Most Common Types of Cranes for Construction

Patrick Parker on January 12, 2024

Most Common Types of Cranes for Construction

Cranes are fascinating machinery capable of lifting, lowering, and moving heavy materials that humans and other machines simply can’t handle. They epitomize human ingenuity, combining physics, engineering, and technology into one powerful package. With so much responsibility, you can imagine the many options available for construction workers and engineers worldwide. Take a closer look at the most common types of construction cranes and how they provide their own specialized benefits to the many projects that occur each day.

Tower Cranes: The Skyscraper’s Best Friend

When you see a city’s skyline dotted with construction sites, the machinery that will likely catch your eye is the tower crane. Tower cranes are a quintessential part of any large-scale construction project, especially for structures that reach for the sky. Ever wondered how skyscrapers came to be? The answer, in large part, is the impressive work of tower cranes.

Named for their towering vertical mast, these cranes stand tall and proud, often outreaching the buildings they’re helping to construct. This height allows them to lift and transport heavy materials to great heights, which is critical when constructing multi-story buildings.

Despite their colossal size, tower cranes offer remarkable precision. Operators can control the movement of loads with surprising accuracy, ensuring materials are placed exactly where needed. This combination of height, power, and precision makes tower cranes an indispensable asset in the realm of high-rise construction.

Mobile Cranes: Versatility on Wheels

Mobile cranes are the versatile all-rounders in the crane family. Unlike stationary cranes, these machines are designed for easy transportation to and from different job sites, offering flexibility and efficiency that are crucial in many construction projects. They consist of a truss or telescopic boom mounted on a mobile platform, which could be rail, wheeled, or even on a cat track. The boom is hinged at the bottom and can be raised and lowered by cables or hydraulic cylinders.

Unlike tower cranes, which must be assembled piece by piece, mobile cranes are usually ready to go as soon as they arrive on site. This makes them a popular choice for tasks that require quick setup and dismantling or those that involve lifting tasks at multiple locations within a project site.

Telescopic Cranes

Telescopic cranes are a type of mobile crane equipped with a boom consisting of a series of tubes fitted inside the other. This design allows the crane’s arm to extend and retract, much like a telescope, hence the name. The main advantage of telescopic cranes lies in their adaptability. Their extendable arm can be adjusted to reach varying heights, making them useful in scenarios where space constraints prevent the use of larger, fixed-length booms.

Despite their extendable nature, telescopic cranes do not compromise on lifting capacity. They can handle substantial loads, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from construction and transportation to rescue operations. However, operators must be mindful of load limits at different boom lengths and angles to ensure safe operation.

Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes are typically larger than other types of cranes, boasting impressive lifting capacities that can exceed several hundred tons. They are equipped with a long boom that can be extended or shortened based on the project’s requirements. This makes them ideal for use in large-scale construction projects such as building bridges, erecting steel structures, and even in shipyards for shipbuilding tasks.

Another significant advantage that construction teams look for out of crawler cranes is their ability to traverse challenging terrains. The tracked or crawler system they operate on provides better weight distribution and reduces ground pressure, enabling these cranes to move over soft soils, uneven surfaces, and even steep slopes without sinking or tipping over.

Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are a specialized type of mobile crane designed to operate in challenging environments. They are typically mounted on an undercarriage with four rubber tires and are known for their robust construction and excellent off-road capabilities. The key defining feature of rough terrain cranes is their single cab from where both the crane operations and driving are controlled.

These cranes come equipped with large treaded tires and a powerful four-wheel drive system that provides superior maneuverability on uneven surfaces, steep slopes, or muddy conditions. Their compact size also allows them to navigate tight spaces, making them a popular choice for construction sites with limited accessibility.

Rough terrain cranes are generally smaller than other types of cranes, but they still offer significant lifting capacities, often up to several tens of tons. Their boom is typically telescopic, allowing for adjustable reach based on the requirements of the job.

Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are a type of industrial crane typically used in factories and warehouses for material handling tasks. They consist of a fixed rail or track mounted on the ceiling or high along the walls, over which a moveable bridge section travels. Hanging from this bridge is a hoist mechanism that can lift, lower, and transport loads horizontally.

Overhead cranes come in several types, including single-girder and double-girder designs. Single girder cranes have one beam supporting the hoist, while double girder cranes have two parallel beams. The latter offers greater load capacity and allows for larger hook heights.

Elevate Your Construction Projects With the Right Crane

The world of construction cranes is diverse, and each type is designed to meet specific needs and job site conditions. Whether it’s the heavy-lifting power of crawler cranes, the off-road prowess of rough terrain cranes, or the space-saving efficiency of overhead cranes, each of these tools can significantly enhance your project’s productivity and safety.

At Sautter Crane, we offer an impressive fleet of rental cranes suitable for various construction demands. Not sure how to handle, operate, or store a crane? No problem! We provide secure space and storage, heavy hauling and trucking, and many more crane rental services to ensure your crane is ready when you need it.

Reach out to the Sautter Crane team today and find the perfect crane for your next project!

Key Elements of Safe Mobile Crane Operation

Operating a mobile crane is no small task. It requires skill, knowledge, and constant vigilance, even in conditions where you think you might be safe. From understanding load limits to being aware of weather conditions, several factors contribute to safe operation. In the following list, we’ve outlined crucial safety elements that every crane operator should adhere to. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the field, these tips can help enhance safety and efficiency in your crane operations:

Proper Training

Regular Inspections

Load Limits

Stability and Balance

Clear Communication

Weather Conditions

Surrounding Area Awareness

Emergency Plan

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safe Rigging Practices

Safe Rigging Practices: Ensuring Secure Loads

Safe rigging practices are a crucial part of operating mobile cranes, and ensuring secure loads is an integral aspect of these practices. Before the lift, the crane should be carefully stabilized using outriggers or other stabilizing features to prevent tipping over. Rigging should be checked by lifting the load a few inches off the ground to ensure that no swing develops and that the load is completely balanced. It’s also necessary to understand the weight of the load and rigging hardware, the capacity of the hoisting device, and the working load limit. In addition, the rigging equipment should be in good condition, free from defects, and suitable for the specific load and lift requirements. Appropriate hitching methods, such as straight, basket, and choker methods, should be used to secure the load properly and prevent accidents.

Regular Maintenance: A Non-Negotiable

Regular maintenance is an essential aspect of mobile crane operation that cannot be overlooked. It ensures the crane’s optimum performance, longevity and, most importantly, safety. When a mobile crane is well-maintained, it significantly reduces the risk of mechanical failure, which can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can help identify potential issues before they transform into major problems. This includes checking the hydraulic system, the integrity of the boom, the condition of the wire ropes, and the functionality of the safety devices. Furthermore, regular maintenance also ensures that the crane operates efficiently, reducing downtime and contributing to the overall productivity of the construction project. In essence, investing in regular crane maintenance is investing in safety, efficiency, and the long-term success of your construction projects.

Operator Training and Certification

Mobile cranes are mighty machines for lifting and transporting heavy materials across sites, and their operation isn’t a task to be taken lightly. It requires a unique blend of skill, knowledge, and precision that can only be perfected with a solid foundation from operator training and certification. Not only do they equip operators with the necessary expertise to handle these machines safely, but they also enhance efficiency and productivity on the site. Certification ensures adherence to regional laws and regulations, as many regions mandate specific certifications for operating certain types of cranes. It’s also worth noting that many insurance companies require proof of operator certification before extending coverage.

Planning for Emergencies and Accident Prevention

Planning for emergencies and accident prevention should be a crucial aspect of your preparedness. It’s well-known that heavy machinery like mobile cranes carries inherent risks. Therefore, having an effective emergency response plan in place can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major catastrophe. This involves identifying potential hazards, implementing safety measures, and training staff to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. But beyond reactive measures, proactive accident prevention is equally vital. Regular equipment inspections, adherence to operational guidelines, and continuous operator training are key elements of this strategy.

Cultivating a Safety-first Workplace Culture

A safety-first culture can drastically reduce the risks of mobile cranes. When safety becomes ingrained in the company ethos, it permeates every action, decision, and procedure related to crane operations. It means that operators are thoroughly trained, safety guidelines are strictly adhered to, and potential hazards are proactively identified and mitigated. Furthermore, in a safety-first culture, there’s open communication about safety issues, encouraging everyone to participate in enhancing safety measures. It also fosters trust among team members, knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

Prioritize Mobile Crane Safety Today With Sautter Crane

Safety should never be an afterthought when it comes to operating mobile cranes. It’s a vital component that requires continuous attention and effort. From ensuring operator training and certification to planning for emergencies and prioritizing accident prevention, every step counts in creating a safer work environment.

But these strategies are only as strong as the commitment behind them. And the team at Sautter Crane exhibits these traits in our crane operations. We take good care of our cranes, from delivery to operations, and our operators are well-trained in both use and safety during crane operations. By doing so, we help protect the lives of workers and operators everywhere. Explore our services or check out our extensive crane fleet in more detail and work with Sautter Crane, knowing that we take these mobile crane safety tips to heart. Contact us today to learn more.