Cranes

Cranes, in one form or another, have been around since ancient times. From the pyramids to medieval cathedrals to modern day skyscrapers, cranes are an integral part of the construction process. Cranes usually use some type of pulley system which enables heavy materials to be lifted into the air or lowered to the ground. Usually construction cranes are driven by an operator. However, remote operation by infrared or radio signals is also possible. Through a series of signals, cranes can position materials with an astounding degree of accuracy. Because they are used in the construction and destruction process of building only, cranes must be mobile to some extent and be able to be transported from one site to another.

Cranes come in many different sizes and forms depending upon their intended use. Some common types of industrial cranes include boom, tower, ship, mobile, gantry, overhead, crawler, floating and jib cranes.

Mobile cranes are one of the most basic types of crane and consist of a boom mounted on a mobile platform. The mobile platform is usually a truck and therefore mobile cranes are also routinely called truck cranes. The mobile platform enables the mobile crane to move from site to site with ease. Mobile cranes can also be fitted with adapters and additions in order to satisfy a variety of uses including demolition and earth moving.

Tower cranes are also very common and popular in modern construction. A tower crane is a type of balance crane and is used in the erection of tall buildings. Routinely, tower cranes are set up within a shaft in the inside of the building which will be converted to elevators when the building is completed. A horizontal arm is then balanced asymmetrically across the top of the tower. The long side of the arm maintains the lifting gear while the short arm counterbalances the load.

The most common type of crane for aquatic construction is the floating crane. This crane is used to build bridges, ports, ship loading and unloading and ship salvage. These cranes are mounted on a pontoon platform and are therefore able to move over the water to wherever they are needed.

Buying or renting a crane can be confusing. Sometimes cranes are included within a building contract and sometimes they will need to be purchased or rented separately. The inclusion or exclusion of an industrial crane can have a big affect on the cost of construction. It is important to find out and understand what type of crane will satisfy your needs and how the crane will be provided.