The Ancient Greeks invented cranes in the 6th century or earlier. Since then, we have relied on cranes to build our most significant structures.

And the hydraulic crane is the most efficient of all. You can apply constant torque at any speed. And they are simple to control and maintain.

Let’s take a look at how hydraulic cranes work.

The Basics of Hydraulics

Hydraulic systems change mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, then back to mechanical again. They use pistons, cylinders, and pressure to do this.

Oil is the most common hydraulic fluid. It is hard to compress, which makes it ideal for this purpose. Its viscosity is vital, as is its availability and cost.

The first piston pushes this fluid down. This displacement puts pressure on a piston at the other end of the cylinder. The second piston then moves up or out. This movement drives the crane’s lifting system.

Hydraulics avoid the heat generated by mechanical means. They bypass the friction of metal-on-metal systems giving them an advantage.

They are quieter and easier to maintain. They can generate more lifting power with less wasted energy than mechanical systems. 

Parts of a Hydraulic Crane System

Both hydraulic truck cranes and fixed cranes use a boom and jib to lift loads. The boom can extend on most models. The jib attaches to the end of the boom,  increasing reach.

A counterweight sits at the opposite end to the jib. This balances the upper parts of the crane while it lifts loads.

Most hydraulic truck cranes have outriggers. These beams extend out to the ground stabilizing the crane.

Then there is the hydraulic lifting system and its pump.

Types of Hydraulic Crane Pumps

There are two main types of hydraulic pumps: gear pumps and variable-displacement pumps.

The gear pump is the most common. But the precision of variable-displacement pumps suits some projects. So let’s take a look at how both work.

Gear Pumps

Most cranes use gear pumps to displace hydraulic fluid between pistons. These are the more affordable options, and their simplicity can make repairing cranes easier. 

Two interlocking gears move a piston to put pressure on hydraulic fluid. This pressure moves the opposite piston.

They are simple to operate. More engine power equals more hydraulic pressure and greater lifting capacity.

Variable-Displacement Pumps

Variable-displacement pumps have piston cylinders joined to a ring within a barrel. This barrel spins, rotating the cylinders. A swashplate drives the first pistons in and out.

This motion displaces fluid in the cylinders. This pressure moves the opposite pistons out, driving the lifting mechanism.

The crane operator can change the fluid flow rate and outlet pressure giving them more precision when lifting. 

This control comes at a cost. Variable-displacement pumps are more expensive and harder to repair than gear pumps. 

Need Hydraulic Crane Parts or Repairs? 

Hydraulic cranes are invaluable tools for efficient lifting. Maintenance helps keep them that way.

But components wear with use. So to keep your hydraulic crane at its best, you might need new parts from time to time.

At Kor-Pak, we stock a huge selection of parts for various cranes. And if you need a professional to fit them, we can service your crane for you.

Contact us today to find what you need.

Did you know that one of the most common issues port cranes deal with is chain link problems? The links can start cracking from overuse or even improper use.

If you want to have ship-to-shore cranes that work efficiently, you need to know how each of their parts works. That will let you know when they are not working correctly.

Read on for a look at the essential parts of port cranes.

Main Boom

This is the part of the port crane that hangs over the ship. The main boom has a hinge above the quay to be lifted, giving space for the ship to move as it needs to. If the crane is smaller and used near airports, where visibility is critical, low-profile booms work best because you can pull them toward the crane when not in use.

Supporting Frame of Port Cranes

This is the structure that holds the boom and the spreader. It is significant, and when on the jetty and performing transverse movements, the frame can be on rubber wheels or rail mounted.

The boogie wheelsets are under the crane’s legs, and you can expect the crane to have eight wheels per corner.

Spreader

The spreader is attached to the rail structure and the operator’s cabin. It can also move transversely on the boom when lifting cargo, and it is connected to the trolley with cables.

This is the part of the crane that lifts the containers. Depending on the number of containers, it can open and close as needed. Some of them can lift up to four containers at the same time.

Trolley

This is the part that supports the spreader and the operator’s cabin. Finally, a trolley supports the mechanism that lets it ride over the boom while also supporting the hoisting mechanism.

Legs

The crane’s legs generate its height. The more modern cranes have higher legs since the stacking of containers has risen. So you can expect up to eleven containers stacked one on top of the other above decks; the crane has to accommodate that height.

The waterside leg, or WS, is thicker than the landside leg, or LS. This is because the WS has to withstand more moment forces.

Power Supply and Cable Reel

A port crane usually has two kinds of power supplies: the diesel generator powered by an engine and rests at the top of the crane and the electric power from the dock and the terminal facilities.

Cables create the electrical connection, and they lay in large gutters over the quay. When the crane moves, the motorized reel rolls them on or off.

Keep Your Equipment Working

By knowing the parts of port cranes and how they function concerning the rest, you will know when something is off. If you see parts that need repairs, turn to the experts for help.

Contact us today for repair parts!

Every year, more than 11 million containers arrive at US ports. Moving these containers from the ships coming to the mainland requires one extraordinary piece of equipment: a ship-to-shore crane.

Without these cranes, it would be impossible to get containers to where they need to be. But what makes them different from other kinds of cranes?

Read on to learn about ship-to-shore cranes.

What They Are

Ship-to-shore cranes, also known as quay cranes, can transport a container to and from a ship and are located on the port’s quayside for this purpose.

These kinds of cranes come in two types: high and low profiles.

The high-profile crane has an A-frame and a hinged boom that makes navigating ships easier when leaving the dock or berthing. On the other hand, the low-profile crane has a fixed boom made to load containers on and off the boat.

The low-profile cranes are the better option near airports or other locations where the cranes might otherwise block passage.

How Ship-to-Shore Cranes are Powered

These cranes usually have two motors, using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). However, you can expect most of them to use AC motors since they provide more reliable power and higher torque than the DC options.

Port cranes require different motors because of the various specific crane functions they must perform. For example, some motors provide power for the hoisting maneuver, while others focus on the gantry and trolley or moving the boom.

Depending on the ship classes, there are different types of crane sizes. As you may expect, large ships require larger cranes, which, in turn, need larger motors to function.

A boom motor, for example, can offer 100-500 kW of power, while you can expect a hoist motor to produce anything from 200-1000 kW. Keep in mind that if you are not getting that much power.

How Much Can a Port Crane Lift?

On average, a ship-to-shore crane can lift 40-80 metric tons. There are instances where a quay crane may lift even up to 120 metric tons, but that is not the standard capacity.

A port crane’s efficiency is measured in the number of “moves” it can perform in a given amount of time. A move is equal to an entire movement of a container from the ship to the port or from the port to the ship.

The speed and motor power of a crane will substantially influence how many moves the crane can perform. Most cranes can make between 30 to 50 moves per hour.

Get the Most Out of Your Port Crane

If you notice that the ship-to-shore cranes you depend on are not working efficiently, it may be time for new parts or repairs.

Contact us today to speak with an expert.

Did you know that an overhead crane can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years? Exactly how long you have a functioning crane can depend on several factors, including maintenance and repairs.

By providing adequate upkeep, you can catch damage early and prevent it from getting worse. But what warning signs do you have to watch?

Read on to learn when to turn to an overhead crane repair expert for help.

Bent Hooks

When the weight of the material the crane picks up is not balanced correctly on the hook, it can cause the hook to bend or crack. A damaged hook will make picking up the next load more difficult and even dangerous.

After using the crane, you need to look at the hook. If you see that it is bent or cracked, this is a sign you need crane parts.

Snapped Chain Links

A crane spends hours lifting heavy material, and this can cause a weakening in the chain links. If not caught early, this weakening will only get worse, and you will end up with snapped chain links.

Sometimes, chain links are crushed, which is more challenging to recognize. A snapped or crushed link can weaken the entire crane structure, making a regular inspection of the machine’s chains vital.

Rusted Parts

If you notice rusted crane parts, you will need to get replacements. Like anything with moving metal parts, a crane is prone to rust. The most common parts prone to rust are joints, bearings, and wires.

Rusted parts can prevent the crane from working as efficiently as possible and can even pose a danger to the operators. So the moment you see one, consider replacing the rusted part.

Dry and Frayed Wire Rope

A crane uses a wire to move the loads of materials steadily. If the wire is not lubricated enough, it can start fraying and snap.

Extreme temperatures can affect the wire, drying it out much more rapidly than would otherwise happen. If you notice any fraying, you need to call an expert.

Worn Clutch or Brakes

In the same way, you would check the clutch and brakes in any other vehicle; you need to do so with a crane. Brakes that do not function efficiently make operating a crane dangerous.

You will want to inspect the brakes. If they are worn, then relining them can extend their life.

Overhead Crane Repair: How to Prevent Problems

To catch issues when they start and before they get worse, you need regular maintenance checks on your tower crane or mobile crane.

Avoid overloading the crane and take time when loading to ensure you do so correctly.

Most importantly, get specialists to come and inspect the crane and, if you need repair parts, buy only from the best.

Keep Your Crane Running

Your overhead crane is an essential piece of equipment, and you want to have it running correctly. Reach out to overhead crane repair experts for parts and maintenance.

Call us now to schedule a crane inspection. 

The world’s tallest and strongest mobile crane, Liebherr 11200-9.1, can lift to 1,179 tons and reach up to 550 feet. The most beneficial attribute of the crane is that this mobile crane is attached to an 18-wheeler truck, making it easy to move around and readjust.

The most significant benefit of the mobile crane is that you can move it around, and it’s not fixed to one spot when you set it up. So if you need a crane for multiple sites, you can buy or rent one crane and move it around between sites.

Another benefit of the mobile construction crane is that it can be used for heavy lifting and fitting into smaller spots, doing precision lifts and squeezing inside buildings, and can help with moving furniture, pools, and more.

Mobile cranes are more compact, so they can fit into smaller places while still doing the heavy lifting.

Lastly, you will save time and see less cost for mobile cranes. They require less setup because they’re on a full moving truck; they can get to a job quickly and get right to work.

This, in turn, leads to less of a cost because there isn’t a lot that anyone needs to do to set it up.

Fixed Crane

A fixed or tower crane needs to be set up and remain in one spot when lifting on a site. The most significant advantage of the fixed crane is that it is very stable.

You will never have to worry about it moving in the middle of something being lifted, and they remain sturdy. The tower crane lives up to its name and can reach greater heights than some mobile cranes.

Depending on the thing and the mobile crane, they can also lift heavier objects.

It all comes down to what your construction site needs. There are strengths to both types of cranes, and you will want to weigh your options before choosing a crane.

Choose the Right Crane for Your Site

Now that you know the benefits of both the mobile construction crane and the fixed crane, you can evaluate what your site is looking for.

If you need something mobile that can fit tight places and still lift heavy objects, the mobile crane is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a crane that needs to reach great heights, stay in one spot, and lift very large objects, the fixed crane is your best bet.

Start listing what your site needs in a crane or read more about cranes here.

Constructions sites regularly utilize heavy machinery to get tasks done and move objects from one place to another. One of the most widely-used cranes in these operations is a hammerhead crane. 

A hammerhead crane can carry several tons of weight and remains a go-to resource when construction workers are tasked with picking up, storing, and transporting heavy loads. 

What is a Hammerhead Crane?

A hammerhead crane is a heavy-duty lifting system designed to accurately and safely interact with hefty objects. Hammerhead cranes are used on the heaviest loads on any construction site. 

For this reason, hammerhead cranes are immensely popular and used throughout the world. Due to their unique design, these instruments can carry weighty loads, saving construction workers and managers substantial time and money. 

Also, hammerhead cranes can reduce workplace injuries. By handling heavy loads that can be dangerous to people, construction sites can remain in federal safety compliance and keep all involved parties safe.

When Should You Use a Hammerhead Crane?

Using a hammerhead crane isn’t the last resort option. It can be utilized in certain situations, such as:

• When you need to hold very heavy loads in the air for an extended time
• When you need to carry heavy loads and place them accurately in a designated location 
• When you don’t have the proper equipment for carrying heavy loads 

More often than not, when you use a hammerhead crane, you can avoid the difficulty of being inconvenienced by heavy machinery that will take up space. 

Benefits of Using a Hammerhead Crane

If you’re considering purchasing overhead crane parts to start using your hammerhead crane, the good news is that your decision will be worth it. There are several key reasons why using a hammerhead crane will be beneficial in maximizing the productivity of your construction site.

These benefits include:

• Using a hammerhead crane can save you lots of time in moving heavy machinery.
• With more productivity, you can boost workplace morale with a hammerhead crane.
• Using a hammerhead crane means you can complete construction projects must faster.

As you can see, there are many benefits associated with using a hammerhead crane. If you have this instrument on your construction site, it’s important to perform a crane inspection to ensure the hammerhead crane is in working order.

Otherwise, purchasing overhead crane parts from a trusted provider is your next best step in getting the most from your hammerhead crane. 

Need Hammerhead Crane Parts?

If you want to start using your hammerhead crane but know you need the necessary parts, you’ve come to the right place. Visit our website to browse our selection of crane parts. 

A jib crane can help busy teams stay on top of production quotas or smooth out complex logistical challenges during construction. In addition, jib cranes enable teams to perform repetitive lifting in a small working area. 

A jib crane can be used alongside an overhead bridge crane or alone. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about jib crane parts!

Types of Cranes

There are many different types of cranes, and each type has various advantages, disadvantages and serves a variety of ideal functions. Here are some examples.

Freestanding Jib Cranes

A freestanding jib crane is the most typical type of jib system. You can install one anywhere. Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 15 tonnes.

They can be base-plate mounted, foundation or insert mounted, or sleeve-insert mounted. Freestanding jib cranes provide teams with the highest weight capacities, most durability, and most rotation.

The main drawback of this crane style is the cost, as they can be the most expensive and are complex to anchor to one of the foundation systems mentioned above. 

Foundationless Jib Cranes

Foundationless jib cranes are slab-mounted. They are bolted to 6” reinforced concrete for indoor use. As a result, they are less expensive because they don’t require any special, poured concrete foundation installation and can be installed almost anywhere. 

That also makes them easier to relocate if you want to move them. 

Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 20’. In addition, they typically have a capacity that ranges up to 1,000 lbs. 

Their main drawback is they have a much lower weight capacity than freestanding jib cranes due to their differing foundation style.

Mast Type Jib Cranes

Mast-type jib cranes are more inexpensive because they only require 6” of concrete to support them. In addition, they have extra support from an overhead support beam or other complementary structures. 

Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 10 tonnes.

There are two styles of mast-type jib cranes called full cantilever and drop cantilever. Each has relative pros and cons, with the full cantilever mast-type jib crane providing the most lifting capacity and clearance. 

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

Wall-mounted jib cranes use existing walls or building support columns as their foundational anchor. As a result, they don’t require additional foundation support and can even use the underside of a ceiling as a mount.

They swing around obstacles, under obstructions, and can even fold out of the way which is very convenient. Usually, they support 180° to 200° of rotation and boom heights up to 30’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 5 tonnes.

Articulating Jib Cranes

Articulating jib cranes are different from the other cranes in this list because they have two swivel arms that can lift loads around corners and columns instead of just one boom. They can also reach into or under machinery and containers. 

There is a range of mounting and foundation styles for this type of crane. Usually, they support up to 200° of swivel and 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 30’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 1 tonne.

Their biggest disadvantage is that they cannot bear heavy loads or repetitive work as well as the other crane styles.

Overhead Crane Parts

If you look at a crane parts diagram, you should see all the jib crane components and terms, including reach/boom, mast/pillar, movable electric hoist, trolley, rotation, controls, hook height, rotation stops, and more.

Crane Inspection Essentials

All cranes are regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 1910.179 standard and should be inspected regularly. For the full checklist, take a look at the OSHA website. It’s vital to comply with these standards to avoid fines and ensure safety. 

Jib Crane Parts

If you want to learn more about jib crane parts for the respective types of jib cranes, we can help. 

Contact us today if you have any questions or want to know more about our products or services.

The global tower crane rental market grew to a valuation of $6.49 billion in 2021. The USA was in the top three countries, and the construction industry accounted for 59.3% of all end-use markets.

The functionality offered by tower cranes is essential to most construction projects.

But with different types of tower cranes available, how do you choose the right one for your site?

Our guide will help you decide.

Luffing Jib Tower Cranes

The luffing jib tower crane, AKA a luffer, can be identified by its counterweight, set close to the cab. It also has an extended diagonal arm attached to the top of the mast at an angle. 

This arm can move from 30 degrees to vertical, enabling the operator to position the crane into tight spaces. It is common in dense urban environments due to its maneuverability and smaller slewing radius.

Another benefit of the luffing jib is its higher lifting capacity. It is capable of lifting more than the hammerhead tower crane.

Luffing jibs are ideal if tight spaces and heavy loads are key factors.

Yet this functionality comes at a cost. Luffing jib tower cranes are usually more expensive than hammerheads.

Hammerhead Tower Cranes

This is the most common tower crane in the USA. It has a long, horizontal jib, and the hook at the end can be racked anywhere along with it via a moving trolley that runs the length. This is unique to hammerheads.

The jib can rotate 360 degrees around the mast to reach any peripheral object. On the other side of the operator’s cab, a counterweight at the end of the counter jib balances the crane when lifting heavy objects. 

Hammerheads can have an A-shaped structure on top of the mast, connecting the jib and counter jib, known as an “A-frame,” or they can be flat on top.

A-frames have higher lifting capacities than flat-tops, but modern flat-tops are closing that gap. Flat-tops are useful when head-room is limited or when two or more cranes must operate above or below each other.

Self-Erecting Tower Cranes (SETCs)

When projects need a tower crane’s fast transport and setup, self-erecting styles are your best bet. However, if you need a light, mobile tower crane, it is.

They are lighter than hammerheads and luffing jibs, and you can easily move them from site to site. They are ideal for sites where you often need to assemble, dismantle and move your tower crane.

SETCs have horizontal jibs attached to masts mounted on either moving or static ballasts. From this base, they can assemble themselves without a second crane, saving you time and, in many cases, money.

A tower crane operator can also operate most SETC models remotely, from the ground, giving you more options for on-site operation. Check out the types of tower crane controllers here.

But this portability comes at the cost of capacity. SETCs can lift less weight than hammerheads and luffing jib tower cranes, limiting them to sites where high capacity lifts are not needed.

Keep Your Tower Crane on Top of Its Game

Hammerheads are your do-it-all-in-open-space tower cranes. Luffing jibs give you maneuverability and lifting power in tight quarters. Self-erecting tower cranes suit fast-moving, mobile sites with lighter loads.

There are variations, such as self-lifting and all-terrain mobiles. But these are usually based on the main three types of tower cranes.

Construction sites can be challenging places to work, and the equipment used on them needs to be well-maintained. Tower cranes are no different.

Check out our tower crane parts over at Kor-Pak. We stock crane controls, wheels, material handling, and everything you need. 

Is your business considering utilizing a crane or hoist? Cranes and hoists have been used for thousands of years as buildings got more oversized and construction became more complicated over time.

Cranes and hoists both have similar functions but do have fundamental differences. Here are some primary differences between a crane and a hoist.

What is a Hoist?

A hoist is a complex piece of machinery that lowers, lifts, and moves big loads. Hoists provide lateral movement to move loads with ease. A crane has three essential components: a horizontal beam, a pulley, and a hydraulic cylinder.

These three components work synchronously to move heavy loads from point A to Point B. Hoists are typically used in constructing buildings and monuments and factories or building plants. Most hoists are set up in a fixed location. 

Types of Hoists

Two characteristics define hoists: the power source and the lifting medium. Whether it is wire rope or chain, the lifting medium is used to support the load. The power source is classified by whether it’s electric-powered, air-powered, or hand-powered. 

Chain Hoists

Chain hoists are great for lighter loads, commonly under 5-tons. They are compact, tolerate high-stress levels, and change lift height. 

Although they are great options for hoists, they tend to have a noisier operation and limited lift speed due to the need for a sprocket.

Wire Hoists

As the name entails, wire hoists use wire rope as their lifting medium. This wire is fed through a grooved drum and can be electrically, manually, or air-powered.

Wire hoists are ideal for heavier loads 10-tons and above. The great thing about wire hoists is that they operate quietly, offer fast lifting speeds, and are considered the standard for general construction. 

What is a Crane?

Unlike a hoist which only moves laterally, an overhead crane operator can move its crane in multi-directions. First, cranes use a lever that acts as a beam attached to a pulley that carries a load. Then, a hydraulic cylinder pushes the shaft to deliver the cargo to where it needs to go. 

Types of Cranes

An overhead crane classifies into two categories. Static cranes are a more familiar scene in warehouses or factories where the system builds into the ceiling of the workspace. Mobile cranes are just as the name says. They can move to-and-from any location on the worksite in a multidirectional fashion. Construction sites with rugged terrain use cranes instead of hoists.

Crane vs. Hoist: Which is Right For You?

If you debate whether to use a crane vs. a hoist, you’ll need to look at your logistical needs to determine which is best. For example, choose a hoist if working on a stationary or permanent jobs such as a warehouse or supply shop. 

If you work on a construction site with varying terrain, go with something more mobile such as a crane. Want to find more blogs about various industries? Visit us here for more.