When it comes to cranes, there is a lot to consider. You need to consider the weight of your materials, the terrain you’ll be working on, and even the weather conditions. With so many types of cranes available, it can be tough to keep track of all your options. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This article will give you an overview of some of the most popular crane types so you can better decide which one is right for you and your team. Let’s get started.

1. Telescopic Crane

Telescopic cranes are incredibly versatile and offer many benefits for those who need to haul heavy objects or complete construction projects. Their defining feature is the boom, which can be lengthened or shortened depending on the project’s needs. This is all controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, making it easy to adjust on the fly. They’re commonly used in shipping ports, rescue missions, and construction projects, and their compactness makes them ideal for mobile applications. Plus, they can lift heavy loads ranging from 25 to 300 tons!

2. Crawler Crane

A crawler crane is a type of crane mounted on an undercarriage with large tracks. These tracks help to distribute the crane’s weight so that it does not sink on soft ground. Crawler cranes are great at traversing any terrain and can carry a heavy load. However, they move slowly, making transporting from one site to another challenging.

3. Sidelifter Crane

Sidelifter cranes are permanently mounted on either truck beds or railway cars. They have two hydraulic-powered cranes, one at the front and one at the back of the vehicle chassis. This type of crane is easy to move around on public roads, making it a great option for pickup and delivery in commercial districts.

4. Overhead Crane

Overhead cranes are a type of crane that includes a hook-and-line mechanism which is connected to a horizontal beam. This crane is often used in manufacturing buildings to assist in constant, specific heavy-duty lifting. Overhead cranes can be fitted with several different attachments to handle loads and materials. Implementing one overhead crane can replace multiple forklifts and cover a larger work area. This crane is an excellent investment to reduce the ergonomic stress of using human resources to move heavy cargo.

5. Tower Crane

A tower crane is used to build tall structures or to move heavy objects. They are usually fixed on a concrete slab so that they have a stable base to work from. Building a tower crane can take weeks, including preparation time, because there are so many moving parts, requiring a large team of competent workers. Tower cranes typically rise hundreds of feet into the sky and can extend their boom just as far. They are used to erect very tall buildings or to lift heavy materials. 

Without tower cranes, we would not have the skyscrapers familiar in many American cities today. Tower cranes need to be well-balanced because they are tall and have an increased risk of tipping over when carrying heavy loads. A good rule of thumb is that the closer the load is positioned to the mast, the more weight the crane can lift safely.

Conclusion

Cranes are an essential piece of machinery in various industries, from construction to manufacturing. There are many types of cranes, each with unique features and capabilities and different uses. No matter what type of crane you need, it is important to work with a reputable crane rental company to ensure that you get the right machine for the job. 

At Hook4Hire, all your industrial maintenance, steel erection, road building, and HVAC work are an easy fix. Our efficient and top-quality cranes are designed to quickly cover long distances and ensure project completion within the given time. Our exceptional lift range is always available, and no project is too big or small for us. If you need crane rental services, our team is determined to assist you! Get in touch with us for any inquiries!