A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Cranes Machines

Cranes are incredibly versatile machines that play a crucial role in various industries, from construction to shipping and logistics. They can lift and move heavy loads with precision and speed, making them an essential tool for many projects.

The first type of crane we'll explore is the Tower Crane, which is commonly used in construction sites to lift heavy building materials and equipment. Its tall, vertical structure allows it to reach high elevations with ease.

Mobile cranes are another type of crane that offers flexibility and portability. They can be easily transported to different job sites and set up quickly, making them perfect for projects that require frequent relocation.

Crawler cranes, on the other hand, are designed for heavy-duty lifting and are often used in industrial settings. Their sturdy crawler tracks allow them to move smoothly and steadily, even on uneven terrain.

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Tower cranes are a must-have for tall building projects, offering incredible height capacity of up to 265 feet tall and reach capacity of 230 feet.

They can lift about 19 tons, making them invaluable machines on a construction site.

These cranes are a form of balance crane, fixed to the ground, which allows them to reach high heights and lift heavy loads with ease.

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Tower cranes are a type of crane that can lift heavy materials and equipment to great heights, typically used in large construction projects. They can reach heights of up to 265 feet or more.

A tower crane consists of a vertical mast or tower anchored to the ground and a horizontal jib or boom that extends out from the top of the tower. This design allows for incredible height capacity and reach capacity.

The jib of a tower crane can be extended or retracted as needed, allowing it to reach different areas of the construction site. This adaptability makes tower cranes invaluable machines on a construction site.

Tower cranes can lift about 19 tons, making them essential for tall building projects. Some tower cranes can even assist in hauling materials to buildings that are hundreds of stories tall.

The vertical mast or tower is anchored to the ground, providing a solid foundation for the crane to operate from. This stability allows the crane to lift heavy loads with precision and accuracy, even in windy or inclement weather conditions.

Aerial cranes, also known as "sky cranes", are helicopters designed to lift large loads.

They can travel to and lift loads in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional cranes, making them ideal for tasks like lifting air conditioning units, cars, boats, and swimming pools onto shopping centers and high-rise buildings.

Helicopter cranes are also used for disaster relief, carrying out clean-up operations after natural disasters and huge buckets of water to extinguish fires during wild-fires.

Some aerial cranes have even used lighter-than-air aircraft, like airships, but these are mostly concepts.

Their versatility and aerial capabilities make them essential for tasks like construction in remote or inaccessible areas and aerial firefighting operations.

With their ability to navigate rough terrain and reach isolated areas, aerial cranes are a vital asset in rescue operations and remote construction projects.

They're used for tasks like lifting substantial loads, accessing and lifting materials in locations challenging for conventional cranes to reach.

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The terminology used in the crane industry can be quite specific, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The ISO 4306 series of specifications establishes the vocabulary for cranes, making it easier for everyone to communicate effectively.

Let's start with the different types of cranes, which are categorized into various parts of the ISO 4306 series. These include:

Now, let's talk about some key crane movements. You'll often hear terms like luffing, slewing, and hoisting. These refer to specific actions that cranes can perform.

So, what is a crane? A crane is a type of heavy machinery used for lifting, moving, and placing heavy objects or loads.

Cranes are typically used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where heavy lifting is required. They come in various sizes and types, each designed for specific tasks.

The Tower Crane, for example, is a type of crane that is commonly used in construction sites. It's a tall, stationary crane that can lift heavy loads to great heights.

Cranes can be powered by electricity, diesel, or other fuels, and some are even able to lift loads with a precision of up to 1/100th of an inch.

The Overhead Crane, on the other hand, is a type of crane that is suspended from the ceiling or a steel beam. It's often used in factories and warehouses to move heavy loads around the facility.

Medieval cranes were primarily used for vertical lifts, not for moving loads horizontally. They were often used in building construction to lift stone blocks directly into place or from a location opposite the centre of the wall.

In medieval times, cranes rarely featured ratchets or brakes, but the high friction force of tread-wheels prevented the load from running backward. This was a crucial design consideration, especially when working with heavy loads.

The design of cranes involves three major considerations: lifting the weight of the load, preventing the crane from toppling, and ensuring the crane doesn't fail structurally.

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Medieval cranes were primarily capable of vertical lifts, unlike modern cranes that can move loads horizontally.

In building construction, it's assumed that the crane lifted stone blocks directly into place or from a place opposite the center of the wall. This was often done for two teams working at each end of the wall.

The crane master could manipulate the movement laterally by a small rope attached to the load.

Slewing cranes, which allowed a rotation of the load, appeared as early as 1340 and were particularly suited for dockside work.

Ashlar blocks were directly lifted by sling, lewis, or devil's clamp, while other objects were placed in containers like pallets, baskets, wooden boxes, or barrels.

Medieval cranes rarely featured ratchets or brakes to prevent the load from running backward.

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Crane mechanics is all about balance and stability. A crane must be able to lift the weight of the load without toppling over.

There are three major considerations in crane design: lifting capacity, stability, and structural integrity. A crane that can't lift its load is useless, one that topples is a safety hazard, and one that fails structurally is a disaster waiting to happen.

A tower crane's ability to swing its boom and dolly its car is a great example of these principles in action. This allows for precise control and maneuverability.

Failed cranes, like the one in the Sermetal Shipyard, can be caused by a lack of maintenance and misuse of the equipment. It's a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and proper operation.

Cranes can be equipped with various fittings, such as hooks, blocks, spreader bars, and choker lines, depending on the load. This versatility is essential for safely and efficiently lifting a wide range of loads.

Stability is crucial for crane operation, and it's achieved by keeping the sum of all moments about the base of the crane close to zero. This prevents the crane from overturning.

The rated load for a crawler crane is 75% of the tipping load, according to United States standards. This safety margin is essential for preventing accidents.

For mobile cranes supported on outriggers, the stability-limited rated load is 85% of the tipping load. This is a more generous safety margin compared to crawler cranes.

Standards for cranes on ships or offshore platforms are stricter due to the dynamic load caused by vessel motion. The stability of the vessel or platform must also be considered.

The moment produced by the boom, jib, and load is resisted by the pedestal base or kingpost in stationary pedestal or kingpost mounted cranes. Stress within the base must be less than the yield stress of the material to prevent failure.

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Formulas are used to determine the Dynamic Load Factor (DLF) in crane mechanics. The DLF varies depending on the crane specification, and different formulas are used to calculate it.

The working load, or suspended load, is the total weight a crane is designed to safely lift under normal operating conditions. It's calculated using the formula W = g * (mwll + ma).

The DLF is then used as a multiplier to determine the force applied to the crane structure and components. This is done using the formula Fd = ψ * ψ * W.

The DLF can be calculated using the formula ψ = 1 + VR * √(C/(W * g)). The relative velocity is dependent on the crane's operational requirements.

The system stiffness at the hook can be determined by calculation or load deflection tests.

A level luffing crane is a common design that keeps the hook at the same level when the jib is pivoted in or out.

This type of crane has an extra mechanism to prevent the hook from moving up and down as the jib moves.

For work in congested areas, luffing tower cranes are indispensable, as they have a jib that can be raised and lowered to avoid neighboring structures.

Their design minimizes the space needed for the crane’s operation, requiring less overhead room.

A luffing tower crane's jib can be luffed up to a nearly vertical position, which is crucial for working in tight spaces.

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A typical tower crane consists of a base, a mast, a jib, and a hook. The tower stands tall with the jib extending horizontally to lift materials to and from heights.

The base is the foundation of the crane, providing stability and support. The mast is the vertical structure that rises from the base, supporting the jib and hook.

A crane's mast can be a fixed or folding structure, depending on the design and intended use. The jib is the horizontal beam that extends from the mast, allowing the crane to lift and move materials.

The hook is the metal claw that attaches to the jib, securing the load in place. The hook's design and material can vary depending on the type of load it will be lifting.

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Mobile cranes are versatile and used for lifting materials and equipment. They can be easily moved around construction sites to meet changing needs.

Tower cranes are ideal for constructing tall buildings and are engineered to rise upwards in sync with a building's vertical growth. They are often used in urban areas where space is limited.

Rough terrain cranes are used where the ground is uneven, providing stability and balance on challenging terrain.

Harbour usage has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Stationary harbor cranes were a new development of the time, equipped with double treadwheels that replaced older lifting methods like see-saws and winches.

These cranes were typically placed docksides for loading and unloading cargo, and were commonly found in German sea and inland harbors, where they featured tower cranes with a solid tower and rotating jib arm. In contrast, Flemish and Dutch coastside harbors favored gantry cranes that pivoted on a central vertical axle.

Harbor cranes were designed to speed up loading, often featuring double treadwheels with a diameter of 4 meters or larger. Their capacity was typically 2-3 tons, which matched the customary size of marine cargo.

Some harbor cranes were specialized for mounting masts to newly built sailing ships, such as in Gdańsk, Cologne, and Bremen. This was a significant task, as placing the lower masts of a ship without a sheer hulk or land-based masting sheer was extremely difficult.

Floating cranes, which could be flexibly deployed in the whole port basin, came into use by the 14th century. These cranes were used in shipbuilding and repair, particularly for tasks like placing the lower masts of a ship under construction or repair.

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Mobile cranes are the most versatile type of crane, used for lifting materials and equipment. They're a must-have on many construction sites.

Tower cranes are ideal for constructing tall buildings, engineered to rise upwards in sync with a building's vertical growth. This makes them perfect for high-rise projects.

Rough terrain cranes are used where the ground is uneven, providing stability and balance on challenging terrain. They're a lifesaver on sites with rocky or hilly ground.

Crawler cranes move on tracks and are suitable for soft or rugged terrain, making them a popular choice for construction projects in areas with unstable ground. Their tracks allow them to navigate rough terrain with ease.

Bulk-handling cranes are used for moving vast volumes of materials such as coal or minerals, making them a crucial part of many industrial construction projects. They're designed to handle massive loads with precision and efficiency.

There are many types of cranes, each designed for specific tasks and environments.

A telescopic crane has a boom made up of multiple tubes that can be extended or retracted to increase or decrease its length. It's often used for short-term construction projects, rescue jobs, and lifting boats in and out of the water.

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are commonly used in factories and industrial environments. They consist of a horizontal beam that runs along two rails, with a hoist and trolley to lift and move materials.

Stacker cranes are designed for high-density storage in warehouses and distribution centers. They can reach heights of up to 120 feet and are equipped with a fork-like device to lift and transport pallets of materials.

A telescopic boom truck is a type of crane that combines the mobility of a commercial truck with the lifting capabilities of a crane. It's mounted on the back of a truck and is operated by a hydraulic system that controls the boom, allowing for precise movements.

Telescopic boom trucks are generally more compact and versatile than other types of cranes, making them ideal for use in tight or confined spaces. They can be used in residential construction projects, such as roofing or framing, where they can lift heavy building materials to the upper levels of a structure.

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The boom on a telescopic boom truck is similar to a telescope, allowing it to adjust its length as needed. This flexibility enhances efficiency and versatility in diverse work scenarios.

One of the main advantages of a telescopic boom truck is its ability to retract and compact itself, making it invaluable for short-term projects or rescue missions where maneuverability is crucial.

Telescopic boom trucks are commonly used in construction, landscaping, and forestry industries, where they can be used to lift and move heavy materials, equipment, and machinery. They're often used in urban areas where space is limited, thanks to their compact size.

A crawler crane is a type of crane that's perfect for working on unstable ground conditions. The tracks distribute the weight over a larger area, making it less likely to sink into soft or muddy ground.

These cranes can lift extremely heavy loads, making them ideal for industrial and construction projects that require lifting large machinery or equipment. They're also known for their versatility, with the ability to extend the boom to different lengths and be equipped with various attachments.

One of the main advantages of a crawler crane is its ready mobility and use, allowing it to operate on sites with minimal improvement and stable on its tracks without outriggers. Wide tracks spread the weight out over a great area, making them far better than wheels at traversing soft ground without sinking in.

Crawler cranes can range in lifting capacity from about 40 to 4,000 long tons, depending on the specific model. However, their weight can make them difficult and expensive to transport, often requiring disassembly into boom and cab before moving to a new location.

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Pick and carry cranes are designed to travel on public roads and lift loads to their destination within a small radius.

They're particularly popular in Australia, where large distances are encountered between job sites.

Franna was a well-known manufacturer in Australia, but they've since been bought by Terex, and now these cranes are commonly referred to as "Frannas" regardless of the manufacturer.

Pick and carry cranes are used by nearly every medium- and large-sized crane company in Australia, with many companies having fleets of these cranes.

The capacity range of pick and carry cranes is between 10 and 40 tons, with a maximum lift capacity that decreases as the load gets further from the front of the crane.

They've displaced the work usually completed by smaller truck cranes due to their quicker set-up time.

Many steel fabrication yards also use pick and carry cranes, as they can "walk" with fabricated steel sections and place them where required with relative ease.

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The Industrial era saw significant advancements in crane technology, particularly in the design of hydraulic cranes. William Armstrong's water-powered hydraulic crane, patented in 1838, used a ram in a closed cylinder to lift loads.

This innovative design was later improved upon by Armstrong, who introduced the hydraulic accumulator. This invention allowed for larger quantities of water to be forced through pipes at a constant pressure, increasing the crane's load capacity.

In the British Empire, Sir William Arrol & Co. was a leading manufacturer of giant cantilever cranes, building a total of fourteen. These cranes were built to withstand the demands of heavy industry.

The Titan Clydebank, one of the four Scottish cranes on the River Clyde, is a preserved tourist attraction and a testament to the engineering prowess of the time.

Block-setting cranes were used for installing large stone blocks used to build breakwaters, moles, and stone piers.

These cranes were specifically designed for this purpose, and their unique configuration allowed them to handle the heavy loads required for such projects.

A block-setting crane is a form of crane, indicating its specialized nature and distinct features compared to other types of cranes.

Climbing is a unique feature of some tower cranes, allowing them to lift themselves to the next level in stages. This process is often referred to as "jumping".

A specialty example of a climbing crane was introduced by Lagerwey Wind and Enercon to construct a wind turbine tower. This crane is designed to raise itself with the structure's construction.

It's impressive to see these cranes in action, lifting heavy loads and climbing up the tower as it grows. They can even lift the generator housing to the top of the tower.

Smaller climbing cranes can be more efficient than larger cranes, as they can be more easily transported and set up on site. This is the case with the Lagerwey Wind and Enercon crane, which is designed for wind turbine construction.

These cranes can add the rotor blades to the tower once the generator housing is in place, and then climb down to start the process again on the next level. It's a remarkable example of engineering and design.

Gantry cranes have a hoist in a fixed machinery house or on a trolley that runs horizontally along rails, usually fitted on a single beam or two beams.

These cranes come in all sizes and some can move very heavy loads, particularly the extremely large examples used in shipyards or industrial installations.

The crane frame is supported on a gantry system with equalized beams and wheels that run on the gantry rail, usually perpendicular to the trolley travel direction.

Most container cranes are of this type, designed for loading and unloading ship-borne containers at a port.

Some gantry cranes are specialized, like the container crane, which is specifically designed for its task.

A jib crane is a type of crane where a horizontal member, supporting a moveable hoist, is fixed to a wall or to a floor-mounted pillar. Jib cranes are used in industrial premises and on military vehicles.

The jib may swing through an arc, to give additional lateral movement, or be fixed. Similar cranes, often known simply as hoists, were fitted on the top floor of warehouse buildings to enable goods to be lifted to all floors.

Jib cranes are a versatile option for projects that require lateral movement and precision. They can be used in conjunction with a carry deck crane for even greater flexibility.

Jib cranes are a great option for projects that require a small footprint, as they can be mounted on a wall or pillar, taking up minimal space.

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Bridge/Overhead cranes are a type of crane where the hook-and-line mechanism runs along a horizontal beam that itself runs along two widely separated rails.

They're often found in long factory buildings, running along rails along the building's two long walls, and are similar to gantry cranes.

Overhead cranes typically consist of either a single beam or a double beam construction, with the double girder type being more typical for heavier capacity systems from 10 tons and above.

The advantage of the box girder type configuration is that it results in a system with a lower deadweight yet a stronger overall system integrity.

The steel industry is one of the most common users of overhead cranes, as they handle steel at every step of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products.

The automobile industry also uses overhead cranes for handling raw materials, and smaller workstation cranes handle lighter loads in a work area.

In many instances, the cost of a bridge crane can be largely offset with savings from not renting mobile cranes in the construction of a facility that uses a lot of heavy process equipment.

These cranes are electrically operated by a control pendant, radio/IR remote pendant, or from an operator cabin attached to the crane.

Overhead cranes come in different size options, but large ones are often seen in large manufacturing plants or shipyards to help hoist materials or products.

They consist of parallel runways with a bridge that spans the gap, and hoists are put on a trolley that moves in one direction along the beam.

These cranes are essential for indoor settings like factories, contributing greatly to efficiency and precision during intensive material handling tasks.

Crane-like lifting machines are used for lifting and moving heavy objects, but they don't always fit the traditional definition of a crane.

A gin pole is a type of lifting machine that doesn't use cables or provide horizontal movement, making it similar to a crane but not quite the same.

Block and tackle is another lifting machine that uses ropes or cables to lift and move heavy objects, but it's not typically considered a crane.

The capstan, a nautical device, is used for lifting and moving heavy loads, but it's designed for vertical movement only.

A hoist is a type of lifting machine that's often used in industrial settings, but it doesn't provide horizontal movement, so it's not considered a crane.

Here are some examples of crane-like lifting machines:

More advanced types of lifting machines are often referred to as cranes, even if they don't fit the traditional definition.

A hammerhead crane is a type of tower crane that's often used in construction projects.

The distinctive shape of a hammerhead crane comes from its horizontal beam, or jib, which extends from a vertical mast, resembling a hammerhead shark. Its ability to reach great heights and lift heavy loads makes it a valuable tool for projects that require precise placement of materials at high elevations.

The jib of a hammerhead crane can be extended to a significant length, allowing it to reach far and wide. This makes it a useful tool for projects with limited space, as it can be positioned in different areas to maximize its reach.

Hammerhead cranes have a relatively small footprint, which is useful in crowded construction sites. They can be erected quickly and easily, and their modular design means they can be disassembled and transported to different sites as needed.

A hammerhead crane can lift heavy loads, with some models capable of lifting up to 350 tons. This makes it an ideal choice for projects that require exceptionally heavy lifting, such as lifting components for battleships.

The boom of a hammerhead crane can rotate 360 degrees around the tower, providing a wide working radius. This allows for greater flexibility and precision when lifting heavy loads.

Stacker cranes are a type of crane commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers to move and store large amounts of materials.

They can be either automated or operated manually, and are designed to work in narrow aisles.

A stacker crane is typically made up of a vertical mast mounted on a movable base and a horizontal carriage that can move along the mast.

The carriage is equipped with a fork-like device that can lift and transport pallets of materials to and from the storage racks.

Stacker cranes can reach heights of up to 120 feet or more, allowing for efficient use of floor space in large facilities.

They are designed for high-speed movement and can transport materials quickly and efficiently to different locations within the warehouse.

Stacker cranes can be operated remotely, making them a safe and efficient way to move materials in environments where human workers may be at risk.

They can also be programmed to optimize storage and retrieval based on factors such as product weight and size.

However, they require a dedicated space and infrastructure to operate, including specialized storage racks and pallets.

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Fixed cranes are a staple for project durations, typically being assembled on-site for construction tasks.

Their stability ensures reliable performance throughout the project’s duration. They excel in managing heavier loads and achieving impressive heights, making them indispensable for large-scale projects requiring precision and strength.

Self-erecting tower cranes are perfect for projects with limited space and time, requiring quick assembly and minimal setup.

They're designed to be assembled quickly using remote control, without the need for additional cranes, making them ideal for jobs with lighter lifting requirements.

Their shorter mast and folding jib make them easy to transport and set up, saving time and labor.

Self-erecting cranes are smaller than traditional cranes, operated by remote control, and don't require assembly by another crane, making them efficient for short-term projects or confined spaces.

They're particularly useful where frequent crane relocation is required, providing a convenient solution for projects with changing needs.

These cranes are quick to set up, making them perfect for projects that need to get underway fast.

Flat Top tower cranes have a characteristic feature: the absence of a "top hat" above the jib.

This design allows them to work in tight spaces, especially where multiple cranes might overlap.

Flat tops enable easier and safer assembly and disassembly, as well as operation beneath overhead obstacles, like other cranes or power lines.

Their flat design makes them ideal for navigating through congested areas without issues.