What are the different types of cranes used in Construction

Since thousands of years ago, cranes have been a staple in the construction industry. Even today, it would be necessary for cranes to construct many ancient structures.

In the Industrial Revolution, cranes replaced the manual pulley system with engines and operators, which preceded them, and became a fundamental aspect of modernization worldwide. Almost any construction project today features at least one crane, with each one specialized for a specific task.

In spite of this variety, though, there is one drawback: since so many cranes are available, it can sometimes prove difficult to select the right one for the job. Since each crane features its own nuances, selecting the wrong one can cause budget issues and delays. 

You will be better able to rent the right crane at the right price when you know the difference between each crane.

You can find below a breakdown of the types of cranes and how they are used to help you choose the right machine.

Gantry Crane

Gantry cranes differ from bridge cranes in a few ways. Despite the differences in operation, the general premise remains the same. The gantry crane is supported on the floor by two a-frame rigid steel legs. 

Most crane legs come with wheels, allowing them to be moved to different places in a building. The movement of a gantry crane can be controlled by a track installed on the floor, or by a V-groove caster.

An overhead bridge crane is usually more expensive than a gantry crane.

Monorail Crane

The monorail crane is typically used for specific lifting tasks within a factory or warehouse. Monorails have only 2 axes for operation throughout the railing; one for upward movement, the other for downward movement. 

Monorails are commonly used in assembly lines to transport materials due to this reason. With monorail cranes, you can bend and travel around curves much better than with bridge cranes.

Truck-mounted crane

Cranes mounted on trucks consist of two main parts: the boom (arm) and the carrier (truck). They can easily travel on the road without special equipment or special setup because of their unique design.

Counterweights and outriggers provide stability to truck-mounted cranes, which are capable of carrying large loads while moving slowly. There are various types of truck-mounted cranes, such as those used for inspection, maintenance, and bridge construction.

Fixed Cranes

Most fixed cranes must be brought to the project site and assembled there as they are generally fixed at one location. Mobile cranes have the advantage of being able to lift heavier loads at greater heights than their fixed counterparts. There are certain crane types that are normally in place during a project.

Overhead Traveling Bridge Crane

The elevated runway system uses this type of crane to navigate long distances across a building. There is a one-girder bridge arrangement and a two-girder bridge arrangement.  Further, bridge cranes have three axes of movement for their hooks. This allows for very gentle placement and positioning of loads.