How Are Cranes Built?

How Are Cranes Built?

Drive through any major metropolitan area and you’ll no doubt see the skyline dotted with construction cranes. Condo highrises and other residential projects accounted for 49 percent of all cranes counted in 2020 by the Rider Levett Bucknall Crane Index.

But cranes can provide more than just construction support. They’re used to transport materials, haul timber, and even make home deliveries. A forestry crane helps keep our living environments clean.

These sophisticated machines help build our cities and do so much more. But you might be wondering, how are cranes built?

How Are Cranes Built

Archeologists uncovered evidence that cranes first came into use in the sixth century B.C. The Ancient Greeks were the first to use cranes, likely to lift heavy stones while building temples.

While the technology for building cranes has evolved over time, the basic use remains the same. Although there are many different types of cranes, the most commonly used in the construction of tall buildings these days is the tower crane.

Unlike a mobile crane that’s driven to and from a construction site, tower cranes are erected on site. But it takes time and planning to do so.

A concrete foundation provides the base for a tower crane and anchors secure the crane to the ground. Local building codes and the configuration of the project will dictate how much concrete is required.

Erecting the Crane

The remainder of the crane is often built off-site and transported to the grounds. The mast is made up of lattice sections stacked on top of one another. The crew uses a mobile crane or crawler crane for this.

The tower crane builds upon itself using a top climber or climbing frame to add additional mast sections. Once at the desired height, the operator’s cab and a turntable get placed and secured atop the mast.

The turntable connects to the working arm, or jib, which extends out horizontally. The trolley mechanism, hoist and hook attach to the jib. These provide the crane’s lifting functions.

Behind the cab extends the counter-jib, which houses counterweights to stabilize the crane at rest and during movement. This section also supports the main winch, motors, and electronics.

More Than Just Tower Cranes

Although there is an abundance of tower cranes dotting city skylines, those aren’t the only types of cranes out there. Load handling equipment continues to evolve, getting smarter and stronger each year.

Cranes are used to do more than build sky-scrapers. Junkyard and recycling cranes help move waste efficiently. Knuckle-boom cranes provide compact and maneuverable options for loading and lifting.

Loader cranes can be used for retail delivery and warehousing. Other construction cranes exist to help manage even the heaviest jobs out there.

Building a Better World

HIAB is the world’s leading provider of on-road load handling equipment, intelligent services, and connected solutions. No matter how are cranes built, HIAB knows safe and efficient equipment and machinery help build a better world.

Find a sales or service point near you to see how HIAB cranes can keep your business building.

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