The market value of global manufacturing is currently around $2.3 trillion. In such a large sector, quality technology is required for specialized applications. Selecting the appropriate industrial cranes for your manufacturing or construction team is essential.
Read on to learn some crane options to keep in mind for different applications.
Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes are a common type of industrial crane. Also known as bridge cranes, they have two parallel runways with a traveling bridge in between them. The component that lifts loads moves along the bridge to move heavy cargo efficiently.
Most overhead cranes are electric. They’re controlled by a remote pendant or from an operator’s area. These cranes are ideal for situations where the aim is to work quickly and eliminate downtime when hauling large cargo or loads.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are what most people think of when they imagine a crane. Their primary uses are in construction because tall latices tower high into the sky. They have the unique ability to reach up to several stories to constrict several hundred-foot-tall skyscrapers effectively.
These cranes do not move once they arrive at the construction site. They are attached either to the ground or the side of the building structure. The former is more common, and the base is anchored to a large, stable concrete slab at the bottom of the building.
Jib Cranes
Jib cranes are not usually used in construction. They’re more suited to industrial and manufacturing applications. Some applications include metal fabrication, machine maintenance, and the movement of raw materials and components for machinery.
These cranes are used for smaller indoor applications. They’re simple to operate because of their basic design. Repetitive movements are their primary use.
Most jib systems are freestanding and move items in a small area at routine intervals. There are also foundationless jib cranes that don’t need a unique poured foundation and instead bolt to reinforced concrete.
Gantry Cranes
Gantry cranes provide a stark contrast to jib cranes. Instead of being portable and usable in limited spaces, a gantry crane is massive. Some of them can lift over 20,000 tons!
These cranes are usually used in offshore oil rigs. They are also standard in harbors and shipyards. They aim to assemble large ship components in these locations.
Smaller gantry cranes can also be used in industrial warehouses. The crane bridge connects to tall wheeled legs at either end of the crane. This makes it moveable, so it can be more versatile.
Truck Mounted Cranes
A truck-mounted crane is more mobile than other crane options. They mount to a truck for easy use on large construction sites.
The parts of the crane extend either vertically or horizontally. These outriggers keep it stable and secure while carrying loads of any size.
Beyond the Types of Industrial Cranes
Understanding the available types of industrial cranes is only the tip of the iceberg. Doing additional research and getting a quote for your specific needs is critical. Contact Kor-Pak to ask any remaining questions and get a pricing estimate online.