9 Vital Parts of a Crane

The various components that make up a crane all serve specific purposes. It is important to understand parts of the crane to operate an efficient and safe task as a crane operator or any duty that is present at the construction site. 

Each crane component has its own function and way of maintenance. The vital part is not only the boom or the telescopic. In this article, we will explain all parts of the crane and its function so you can operate a crane safely and successfully.

What is a Crane?

A crane or construction crane is a machinery used in construction sites for heavy lifting, moving building materials around the project site, which helps speed up the construction process and handles tasks that exceed the capabilities of human labor.

There are 2 main types of crane, mobile crane and static crane. Mobile crane is a crane that has mobility, it can be driven to the construction site and driven around the site to lift the materials. In contrast to the mobile crane, Static crane of fixed crane is a crane that is unable to move, fixed in its position and assembled on the site. The advantage of a static crane is that it can handle more heavy load and is suitable for huge construction projects.

Both mobile and static cranes have similar parts of crane. While some crane components may differ, the function resembles each other.

9 Parts of a Crane

There are 9 main general  parts of the crane, each serves different functions. From lifting materials to keeping the balance of the crane. However, different types of crane may have more or less crane components.

1. Hoist 

Hoist or hoist drum is the main component that grants a crane the ability to lift objects vertically. The hoist is a system that consists of wires and cranking mechanism of sheaves

2. Wires and Sheaves

The wires and sheave are parts of the crane that play important parts in lifting the object.

Wires 

The wires are the part that connects the hook to the main machinery. Each wire is made from steel and strong enough to hold the weight of the hook and the objects even if one of the wires happened to be damaged.

Sheaves

The sheaves or cranking mechanism is a pulley system powered by an electric or hydraulic motor. It holds the cable wires and helps distribute the object weight during the lifting, allowing the crane to lift heavier materials.

3. Boom

The boom is an extended parts of the crane from the crane body. It can be seen as an arm of a crane, a long steel part that rotates or moves around for the hook to pick the objects. The boom is one of the largest parts of the crane. There are 2 types of boom

Hydraulic boom 

The hydraulic boom uses the hydraulic pump to extend the boom length. The length of this type of boom can be adjusted. There are 2 types of hydraulic boom, telescopic hydraulic boom and folding crane hydraulic boom.

Lattice boom

The lattice boom is builded with welded steel bars, making it appear like a lattice. The lattice structure makes the boom strong but lightweight. However, the lattice boom’s length is fixed.

4. Outriggers

The outriggers are one of the safety measures for the crane. They are extendable parts from the bottom of the crane, helping stabilize it on the ground. The crane will be stable by distributing the weight across the larger surface and not swayed by the heavy load. However, outriggers can be used to their full potential on a flat surface. They might not be effective on an uneven surface.

5. Hook

A crane cannot move or lift any object without its hook. The hook itself is made from durable material like carbon steel, wrought iron, or other type of steel so it can handle the heavy load. But the hook relies on the power from other parts of the crane to lift the object, such as the hoist, the wires and sheaves.

6. Counterweights

Another safety measure for the crane are counterweights. The counterweights’ role is to keep the balance for the crane and help the crane to not tip over from the heavy loads. The counterweights are always placed at the opposite of the boom. These parts of the crane can be removed entirely or add more weight, depending on the weight of the material that the crane is lifting.

7. Jib

The jib is an additional detachable part for the boom. It helps increase the boom length, especially for lattice boom. The appearance is similar to a boom but the jib moves horizontally, allowing the crane to handle more weight and longer object.

8. Operator’s cab

The operator cab is where the crane operator controls the crane. The cab provides the good view of the crane and surrounding area. The position of the cab varies with each type of crane.

9. Base

This part of the crane is different for each type of crane. There are 4 types of base.

Wheels

For mobile cranes such as rough terrain crane, the wheels provide stability on an uneven surface and excellent maneuverability. The wheeled cranes are also easy to move, they can be driven to the construction site along the road.

Tracks

Tracks undercarriage allowed the crane to move easier on a soft, muddy ground. Suitable for a starting phase of a construction project where the surface is not yet flatten. An example for a crane that uses tracks is a crawler crane.

Concrete Foundation

The static cranes like a tower crane need a stable base for it to be operated. The stable foundation provides the crane with balance and allows the crane to reach its maximum capacity.

How to Use a Crane Safely

Other than understanding part of the crane, there are other tips to keep in mind for a safe use of the cranes. For example,

• Understanding the crane signal – crane hand signal is the vital part in crane operation. It helps ensure safety, efficiency during the operation. The hand signal cover from moving signal, stop signal, to the crane operation signal.
• Maintenance – after understanding the function of each part of the crane, maintenance is an important task to ensure the crane efficiency
• Understanding crane capacity – Each crane has a different maximum weight that it can carry. Exceeding the crane limit could lead to danger

Renting a Crane

If you are interested in renting a crane, EK crane provides daily and monthly crane rental service with trained personnel. We are experts in operating a crane with over 30 years of experience. For more information, contact LINE: @EKCRANE or the contact information below.

Our Branch

Bangkok-Samutprakarn Head Office

Tel. +66 2 745 9999

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/89scfU8K4VTUfY4W9

Rayong Head Office

Tel. +66 38 682 666

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZw1JGRLGxBmfWDo9

Leam Chabang Sub-Branch

Tel. +66 38 482 666

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qNV26o8LSLBSoN27

Summary of Parts of a Crane

Understanding part of the crane and their function is an essential step to operating a crane to its full potential and ensure the safety of the construction site. Each part of the crane serves a different purpose from lifting objects, balancing or safety. While some of the parts may vary depending on the type of crane, the main components such as the boom and the hook still have the same function.

Get to Know a Rough Terrain Crane

In a construction site full of heavy materials, it would be difficult to build anything by human labor alone. The machinery that can solve this problem is a construction crane. Crane can be used to lift and move objects around the construction site with ease. However, not every crane is suitable for any kind of task or area.

The rough terrain crane  is a one type of crane that is frequently used due to its mobility and versatile usage. What kind of project is suitable for a rough terrain crane? What size should you use? This article will answer all of your questions.

What is a Rough Terrain Crane?

Rough terrain crane is a type of mobile crane. It can move around efficiently in rough terrain such as off-road areas or areas in the starting phase of the construction where the surface is not smoothen. As one of the mobile crane, the rough terrain crane is considered to be a compact crane, smaller in size and handle less load.

This type of crane consists of wheels for undercarriage with a variety of two-wheels drive or four-wheels drive. The wheels are taller than a standard type of mobile crane, which helps avoid damage to the engine. Furthermore, they provide the stability the crane needs for being operated in rough areas. The stability also provides the ability to be operated in bad weather conditions in case of urgency or absolute necessity.

As a mobile crane, rough terrain crane can be driven to the construction site, it doesn’t need to be assembled on the site. Additionally, the crane can travel for a long distance, easily accessible to any site location

How Rough Terrain Crane Can be Used?

Rough terrain crane usage is quite popular, it can be used in various situation based on the size of the crane

• Use in off-road areas or other uneven surfaces.
• Use in the beginning phase of the construction as the crane doesn’t need much surface preparation.
• As a four-wheels crane or two-wheels crane in some cases, it can be driven along the road and reach the construction site with ease.
• Suitable for project that require maneuvering in limited space.
• Suitable for both construction sites in the city or urban area .
• Compared to all terrain crane, the rough-terrain crane is considered lighter and easier to move. However, it can handle less load than all terrain crane.
• The smaller size of rough terrain crane can be driven through nook and cranny, reaching the part that bigger cranes couldn’t reach.
• There are a variety of sizes to choose, depending on the project size.

Rough Terrain Crane Size

Rough terrain crane is considered a small to medium size crane. There are 12 tons of rough terrain crane to 70 tons crane. Each size is suitable for different projects. Choosing the right size for your project is also important as it will let the operation run smoothly with less obstacle.

12 Tons Rough Terrain Crane

• Load capacity – 12 tons
• Working radius – 22.3 meters
• Hoist height – 24 meters
• Axles – 2 axles
• A compact crane that is suitable for limited space operation such as indoors part installation or working in a low ceiling factory

25 Tons Rough Terrain Crane

• Load capacity – 25 tons
• Working radius – 27.9 meters
• Hoist height -33 meters
• Axles – 2 axles
• A crane with excellent maneuverability. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. For example, a factory restoration project or working in the factory itself

50 Tons Rough Terrain Crane

• Load capacity – 50 tons
• Working radius -34 meters
• Hoist height – 42 meters
• Axles – 2 axles
• All-wheel drive crane that offers all-wheel steering, suitable for confined space or used in crowded areas and lifting light-weight materials such as solar roof installation projects

60 Tons Rough Terrain Crane

• Load capacity – 60 tons
• Working radius -36 meters
• Hoist height – 42 meters
• Axles – 4 axles
• Provide versatile usage, capable of working in both rough terrain or flat terrain in limited spaces. Such as, garden and trees installation, condominium installation

70 Tons Rough Terrain Crane

• Load capacity – 70 tons
• Working radius -34 meters
• Hoist height – 45 meters
• Axles – 4 axles
• A crane with an auto moment  limiter or AML, prioritizes safety. Suitable for outdoor rough terrain project such as factory renovation project and structure building project

Renting a Rough Terrain Crane

If your construction project requires a crane that can handle rough terrain, off-road construction, or uneven area, choosing a rough terrain crane might be the best choice for your project. Especially for a project with small or limited space. The rough terrain crane is easy to maneuver with all-wheel steering.

EK Crane offers rough terrain crane renting service with a full team of professional operators. Our operation is safe and efficient with experienced employees.We also offer a consultant and field survey to help you choose the best crane that is suitable for your project. Our renting service provides both daily and monthly rental for every area in Thailand. For more information, contact LINE: @EKCRANE or the contact information below.

Our Branch

Bangkok-Samutprakarn Head Office

Tel. +66 2 745 9999

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/89scfU8K4VTUfY4W9

Rayong Head Office

Tel. +66 38 682 666

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZw1JGRLGxBmfWDo9

Leam Chabang Sub-Branch

Tel. +66 38 482 666

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qNV26o8LSLBSoN27

Summary of Rough Terrain Crane

Rough terrain crane is a popular choice for construction crane as it offers flexible usage. Compared to all terrain crane, rough terrain crane is more lighter and easier to maneuver. Making it suitable for a variety of projects. Specifically, projects with limited space or even indoor projects as rough terrain crane can be used on flat surface as well.

This type of crane also has various sizes, ranging from 12 tons, 25 tons, 50 tons, 60 tons to 70 tons. Each size serve different purpose, 12-25 tons crane is more suitable for indoor projects or very limited spaces, 50-70 tons is frequently used in outdoor construction site with lighter material such as solar roof installation or condominium structure.

12 Types of Frequently Used Construction Cranes

One of the important components in construction is a crane. Whether you are building a high-rise condominium, factory or even a bridge, a crane is an important machinery to move materials around high and low, doing what humans simply could not. However, you can’t use any crane without considering its functionality. Thus, learning the differences between each type of cranes is crucial.

What is a construction crane?

Construction crane is a machinery mainly used for heavy lifting and moving the building materials in the construction site. The history of construction crane goes a long way back in 515 BC. The first usage of crane is in Greece.

Each types of cranes has its own functionality and suitable terrain. There are 2 types of cranes, mobile crane and fixed crane or the alternate name, static crane.

Mobile Crane

Mobile crane’s strong point is mobility as the name suggests. Mobile crane can be driven around the construction site, providing versatile usage. Furthermore, it’s also easier to move the mobile crane to the construction site. There are 5 types of mobile crane. Each types of cranes varies in size.

1. Rough Terrain Crane

Rough terrain crane is a type of crane used in an off-road operation or as the name implies, used in rough terrain. This provides versatile usage in different terrain. The undercarriage is equipped with four rubber tires, allowing a rough terrain crane to move around the construction site. Rough terrain crane come in various sizes, from 12 tons to 550 tons.

2. Floating Crane

Floating crane or ship crane is a type of crane used for construction in or near the sea. Such as, building ports or bridges. Its strong point is it can be used and move in the water. 

3. Truck Mounted Crane

Truck mounted crane is a carrier truck equipped with a boom to extend and lift materials. It can move around the construction site with ease while carrying a heavy load. In addition, truck mounted crane can be driven on road, making it travel to different or remote area easily.

4. Carry Deck Crane

Carry deck crane is a compact, four-wheeled crane. It can rotate 360 degrees. It is smaller in size compared to other type of crane, but it provides much more agility. Carry deck crane is frequently used in smaller construction sites as it can easily reach every nook and cranny.

5. Crawler Crane

Instead of wheels, crawler crane undercarriage is equipped with crawler tracks or threads. It has great stability. It is frequently used in a starting phase of construction project as It can be used on even or soft ground without sinking, and use in other challenging terrain.

Fixed Crane or Static Crane

Fixed crane or static crane is a type of crane that is fixed in place with no mobility. It has to be assembled on the construction site. The advantages is it can handle heavy loads and lift the material higher than mobile crane. It can be used in huge construction. There are 6 type of fixed crane in total.

1. Jib Cranes

Jib crane can be mounted on a wall or a pillar. Parts of a crane

 consists of a moveable hoist, allowing the crane to move in circular motion with a single boom. Its ability to move 360 degrees helps the lifting to be more precise and safer.

2. Tower Cranes

Tower crane is a type of crane that is built alongside the building. Its main usage is to lift the material as high as possible, suitable for use in skyscraper project. Tower crane is one of the popular and recognizable crane. It can lift the materials both vertically and horizontally.

3. Overhead Crane

Overhead crane structure resembles a bridge.The hoist of overhead crane goes along both ends of the bridge back and forth. This type of crane is not only used in construction site, but also frequently used indoor such as factory.

4. Gantry Crane

Gantry crane is quite similar to an overhead crane. The most notably characteristic is that gantry crane always have 2 supporting beams and it usually used in construction site.

5. Stacker Crane

Stacker crane is an automated crane, mainly used in warehouse to move goods around the aisle without using a human worker. Additionally, it can be used in an extreme environment for human safety.

6. Telescopic Crane

Telescopic crane is a type of crane that consists of a boom mounted on a hydraulic cylinder. The biggest advantage for a telescopic crane is that with the usage of a hydraulic cylinder, it can change length, retract and extend. Most of the telescopic crane is mounted on a truck . Even though it is considered a type of static crane

7. Hammerhead Crane

Hammerhead crane is similar to tower crane, but with horizontal boom. It is one of the most used fixed crane. The horizontal boom allows the trolley to move along the boom, lifting material with precision. The boom is also able to rotate around. 

Which Construction Crane Should You Use?

To answer this question, you have to have a clear idea about your project. For example, 

• What are you going to build
• The scale of the construction
• The terrain and the surrounding area
• The weight of the material

Mobile crane might be great in mobility and transportation to the site, but for heavy lifting and tall buildings, fixed crane is more suitable for the job. Each type of mobile crane or static crane is also different in function.

Each project has a different requirement. If you need any consultation, @EKCRANE is ready to survey your site and choose the suitable type of crane for you. EK CRANE provides crane rental service all around Thailand with professional teams. Safety is out utmost priority.

Summary of Types of Cranes

There are 12 total popular types of cranes, each crane differ in functionality. While a mobile crane’s strong point is mobility, a fixed crane can handle more heavy loads.To understand which type of crane you should use, you have to know the scope of your work. For consultation regarding crane and rental crane, contact [email protected]