or two cylinders. Likewise, their constructive geometry uses either a vertical or horizontal cylinder.

These characteristics make clamshells more suitable for the task at hand. For example, a bucket with a horizontal cylinder is more compact.

Their compact nature helps them load loose materials like sand. Vertical cylinders, however, work much better for digging purposes.

3. Adding Accessories to the Bucket

Contractors can add several accessories to a bucket to enhance its performance. One of the most common accessories for this equipment is a hydraulic rotator.

A hydraulic rotator lets the operator run the equipment in either rotational direction. This feature is tremendously helpful when positioning long and unwieldy objects like logs.

It has other uses beyond this, though. A hydraulic rotator also helps establish the direction of a dig. The hydraulic rotator also serves as a hydraulic joint, allowing oil to pass from the operating machine to the grab.

Other accessories for clam buckets also exist. Some of the more popular options include replaceable cutting edges, suspension links, and rotation devices.

4. Search for Wear and Tear

Keeping your clamshell buckets well-maintained can help preserve their lifespan. So, take some time to investigate your buckets. What parts seem the most weathered?

Sometimes, simply replacing these parts can save you from purchasing a new clamshell bucket. If not, though, it at least gives you an idea of what to look out for with your upgrade.

Find the Best Contractor Equipment Today

A clamshell bucket crane can provide the service you need for your contracting work. If you follow these four tips, you can find the right equipment for the job.

If you need more information to find the best products, that’s no problem!  Check out some of our other articles today to learn more.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/clamshell-bucket-crane-1024x871.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/4-things-to-remember-when-upgrading-to-a-clamshell-bucket-crane/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=4-things-to-remember-when-upgrading-to-a-clamshell-bucket-crane

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/clamshell-bucket-crane-1024x871.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/4-things-to-remember-when-upgrading-to-a-clamshell-bucket-crane

What Is a Crawler Crane? A Quick Guide

What Is a Crawler Crane? A Quick Guide

As metropolitan areas boom in this country, the crane market continues to grow. Valued at $19 billion in 2018, experts expect the crane market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of six percent through 2025. Global shipments could exceed 35 thousand units by 2025.

Cranes serve various purposes depending upon the construction project. Different types of cranes are used to transport materials, haul timber, and even make home deliveries. And among the most popular types of construction cranes is the crawler crane.

Here’s a look at everything you need to know about crawler cranes.

What Is a Crawler Crane?

This distinguishing characteristic of a crawler crane is the tracks it’s mounted on. That’s where the name “crawler” comes from. The tracks provide the crane with mobility and stability, without the need for outriggers.

These crane types are valuable material load lifters and come in handy when working in smaller areas. Crawler cranes sport a wide range of lifting capabilities and often come with a lattice boom, which has an optional extension. The Carbody connects the deck, which can rotate 360 degrees, to the crawler assemblies.

Crawler cranes are sometimes referred to as “pick and carry” cranes. This nickname comes from the machine’s ability to lift and relocate loads to other worksites. They offer strength and stability over long distances, making them ideal for heavy-lifting applications.

Operators often have a spacious and quiet cab from which to work. The cabs feature excellent visibility.

Advantages of a Crawler Crane

A crawler crane can move large and heavy loads with ease. These cranes stand out as an efficient option for large-scale construction projects. This versatile machine also sports a wire rope with a grapple, hook, or other attachment at the end of the boom.

Perhaps the main advantage of a crawler crane is its mobility. These machines can move about a worksite and perform lifts. They are ideal for moving building materials, heavy-duty foundation jobs, and much more.

The crawler tracks allow the crane to work on softer surfaces since its weight is evenly distributed along the treads.

Drawbacks

The main downside of the crawler crane is its size. These machines usually need to be assembled at a given construction site. But once built, they can handle almost any load.

While these crane types are excellent on rough terrain, they cannot be maneuvered on regular roads. If you’re using a crawler crane for multiple job sites, it will have to be dismantled and transported with trucks. Sometimes, a crawler crane needs an assist crane for unloading at certain jobs.

Crane Solutions and More

HIAB USA stands as an unquestioned leader among load-handling equipment providers and has been for 75 years. Be it a crawler crane or something else, HIAB knows the safe and efficient machinery you need to help build a better world.

Check out our website for more on cranes and crane safety.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Crawler-crane-1024x683.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/what-is-a-crawler-crane-a-quick-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-a-crawler-crane-a-quick-guide

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Crawler-crane-1024x683.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/what-is-a-crawler-crane-a-quick-guide

What Are Aerial Cranes and What Are They Used For?

What Are Aerial Cranes and What Are They Used For?

Aerial cranes allow simultaneous load, greater accessibility, and affordable lifting operation. Its efficiency increases its demand on the market. Thanks to its function, it’s no surprise that the market size for aerial cranes will rise.

Construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing are the common sectors that use aerial cranes. If you live in the city, you may have seen an aerial crane or two on your commute to work.

But how do they work? Can you use this to haul your equipment and shipments? Continue this guide to aerial cranes to learn more.

What Are Aerial Cranes?

Aerial cranes refer to helicopters used to lift and transport heavy loads. These cranes utilize hoist systems, load suspension systems, nets, and slings.

The military first used the helicopter for heavy lifting, carrying 3,000 pounds. However, the demand allowed manufacturers to make cranes that lift up to 40,000 pounds. It makes it the most preferred system of utility and construction companies.

Different Uses of Aerial Cranes

Aerial cranes are some of the most flexible hauling operators you can use. It can work in narrower spaces, reach remote areas, and brave different weather conditions. The use of an aerial crane ensures an accurate, fast, and safe operation.

Here are some of the following uses of helicopter cranes.

1. Carrying Machinery and Materials

Using aerial cranes is ideal for carrying construction machinery and materials. You don’t need to set it up, unlike ground cranes. Other crane types take time to build and are more expensive to operate.

Aerial cranes can transport steel, concrete, and other construction materials all at once. It allows you to ship cargo on time, too. Sky cranes prevent long travel by land and many changeovers, saving time and money.

Your lifting company provides the appropriate aerial crane to perform the work. Factors to consider are the load line, the hook-up, and the protection device. It includes the cables and slings, too.

2. For Utility Construction Activities

You can use aerial cranes to support different utility construction activities. It covers water systems, power lines, and pipeline construction. With its lifting capability, it’s easier and faster to transport heavy materials.

An aerial crane makes moving and placing large hydro systems, water, and septic tanks easier. It makes the process more efficient. Use a helicopter crane to plant pipe sections for power line construction, too.

Shipping pipelines by land can lead to late operation and extra costs. However, you can prevent all these with aerial cranes. It decreases transport duration, labor, and expenses.

3. For Forestry Operations

An aerial crane is a crucial piece of equipment for forestry operations. It prevents you from logging trees to access unreachable areas. Aerial cranes help you in the restoration and improvement of natural habitats.

You can use aerials cranes to plant root wads into streams for protection. It promotes stabilization to the water forms and perfect habitat for creatures. The method allows a safe and sustainable nature restoration.

Many fallers use aerial cranes to log trees. It holds the cut stems of trees and pulls them up until its wood breaks. Then, the pilot carries the logs to the drop-off area.

Discovering Aerial Cranes and Its Uses

An aerial crane allows an increased load mass, accessibility, and mobility. It promotes a safer, faster, and more convenient system to carry loads. With this, invest in buying aerial cranes for better performance.

If you want to learn more about construction and forestry equipment, don’t stop here. Our article on the types of construction cranes is popular with our other readers.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Aerial-cranes-1024x767.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/what-are-aerial-cranes-and-what-are-they-used-for/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-are-aerial-cranes-and-what-are-they-used-for

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Aerial-cranes-1024x767.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/what-are-aerial-cranes-and-what-are-they-used-for

How Do Cranes Get Built on Skyscrapers?

How Do Cranes Get Built on Skyscrapers?

New York is famous for its skyscrapers, and the 10 tallest NYC buildings all stand over 1,000 feet.

Cranes are one of the most important components of building skyscrapers, but you may find yourself wondering “how do cranes get built?”. For tall buildings such as skyscrapers, standard cranes don’t quite cut it.

Other types of cranes, such as knuckle boom cranes, are far more versatile. They’re also easier to set up but are limited in ways tower cranes are not (i.e. size and load capacity).

This crane building guide gives an overview of how tower cranes are built on top of skyscrapers.

How do Cranes Get Built on Top of Skyscrapers?

Cranes have several purposes such as forestry, railway construction, and waste management. The place they are most commonly seen, however, is in built-up urban areas.

There are specific types of cranes and methods for building skyscrapers. There are three main methods that make today’s tallest buildings possible.

External Climbing

This involves building a crane using its own hoisting power. The base is initially secured in a concrete slab in the ground, and it is then assembled using smaller mobile cranes. It stays at this point until the building reaches about 180 feet in height.

Steel collars are then used to attach the crane to the outside of the building. A special climbing section allows workers to attach new segments. This is a sheath on the outside of the crane tower that raises and supports the arm above the highest vertebra.

A new tower segment is then placed in the sheath where workers can secure it properly. This process is repeated roughly every 180 feet to fully construct the building.

This is the most common method, as it allows construction to continue inside the building while the external structure is still being completed. Removing parts is also a simpler process as the crane can move back down on the outside of the bending and secure itself to the ground anchor.

Internal Climbing

Internal climbing involves the crane being in the center and constructing the building around itself.

A hydraulic cylinder sits at the base of the crane and allows it to be raised whenever needed. Steel beams are then slid beneath it to keep it securely placed.

For this method, the crane needs to be raised roughly every 100 feet.

Skycrane

This third method is somewhat different from the other two methods of crane building. A heavy-lift helicopter flies the crane, piece by piece, to the top of the construction site.

There are some notable downsides to this:

• Individual segments can weigh anywhere between 3,000 and 20,000 pounds
• It can be very expensive
• Flying a load-bearing helicopter over populated areas is logistically difficult

Of these three methods, this is the least common due to these downsides.

What Else Should You Know About Cranes?

There are a lot of questions you could ask. How do cranes get built? What are the most common uses? How much weight can cranes support?

Our blogs cover these questions and more crane-building tips.

Cranes used for building skyscrapers are just one of many types. For an explanation of the other common types of cranes commonly used in construction take a look at our guide here.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/how-do-cranes-get-built-1024x763.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/how-do-cranes-get-built-on-skyscrapers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-do-cranes-get-built-on-skyscrapers

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/how-do-cranes-get-built-1024x763.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/how-do-cranes-get-built-on-skyscrapers

A Quick Guide to the Different Types of Tower Cranes

A Quick Guide to the Different Types of Tower Cranes

Tower cranes have always been one of the most common sights on any city skyline. Toronto is the North American city with the most cranes, and after a slight dip in 2020, we are beginning to see more cranes in our cities again.

From a distance, it might seem like all these huge, tall cranes are very similar. However, there are many different types of tower cranes, and each kind has a slightly different function. Read our tower cranes guide to find out more about these fascinating pieces of machinery.

Luffing Jib Tower Crane

These types of cranes are often used in urban spaces, where there is not enough clearance for the jib to fully rotate. This is due to the proximity of existing buildings.

The crane operator can lower or raise a luffing jib to swing the crane at a smaller radius, thus taking up less space. Unlike a conventional tower crane, it also does not use a trolley. There are many benefits to this type of tower crane. However, as it is a more complex piece of machinery, it is more expensive.

Self-Erecting Types of Tower Cranes

One of the most impressive tower crane types is the self-erecting crane. These structures can completely assemble themselves onsite without the need for a second crane to be involved in the assembly process.

There are clear advantages here in terms of equipment costs and also set-up time. Most self-erecting cranes are remote-controlled from the ground, although some do have an operator cab in the jib. These types of tower cranes are usually free-standing. This means that they can be moved around the job site.

A further benefit to these types of tower cranes is that they can work at multiple heights without the need for reconfiguration. This is because they feature a telescoping tower.

Hammerhead Crane

This is the most common type of crane configuration among types of tower cranes. The vertical tower and long horizontal jib are omnipresent on our city skylines these days. There is a counterweight at one end of the jib, while the other end extends over the work site horizontally.

The trolley can travel along the whole length of the jib, and this is the part that contains the lifting cable. This means that the crane can lift heavy loads anywhere within the radius of the jib.

There is a cab for the operator at the point where the jib meets the tower. These cranes need a second crane to assemble and disassemble them. It is usually possible to insert or remove sections from the tower to change the height of the crane.

Tower Crane Tips

If you are looking to buy a tower crane, it’s important that you choose one that is most suited to the needs of the specific site it will be operating on.

There are so many different types of tower cranes to choose from, but there are plenty more informative articles on the blog to help you make the right decision for your business.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/types-of-tower-cranes-1024x682.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/a-quick-guide-to-the-different-types-of-tower-cranes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-quick-guide-to-the-different-types-of-tower-cranes

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/types-of-tower-cranes-1024x682.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/a-quick-guide-to-the-different-types-of-tower-cranes

How to Choose the Right Crane Construction Equipment

How to Choose the Right Crane Construction Equipment

Do you manage a construction project? Are you looking to buy construction equipment? Chances are you need crane construction equipment.

With so many types of cranes, which is the right one for your project? You must find one that meets your needs.

Using the right crane can improve productivity and help promote safety. Safety should be a top priority as you want to prevent injuries involving cranes.

This guide provides information to help you choose the right crane construction equipment. Read on to learn how to choose a crane for your construction project.

Know the Weight and Size of the Load

One of the first things you should consider is the weight and size of the load that needs to be lifted or moved. This information will help you select a crane with the required lifting capacity. It’ll also help you find the necessary rigging accessories like hooks and slings.

You’ll need a crane that has a suitable lifting capacity to lift the load. If you use a high-capacity crane for a small load, it might lead to a loss of labor and money. Using a low-capacity crane can damage the load or lead to an accident.

Make sure to review load charts. Crane manufacturers have this information on hand. It can provide you with information about the load capacity features of the crane.

It’s important to consider the type of load you’re going to lift. If you’re going to lift oddly-shaped loads, it’s best to use special rigging equipment. No matter the type of load being lifted, you must follow crane operation safety tips.

Understand Lift Height and Horizontal Distance

The second factor to consider is the lift height. How high does the loading material need to go? This is a factor you must consider for multi-storied construction projects.

It’ll help you determine what’s the optimal length of the crane’s boom. For a vertical construction project, you’ll need a crane with a longer boom length.

To lift a load to a higher height, you might need a lattice boom crawler crane. This type of crane can reach lift heights of up to 700 feet.

For a project that has a lower height requirement, you might need to use a hydraulic truck crane. It uses a hydraulic mechanism to elongate and refract a boom that can reach up to 200 feet.

You’ll also need to consider the horizontal moving distance. Factors related to the moving distance include counterweight and support structure.

Assess the On-Site Terrain

All types of cranes need a support structure to hold them firmly to the ground. It’s ideal to choose a suitable crane that you operate on the construction site.

If the site isn’t ideal for a big crane, you might need to use a knuckle boom crane. It’s great for fixed spaces. You can hire a crane operator to work this type of crane.

Choosing Crane Construction Equipment

Now that you know how to choose a crane, you can choose the right one for your construction project. You need to have the right crane construction equipment for the job. Make sure to explore the rest of our blog to continue reading more articles about cranes.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/crane-construction-equipment-682x1024.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/how-to-choose-the-right-crane-construction-equipment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-choose-the-right-crane-construction-equipment

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/crane-construction-equipment-682x1024.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/how-to-choose-the-right-crane-construction-equipment

What Are Self Erecting Tower Cranes?

What Are Self Erecting Tower Cranes?

Self-erecting tower cranes are marvels that have allowed construction teams to do more with less space for a number of years. Using a combination of hydraulics, steel, and good old-fashioned physics principles, these vital components of complex construction jobs keep workers safe while quite literally pushing our world to new heights.

In this article, we’ll be talking specifically about what self-erecting tower cranes are, along with how they work, how they’re applied, and whom they help most. Let’s start building!

Why We Need Them

Our world is ever-growing, ever-increasing in population. While the problems of overpopulation can seem overexaggerated to some degree, the reality is that tools such as the self-erecting tower crane help us better deal with a world that is constantly expanding with higher numbers of people.

Meanwhile, the earth itself is the same size it has always been. Tower cranes help us build up instead of out, so we can accommodate larger numbers of people. We do this through building more residences as well as businesses to accommodate those individuals with necessary goods and services.

How They Work

Using our skies to better facilitate the growth in population isn’t magic. It’s good old-fashioned physics, albeit with the aid of some modern technologies. If looking for self-erecting tower crane tips, you must first understand how they work.

Such cranes incorporate hydraulics, trolley systems, concrete foundations, counterbalancing weight, and steel sections to build a crane that is as expandable and retractable as it needs to be. Here’s how it works.

The tower crane is stabilzed in a concrete foundation with steel rebar. This is done about 30 days prior to the rest of the crane, giving the foundation time to be settled and secure. And if done improperly, it’s a step that can paralyze the entire project.

From there, steel tresses are added, one on top of the other, to produce the initial crane height.

That initial height varies but is topped off with a slewing unit, cathead, jib, and counter jib that are able to lift, pull, and balance new tresses as necessary. A hydraulic-powered climbing tray helps to raise or lower the crane as new sections are added or removed to adjust the overall height, while the counter jib is balanced with concrete slabs to keep the crane secure as new tresses are added to the jib and lifted to the desired height.

Whom They Help and What to Look For

A self-erecting tower crane can guide the construction process as it extends up into the sky. This helps multiple segments of society, from commercial real estate to business to multi-family housing. The crane quietly yet powerfully helps us to do more with less space, adding to quality of life in the process.

So, what does one look for in a self-erecting tower crane rental or when searching for a “self-erecting tower crane near me”? Start with an emphasis on safety first and foremost. Choose companies with great safety records.

Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure they’re committed to crane safety principles. While setup of a self-erecting tower crane sounds automatic, the prep work in establishing these cranes is vital.

Self Erecting Tower Cranes Emphasize Safety

You can use self-erecting tower cranes whenever you have a job that requires aerial construction or when expanding on an existing multi-level building. Having an understanding of how these cranes work and operate should give you peace of mind throughout the process. If you’re in the market for one, you can start by searching for a reputable dealer.

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Self-erecting-tower-cranes-1024x681.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/what-are-self-erecting-tower-cranes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-are-self-erecting-tower-cranes

https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Self-erecting-tower-cranes-1024x681.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/what-are-self-erecting-tower-cranes