Cranes have a long history as a construction staple dating back thousands of years. Today, various types of cranes are found on almost any construction site, each specialising in a specific task. However, because there are so many cranes available, it may be challenging to know which one does what. Due to the unique characteristics of each crane, selecting the incorrect type can result in delays and budget issues. Understanding the differences between cranes can assist you in determining which one to use on your project, allowing you to choose the right crane for hire at the right price.
Mobile cranes
Unlike standard fixed cranes, mobile cranes are mounted on crawlers or tyres. Some mobile cranes can even be driven on highways. Mobile cranes are a popular addition to many projects due to their ability to navigate around job sites and carry significant weight.
Carry deck crane
Carry deck cranes are a newer type of mobile crane that evolved from the older pick-and-carry models. They are more portable than other types of mobile cranes because they are small, four-wheeled, and can rotate 360 degrees. As a result, carry deck cranes are easy to set up and manoeuvre around confined and open spaces, making them a common sight on construction sites.
Crawler crane
Crawlers are track vehicles. Instead of wheels, crawlers are mobile cranes built on an undercarriage fitted with a pair of rubber tracks. Although this limits the crawler’s turning capacity, the tracks allow it to be used on soft ground and sites with uneven terrain. In addition, some crawler cranes are equipped with a telescopic arm that will enable them to change size, making them highly adaptable to various terrains. Crawlers, unlike carry decks, are best used for long-term projects due to their bulk, special setup, and need to be transported from site to site.
Floating crane
These mobile cranes, also known as crane vessels or crane ships, are used for projects at sea like ports or oil rigs. In addition, several floating cranes are available today, including sheerleg and semi-submersible. Nonetheless, the only difference between floating cranes and other common types is that they are used at sea.
Rough terrain crane
As the name implies, these mobile cranes are used for off-road and rough terrain pick-and-carry operations. A rough terrain mobile crane is constructed the same way as a crawler crane, except that the undercarriage has four large rubber tyres typically equipped with four-wheel drive instead of tracks. Rough terrain mobile cranes are also equipped with telescopic booms and outriggers to improve stability and mobility in tight and rough terrain.
Truck-mounted crane
Truck-mounted mobile cranes have two components: the carrier (truck) and the boom (arm). Because of their unique build, they can travel easily on the road without special setup or transportation equipment. In addition, truck-mounted mobile cranes have counterweights and outriggers for stability, allowing them to move slowly while carrying a large load.
Fixed cranes
Usually fixed cranes are fixed in one location or spot, and most of them must be brought in and assembled at the project site. Fixed cranes compensate for their lack of mobility by being able to lift heavier loads and reach greater heights. These cranes are installed for the duration of a project.
Bridge or overhead crane
Bridge cranes, also known as overhead cranes, are commonly found in industrial settings. It gets its name because it looks like a bridge supported by two steel beams that span the workload. The hoist or lifting mechanism travelling along the bridge portion of the crane. Overhead cranes are classified into gantry cranes and jib cranes.
Gantry crane
The gantry crane is a type of overhead crane. The main distinction between a bridge and a gantry crane is that the gantry is supported by two a-frame steel legs and is usually built on a track. Gantry cranes are commonly seen lifting cargo off ships at shipping docks and ports.
Jib crane
Jib cranes are another type of bridge crane. These cranes are typically used for repetitive tasks and are permanently installed over a workstation. The jib, or arm, is usually mounted on a wall or floor-mounted pillar and has a moveable hoist and some additional movement.
Bulk-handling crane
Bulk-handling cranes transport large quantities of heavy materials like minerals or coal. Instead of a hook at the end, bulk-handling cranes have a specialised hook that grabs, holds, and lifts materials using a grabbing mechanism and a bucket.
Hammerhead crane
Hammerhead cranes are among the most common types of construction equipment. A horizontal, swivelling lever rests on a fixed tower in this crane. The trolley is held in the front part of the arm and is counterbalanced by the backward part of the arm. Racking is a feature of hammerhead cranes that allows the trolley to move forward and back horizontally along the crane arm. These cranes, which can be extremely heavy, are built on the job site.
Stacker crane
Stacker cranes are forklift-like automated machines that are primarily used for warehouse storage.
Telescoping crane
Telescopic cranes have a boom or arm with a hydraulic cylinder that allows them to change length, similar to a telescope. Despite being classified as a fixed crane, many telescopic cranes are transported to and from work sites by truck. In addition, telescopic cranes are highly adaptable for various situations like short-term construction jobs and rescue operations during natural disasters or other emergencies due to the unique nature of their boom’s ability to collapse and compact itself.
Tower crane
Commonly tower cranes are used in the construction of tall buildings. Tower cranes have an operating cab that controls the entire crane. The jib of a tower crane extends horizontally from the mast, which is supported by a concrete base. A luffing jib can move up and down, whereas a fixed jib has a dolly that moves materials horizontally. The engine or slewing unit that controls the crane’s rotation is located at the top of the mast. Due to their size, these cranes are built alongside the building, growing alongside it. Once the building is finished, the process is reversed. Tower cranes are essential tools when constructing a tall building due to their height, ability to lift heavy materials, and various features.
Selecting the best crane for hire
Almost all construction jobs necessitate the movement of heavy materials, so having a crane on hand is essential. You’ll need an operator, signal person, and rigger to use a crane safely and properly. After you’ve hired a certified crane operator, you’ll need to determine which crane you require. Unfortunately, simply purchasing the largest crane is not the best idea. For example, an all-terrain mobile crane for a small house renovation may be excessive. A carry deck crane may be more appropriate.
Choosing the right crane requires considering the project’s terrain, the size of the project site, the weather, and the weight of the materials. You should also consider the project’s duration. As some cranes, like the crawler crane, are better suited to long-term projects than others. Once you have all your project specifications, you can determine which type of crane you’ll need to hire for a successful construction job.
In addition, owning a crane may prove to be more expensive than hiring a mobile crane. This is because crane repairs and maintenance are expensive. As a result, mobile cranes for hire offer more benefits than owning one.
By avoiding the additional costs of maintenance and repair, hiring a qualified operator, and obtaining licences, mobile crane hire saves construction companies money.
Contact Cleveland Crane Hire for details
Cleveland Crane Hire is your one-stop shop for all your lifting requirements. Contact Cleveland Crane Hire today if you want to hire the best mobile crane company. We specialise in providing mobile cranes for hire in Southern Africa.
If you need to hire a mobile crane. Please get in touch with our crane specialists to ensure you hire the right mobile crane for your needs. Our team comprises professional operators and experts who can assist you with all your mobile crane hiring requirements. Alternatively, you can browse our range of cranes for hire.