Cranes help us lift heavy objects with ease.
Without them, getting construction and manufacturing jobs done would be more difficult and time-consuming.
There are different cranes for different situations, and it’s important to know which one is right for you.
Continue reading to learn about the various types of cranes.
1. Mobile Crane
The mobile crane is a telescopic boom on a mobile platform. The fact that this crane has mobility makes it versatile. It’s a standard part of bridge, building, and highway constructions.
2. Floating Crane
This kind of crane is mainly used for offshore jobs and remains in a fixed position. They have a high lifting capacity of 9,000 tons, making it possible for them to get entire sunken ships out of the water. They are for bridge and port constructions.
3. Telescopic Crane
A telescopic crane incorporates hydraulics to change the height of the boom. These types of cranes are especially good at lifting objects to or from a high place. A telescopic handler crane has something like a forklift attached to the end.
4. Harbor Crane
A harbor crane is located in ports. It loads and unloads ship materials safely because of its power. They can have a lifting capacity of around 154 tons.
5. Crawler Crane
The advantages of the crawler crane are that they move on tracks and can lift up to 3,500 tons. They’re able to work on hard or soft dirt because of the tracks.
6. Rough Terrain Crane
Rough terrain cranes are like they sound. They are for off-road construction sites. They move on four large tires and have one engine that powers the crane and the undercarriage.
7. All Terrain Crane
All terrain cranes can have the same purpose as a rough terrain crane, while also being able to work on a smooth surface. They can have 8 to 18 tires. This larger amount benefits the balance of the vehicle that moves the crane.
8. Truck Mounted Crane
These types of cranes are great for a site that requires a crane for a limited number of things. The crane is mounted on a truck, so it can travel on highways rather than needing another truck to transport it. The lifting capacity is up to 50 tons.
9. Level Luffing Crane
A level luffing crane is fixed in a shipyard. It has a hinged jib that moves the crane hook inwards and outwards while keeping it level. These cranes unload ships and move cargo containers.
10. Railroad Crane
Railroad cranes are designed to travel on railroad tracks for maintenance and repairs. The boom can reach up to 100 feet and can lift 250 tons.
11. Aerial Crane
Aerial cranes are moved by what looks like a helicopter. The actual crane is a series of cables that attach to and carry material. A large advantage is that they can pick up or drop off a load at any place.
An aerial crane might be used to bring materials to a skyscraper or rescue a ship crew in the middle of the ocean.
12. Tower Crane
These cranes are used for constructing tall buildings and can reach from 230 feet to 265 feet. They are attached to the ground by concrete and bolts.
Connecting them to the building in construction will stop the crane from moving and possibly falling over. Their lifting capacity is up to 20 tons.
13. Loader Crane
A loader crane is an addition to a truck or trailer that is used to load materials in the vehicle or unload them. The crane can be compacted when it isn’t needed. The highest lifting capacity is 200 tons.
Choosing from the Types of Cranes
To pick the type of crane that is right for you, consider the kind of job it is and where the site is. Never forget crane safety when operating a crane. If you have any questions, contact us by filling out a form or call (888) 256-7725.