The Different Types Of Cranes Used In Construction Industry And Their Uses

In the present construction sites, the vast usage of various construction equipment is needed likewise for lifting various kinds of loads and moving them from one place to the other. These types of equipment do include various types of cranes, forklifts, and human resources too. EOT crane manufacturer in India has been known to provide the most affordable and damage resistant cranes for the various manufacturing sites. The best thing here is the availability of a number of customization options and a vast variety.

Cranes happen to be one of the most needed and valued pieces of equipment in any industry that tends to handle the heavy load for any purpose. The need is more significant when we talk about the construction site. They can be used to hoist and move heavy objects from one place to the other without any hassle. They are extremely valuable since cranes help with the working of various heavy machinery and materials much more comfortable.

Cranes have mainly two functions:

1.   To lift heavy objects with ease
2.   To move these heavy objects from one place to the other.

What are the different kinds of cranes which are used in the construction site?

Two important types of cranes used in construction industries include fixed and mobile cranes. However, these cranes are further classified into subcategories. For example, tower cranes are fixed cranes whereas; vehicle-mounted cranes, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, and others come into the category of mobile cranes. Below are the types of cranes and their specifications to help you while making a purchase.

Fixed Cranes

These cranes stay fixed onto the ground where they have been placed and are not able to move till the time it remains fixed. They work from the fixed position only and are only transferred from one location to other when the work is finished from one place. They are used for carrying heavy objects and moving them from one place to the other.

1. Tower cranes

These cranes are mainly used in the construction of tall buildings. Their bases are fixed onto a concrete pad with the help of bolts so that the crane does not fall while lifting a lot of loads while picking it up to a certain height. These cranes can reach up to a maximum height of 800 meters. So, we can see that not only the name is tower crane, in fact, they can take your loads to a sufficient height too.

Mobile cranes

These are the kind of cranes which are used in the construction site and also which are placed on a telescopic boom upon a mobile platform. These are more convenient to use because of their ability to move. Since they are not fixed, it is easy to change their location in the work area. There are some varieties in these kinds of cranes too namely:

1. Vehicle Mounted Cranes

The first type of mobile cranes is vehicle mounted cranes and are considered really easy to handle. These cranes are sometimes installed on pickup trucks or similar vehicles in order to move them from one place to the other for carrying heavy loads. The crane is stabilized during hoisting by extending outriggers horizontally and vertically.

2. Rough Terrain Cranes

These cranes are mounted on an undercarriage which has suitable tires for off-road construction. The tires are made of rubber. The outriggers work in the opposite way for these cranes, i.e., first vertically and then horizontally to establish the crane at the time of hoisting.

3. Crawler Cranes

The cranes are mounted on tyreless chassis which have a set of tracks. These are the movable cranes which have the capability of moving weights from 50 pounds to 3400 pounds. These do not need outriggers for attaining stability.

4. Telescopic Handler Crane

These cranes are much similar to forklift trucks. These trucks have the telescopic extendable boom. These cranes are mainly used to handle loads such as brick pallets and to install frame trusses in the construction sites.

With the availability of such a huge variety of cranes in the market, the contractor needs to find the suitable one which would be helpful in all of the construction work which would be going on likewise.

Understanding the Applications of Different Cranes in Construction Industry

The construction industry relies heavily on cranes to lift, maneuver, and place a wide variety of materials, from delicate prefabricated panels to massive steel beams. Selecting the right crane for the job is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and timely project completion. Here’s a breakdown of some common cranes used in construction and their ideal applications:

1. Mobile Cranes:

• Applications: These versatile workhorses are a staple on construction sites due to their maneuverability and self-propelled capabilities. They excel at:
  • Lifting and placing structural steel beams and columns.
  • Setting pre-cast concrete panels and HVAC units.
  • Loading and unloading materials from trucks.
  • Erecting wind turbine components.
  • Assisting with bridge construction tasks.

• Types: Mobile cranes come in various configurations to tackle diverse needs:
  • Truck-mounted cranes: Offering excellent road transportability between job sites.
  • Rough-terrain cranes: Designed to conquer uneven and off-road terrains, perfect for remote locations or challenging ground conditions.
  • Crawler cranes: Provide exceptional lifting capacity for the heaviest loads on stable ground.

• Safety Features: Look for mobile cranes equipped with anti-two-block and overload protection systems for enhanced safety during operation.

2. Tower Cranes:

• Applications: These fixed cranes are often the towering sentinels on high-rise buildings and other projects requiring a large vertical reach. They dominate in:
  • Lifting and placing building materials at various heights throughout construction.
  • Hoisting workers and materials within the elevator shaft during construction.

• Advantages: Tower cranes offer a wide lifting range and superior lifting capacity, making them ideal for reaching high floors efficiently.

• Safety Features: Advanced features like sway control and load-limiting mechanisms contribute to safe operation on tower cranes.

3. Carry Deck Cranes:

• Applications: These innovative cranes are a game-changer for projects requiring lifting capabilities in confined spaces. They combine a mobile platform with a hydraulic crane arm, making them perfect for:
  • Rooftop construction projects, offering precise maneuverability on limited surfaces.
  • Loading and unloading materials in congested areas.
  • Bridge construction tasks, particularly for lifting and placing components on the underside of the bridge deck.

• Benefits: Carry deck cranes provide a unique combination of mobility, lifting capacity, and precise maneuverability, ideal for tackling tight spaces.

4. Rough Terrain Cranes:

• Applications: As a sub-category of mobile cranes, rough terrains are built for the toughest jobsites. They excel at:
  • Lifting and placing materials on uneven ground conditions, common in remote locations or infrastructure projects.
  • Construction projects in remote locations with limited access.

• Strengths: Rough terrain cranes offer superior off-road capabilities with exceptional stability on uneven surfaces, allowing them to navigate challenging terrains.

• Safety Features: Look for rough terrain cranes with features like gradeability indicators and outrigger interlocks to ensure safe operation on slopes and uneven ground.

By understanding the strengths and applications of each crane type, construction professionals can make informed decisions when selecting the right equipment for their specific needs. Remember, the right crane can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and overall project success.

A Comparative Guide to Choosing the Right Crane for the Construction Industry

Selecting the right crane for your construction project requires careful consideration of several factors:

• Project Requirements: Identify the type and weight of materials you need to lift, the maximum lifting height, and the required reach.

• Worksite Conditions: Consider the terrain, available space, and potential obstacles that might influence crane placement and operation.

• Lifting Frequency: Evaluate how often you’ll be using the crane. This will help determine the appropriate duty cycle (light, medium, or heavy) for your chosen crane.

• Budgetary Constraints: Compare rental costs or purchase prices of different crane options while factoring in factors like project duration and efficiency gains.

Here’s a table summarizing key considerations when choosing a crane:

Factor	Mobile Crane	Tower Crane	Carry Deck Crane	Rough Terrain Crane
Mobility	High	Low	Moderate	High (Off-road)
Lifting Capacity	Variable (High for Crawlers)	High	Moderate	Moderate
Lifting Height	Moderate	High	Moderate	Moderate
Worksite Suitability	Varied	Fixed location	Confined spaces	Uneven terrain

By carefully analyzing your project requirements and comparing the strengths and limitations of different crane types, you can make an informed decision. Consulting with a reputable crane rental company or crane manufacturer can provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure you select the optimal crane for your construction project.