If you work in the shipping or manufacturing industry, you know how important it is to have the right equipment to get the job done. Heavy equipment, like a crane, is a huge investment. You want to ensure it can do the tasks you need for your business as efficiently as possible.
With so many options available, selecting the right crane can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are some basic crane characteristics and functions that can help you get started.
The information below will give you an idea of the different types of cranes and what they can accomplish. It will help you decide how to choose a crane for your business.
Project Length
For shorter projects, the ability to transport the crane is a huge factor. Depending on the type of work you have, truck cranes may be the most suitable.
Also referred to as “boom trucks” or a “truck mounted crane (TMC),” you can drive these machines on the road. They are usually more compact and have smaller load capacities.
For longer projects or areas like warehouses that have constant work, fixed cranes are more suitable. This does not mean that the machines cannot be moved at all, but that doing so requires more planning and effort.
Tower and overhead cranes are the most common type of fixed cranes. Tower cranes are ideal for lifting heavy loads at various heights. This is why you often see them at skyscrapers and other vertical projects.
Overhead cranes move along a beam mounted on supports on either side. These are semi-permanent structures that are common in factories or warehouses that see a steady flow of work. They also can lift very heavy loads.
Weight and Type of Materials
The type of materials you are transporting will determine the type of crane you need. Some cranes come with the ability to switch out attachments. For instance, if you are moving a lot of debris or lumber, grappling or bucket cranes are ideal.
How much material and its weight also are important to selecting the right crane. While telescoping cranes and boom trucks are great for maneuvering into tight spaces, you may need more heavy-duty cranes for lifting concrete or other heavy materials. Reputable manufacturers will have load charts that will show the lifting capacity of each crane.
Construction Project Layout
The environment in which you will be using a crane will determine the type as well. If you have materials in different areas that need moving, then a mobile crane is necessary.
Note that, when it comes to function, there are two main types of mobile cranes. There are those that can move around to distinct areas and those that are designed for carrying materials while moving around.
All-terrain cranes have large tires to make them more maneuverable and stable on rough landscapes. They often come with four-wheel drive to further improve stability. They also have telescoping booms to help with maneuverability in tight spaces.
Learn More About Crane Types
Now that you have an idea of the different types of cranes and how the environments for which they are most suitable, you can decide which one is best for your project. Finding the right crane requires understanding the nuances of the job and being realistic about what you aim to accomplish with the machine.
At Everything Cranes, we compile information on every aspect of the industry. From product reviews and recommendations to buying guides and tips on operating a crane, we have it all. Take a look at some of our other posts or drop us a note with any content questions you might have.
https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/crane-1024x512.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.com/how-to-choose-the-right-crane-for-your-next-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-choose-the-right-crane-for-your-next-project
https://everythingcranes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/crane-1024x512.jpeg
https://everythingcranes.weebly.com/everything-cranes/how-to-choose-the-right-crane-for-your-next-project