What is a Crane?
A crane is a crucial machine that has been used since the times of ancient Greece. Cranes are essential for heavy lifting different types of tasks and heavy construction work. It comprises of pulleys and cables, based on the kind of functions in question. A crane lifts and lowers load in such a way that human construction works cannot comprehend.
How a Crane Functions
To work effectively and maintain its stability, all cranes obey the laws of physics. The two primary considerations in this regard are that the machine should not move weights which more than the rated capacity and that any stressful motions happening beyond the machine’s ability to operate must be removed wherever possible.
Types of Construction Cranes
- Telescopic Cranes
Telescopic crane features a boom with several tubes or cylinders attached to one inside the other. When needed, these cylinders are stretched by powering off the hydraulic mechanism. Telescopes are quite heavy to maneuver and transport objects from one area to another. They are commonly used at ports, lifting boats, and small-scale construction projects.
- Floating Crane
The floating crane is also known as crane vessel and crane ship. It is common in offshore construction, and it is designed to lift heavy loads. Also, the crane can be used to load and unload lifts from sunken ships or sunken ships. Floating cranes are fixed and cannot rotate. However, they have a bigger capacity of 9000 tons.
- Harbor Crane
Also known as port harbor crane, the harbor crane is used in seaports to load and unload the ships. The machine is extremely flexible that you can use it in any place. Its primary merit is that it one of the most sturdy materials handling cranes, meaning you can transport materials from one area to another with ease.
- Vehicle Mounted Crane
This type of crane is mounted to vehicles. Its wheels are made of rubber. The wheeled vehicles are faster but cannot penetrate rough places. The base of the vehicle features outriggers to provide stability to the unit while it’s working.
- Tower Crane
This type of cranes is mostly used in the construction of tall structures because they can reach as high as 265 feet and as low as 265 feet. Their lifting capacity is about 20 tons and is attached to the ground during construction. The Tower crane is fitted with a sturdy and robust concrete base and supported by large bolts, which can be unscrewed when construction is complete.
- Rough Terrain Crane
This crane is mounted on an undercarriage using four rubber tires. The machine is used to operate on off-road. It features outriggers that stretch horizontally and vertically to stabilize and level the crane when hoisting.
Single-engine machines power rough terrain cranes were the same engine powers the undercarriage. The crane is perfect for use in construction sites that have rocky, dirty, or uneven terrain. The ability and mobility of the unit to move around the site make it an ideal support machine for lighter hoists on highway, infrastructure and construction projects.
- Overhead Crane
An overhead crane is also known as a suspended crane. It is often used in factories to help in lifting heavy loads. Goliath cranes are a type of overhead cranes that are common in large outdoor manufacturing plants and shipyards. The hoist is attached to a trolley. It moves in a single direction in either an individual or several beams. It runs along ground-level tracks or at an angle. The crane is attached to the side of the assembly area to ensure movement is smooth and lifting and unloading of loads is straightforward.
