5 types of cranes and their uses

There are several types of cranes that are used to serve different functions. While different cranes may be meant for various industries, they are mostly required in the construction sector. It is important to be aware of each of their functions before deciding on hiring or purchasing one for your construction project. For instance, some of the features to look out for in cranes include the working radius, lifting angle, weight, dimensions, lifting range, set-up time, mobility, and so on. This ensures when looking at cranes for sale, you can choose the right crane according to the work being undertaken at the construction site.

Here are some of the different types of cranes and their uses in the construction industry.

1. Tower cranes

Arguably the most complex version of cranes, tower cranes are commonly used during the construction of multi-storied buildings. The crane consists of three components that include the slewing unit, the tower, and the base. To prevent them from tipping or swaying, tower cranes are fixed to the ground using a strong concrete base and large bolts that are easily removed once the construction is over. Their main function is effectively lifting heavy loads to high heights that other cranes cannot match.

2. Mobile cranes

The mobile cranes are popular pieces of equipment used in the construction industry due to their versatility. They consist of mounted telescopic boom or steel trusses that are connected with wires to suspend a hook. Mobile cranes are easy to use as they are flexible, do not require a lot of space, and are fast to assemble. This makes them ideal when lifting materials in areas where tower cranes would be impractical to use like in the construction of pipelines and highway towers.

3. All-Terrain cranes

This is a type of mobile crane with a single-engine fitted with wheels to travel at speed on roads or rough terrains. The All-Terrain crane model comes as a combination of a truck-mounted with cranes, which is both road and rough-terrain compatible. The wheels and outriggers on the crane provide support and balance when lifting heavy tools or pieces of equipment. These types of cranes are mostly used in carrying or picking materials at construction sites that have rough terrain.

4. Loader cranes

The loader cranes have hydraulically powered arms that are used in loading or unloading of construction materials. They are constructed using numerous sections that can fold, which not only reduces their size but helps in saving a lot of space and eases their transportation.

5. Floating cranes

Also known as crane ship or crane vessels, floating cranes are specially designed ships that incorporate a crane. They are used for lifting objects when loading or unloading ships and with the construction of ports or bridges.