Cranes have existed in some form for over 5,000 years. The Mesopotamians were the ones who first used them to water crops in what is now Iraq.
The invention of modern tower cranes is credited to Hans Liebherr in 1949, who sought an easier way to rebuild Germany after the Second World War.
Liebherr’s namesake company is still a major player in the industry. Not all tower cranes are created equal, though. Companies select them based on the task they need to perform.
Hammerhead Tower Crane
Named for their distinct appearance, hammerhead cranes are static ones used on large construction projects. Those who’ve served in the Navy might have seen them on battleships. They saw heavy use in WWII, not only because it made building ships easier but also as a way to launch planes from the ships.
The complicated setup means that companies often prefer hammerhead cranes in situations requiring long-term crane use. The best example of this is the freight industry.
Hammerhead cranes dominate the freight industry, with many cargo vessels equipped with them. According to the US Department of Agriculture, this sector is growing. While the number of ships fitted with cranes shows little change, the size of those ships and the amount of cargo they carry is increasing.
Luffing Tower Crane
A luffing crane is a static crane similar to a hammerhead crane. The difference is that the jib on a luffing crane is angled and can be raised and lowered by narrowing or widening the angle.
This gives the crane a significant advantage in confined workspaces where architecture or natural features prevent the use of hammerhead cranes.
The more compact design allows this crane to lift heavier objects than its counterpart. While this makes a luffing crane safe for civilians, it doesn’t help the operator much. For this reason, it’s essential to keep the machine well-maintained and repair it when necessary.
Telescopic Crane
Telescopic cranes have many applications in the modern world. Firetrucks have telescopic cranes built into them for rescuing trapped civilians and fighting fires at higher elevations.
These differ from construction cranes because the cab is located at the end of the tower/jib. This puts the operator in significantly more danger.
On Acquisition
The specialization of tower cranes has created an interesting situation for construction companies. The variety of cranes and their specialties make keeping a private crane supply impractical. The company will spend more time maintaining a machine than using it.
Tower crane rentals are the best option in this market. Manufacturers know this and have turned tower crane rental into a significant portion of their business model.
Types of Tower Cranes and Their Uses
The demands of today’s industrialized world call for an assortment of tower cranes and other heavy equipment. Each crane type was built to work in a specific situation, and each has its own adaptations.
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