Most Common Crane Types Used In Construction

The cranes are described as lifting machines that work by using cables and pulleys. They are very useful and valuable machines especially for the construction sector, because they are capable to lift and to move different kinds of heavy materials or machines from one location to another. The cranes make any loading, unloading, lifting and lowering task to be completed effectively and in a timely manner. The first ever crane was designed and invented by the ancient Greeks many years ago, and since then the cranes are used at every construction site, and are engaged in various construction projects like building construction, water dams construction, skyscrapers construction and many other projects. Today the cranes can be found in different sizes and shapes, capable to lift and to move materials up to several tones and can reach heights up to 800 meters.

The most common crane models which are used in the construction industry are the following ones:

Tower Cranes. Many different cranes are available today depending on the nature of the construction work and project. One particular model that is quite popular and widely used on the construction sites all over Australia is the tower crane. This model was primarily developed and used in Europe, but today it is popular and heavily used all over the world. The tower crane is generally used for the construction of tall buildings. Tower cranes are capable to lift items that weigh up to 20 tones and can reach heights up to 80 meters. The bottom part of the tower crane is fixed on the ground during the construction work. A strong concrete pad is used to support and to stabilize the tower crane when heavy loads are lifted and moved to the desired location.

Vehicle Mounted Cranes. For easy movement, some crane models are mounted on a vehicle so that they can be easily transported from one to another location. The vehicle mounted cranes can be driven on roads and highways. Because of that, no additional equipment is required to transport the crane to the final destination where is needed. The vehicles on which the cranes are mounted are equipped with outriggers, which are extended horizontally when the crane is raised. These outriggers support and stabilize the crane.

Rough Terrain Cranes. This is a special crane model, which is mounted on a undercarriage. The undercarriage is equipped with rubber wheels, specially designed for off road works and applications. For increased stability, outriggers are also required when the rough terrain crane is used.

Crawler Cranes. Outriggers are not required when the crawler crane is used. This mobile crane is mounted on a chassis that is equipped with tracks instead of wheels. The crawler crane is capable to lift loads with weight up to 50 tones and more. Although they are mobile, the crawler cranes need to be disassembled into smaller pieces for transportation from one place to another.

Aerial Cranes. These cranes are also known as sky cranes, because they are actually helicopters that are capable to lift and to move heavy loads from one place to another. The aerial crane is very useful machine, especially when the other traditional crane types cannot be used..

Other Crane Types. There are several other crane models which are also used in the construction industry. One of them is the floating crane. This model is generally included in various water construction projects such as bridges, dams, ports and etc.