The crane is a powerful piece of machinery for hoisting and moving materials. It can lift vertically and horizontally, making it useful in various scenarios.
Yet, for the crane to work effectively and safely, it’s essential to understand how a crane is set. This is because the crane parts work together not only to lift and move materials but also to keep the crane securely on the ground, too.
Read on to learn a little more about the different crane parts and their role in the safe operation of a crane.
Crane Mast
The crane mast is the part of the crane that acts like a tower lifting the other components into the air, so they have room to work. Therefore, this part is sometimes called a tower.
The wire to handle the hook and pulley system used by the crane runs up through the tower.
Climbing Frame
The climbing frame is a section built over the crane mast. It contains many of the components that allow the crane to operate.
The climbing frame also allows the crane operator to get to the operator’s cab.
Slewing Unit
The slewing unit is an integral part of the crane for movement. Most people understand that a crane can lift items vertically up and down.
A crane can also lift and move objects from side to side. It can do this because of the slewing unit.
This part of the crane works to twist the crane, allowing it to turn 360 degrees around.
Operator’s Cab
The operator’s cab houses all of the controls to operate the crane. The crane operator must go up to the operator’s cab, often high up, sitting on the hoist.
A crane operator needs to have maximum visibility as they operate the crane. For this reason, the operator’s cab is often quite elevated on the machine.
Machinery Arm and Jib
You can find the machinery arm on a traditional crane that holds a crane mast. The machinery arm keeps the materials away from the crane for safe movement.
On a crane with a boom, you’ll often see a jib, similar in function to the machinery arm. The jib is a separate telescoping arm that projects from the crane’s boom, allowing it further reach so the crane doesn’t need to get moved.
Concrete Counterweight
A crane couldn’t operate without the counterweight. It’s the part of the crane that counteracts the weight being lifted.
When operating a crane, it’s critical to know the weight you’re lifting, so the appropriate amount of counterweight can be in place.
This keeps the crane from tipping while it swings and moves heavy loads.
Hook
The crane also couldn’t operate without a hook or a device like it. The hook gets used to connect the material being lifted with the crane.
The hook holds onto the lifted material so the crane can move it.
Know Crane Parts Before Operation
The crane is an essential part of a worksite and warehouse because it can do the heavy lifting to places you might not be able to get other equipment to. Understanding how the crane parts work together will allow you to use the crane effectively.
If you’re operating a crane and need parts, we can help. Contact us today to discuss all your parts needs.