What are the Different Types of Cranes Used for Construction?

What are the Different Types of Cranes Used for Construction?

There are several types of cranes used in the construction industry, each designed for specific lifting tasks and  requirements. Here are some of the most common types of cranes used in construction: 

  • Tower Cranes: Tower cranes are large stationary cranes commonly found on large construction sites. They have a long horizontal rod (or rod) that can be raised, lowered, and rotated. Tower cranes are capable of lifting heavy objects to great heights and are often used to construct high-rise buildings.  
  • Mobile Cranes: Mobile cranes are very versatile and can be easily transported from one place to another. They have wheels or rails that allow them to move around the workplace. Mobile cranes come in different configurations, such as truck mounted cranes and all-terrain cranes, and they are suitable for different lifting tasks. 
  • Crawler Cranes: Crawler cranes have rails instead of wheels, allowing them to travel over rough terrain. These cranes have excellent stability and lifting capacity. Crawler cranes are commonly used for heavy lifting operations on construction sites, especially where site conditions are difficult. 
  • All-terrain Cranes: All-terrain cranes are designed to operate in off-road or rough terrain conditions. They have large rubber tires,  all-wheel drive  and high ground clearance. These cranes are ideal for construction sites with uneven ground or limited access.
  • Telescopic Crane: A telescopic crane, also known as a telescopic crane or hydraulic jib, has a crane that is made up of several interlocking sections that can be stretched or retracted using hydraulic cylinders. These cranes are highly maneuverable and offer fast set-up times, making them suitable for small and medium construction projects. 
  • Cranes: Overhead cranes are commonly used indoors in warehouses or manufacturing facilities. They are mounted on beams and can move along the ceiling to lift and carry heavy loads. Overhead cranes are commonly used for assembly line operations, material handling and industrial applications. 
  • Floating Cranes: Floating cranes are mounted on barges or ships and are used for construction projects near water bodies. These cranes are capable of carrying large loads over water, making them valuable for port operations, bridge construction and offshore projects. 

What Is a Mobile Crane? 

Mobile cranes can be moved around the construction site or even from site to site as needed. They are usually mounted on trucks, but can also be found on wagons and boats, and are often equipped with kickstands to prevent them from tipping over while the crane is being lifted. 

Mobile cranes are cranes designed to be easily transported to different locations. They are equipped with wheels or rails, allowing them to move around construction sites, industrial plants and other work areas. Mobile cranes are versatile and can be used for different lifting tasks.  These cranes are usually mounted on a wheeled or crawler frame, providing stability and maneuverability. They run on diesel  or electric motors and have a crank or crank that can be raised, lowered, and extended. The boom is usually equipped with a hook, block or other lifting attachment to handle different loads. 

All Terrain Cranes 

Off-road cranes are a type of truck mounted mobile  crane that can travel both on roads (at high speeds on highways) and over most off-road surfaces. Like a large truck, these cranes have  from 4 to 18 tires depending on the size of the crane. The telescopic boom mounted on the truck bed is used to lift and move loads. All-terrain cranes can lift significantly more than all-terrain cranes (with capacities up to 1200 tons), but are less capable of navigating in harsh environments or  confined areas. All-terrain cranes are operated from a rotating cab on the truck bed parallel to the boom movement. The crane requires some on-site assembly work as it is stabilized by supports and balanced by counterweights. 

What Is a Vehicle-Mounted Crane? 

A dump truck, also known as a dump truck or a mobile crane, is a type of crane that is mounted on a truck or other vehicle. These cranes are designed to be mobile and flexible, allowing them to be easily transported to different work sites. They are commonly used in construction, industrial and logistics applications. Vehicle mounted cranes consist of a crane  or jib, which is attached to a rotating platform or turret, which is mounted on a truck chassis. The boom is collapsible or articulated, providing flexibility to achieve different heights and angles. The  lifting capacity of a crane can vary depending on its size and configuration.  

These cranes are typically powered by the vehicle's engine and use hydraulics or other mechanical systems to control the crane's movement, rotate the turret, and lift heavy loads. Some vehicle mounted cranes may have additional features such as kickstands or kickstands to provide stability when lifting heavy loads. The main advantage of shipboard cranes is their mobility. They can be moved quickly and easily  to different locations, eliminating the need for separate transport and installation. This makes them ideal for tasks that require frequent travel, such as construction projects or loading/unloading operations.