17 Different Types of Cranes and Their Uses

types of Cranes

The different types of Cranes are large, robust machines that use cables and pulleys to lift and lower big objects, machinery, and other items.

They are primarily utilized in heavy construction and heavy equipment manufacture.  

Numerous kinds of cranes are used in construction, depending on the type of work. Additionally, cranes play a critical role in megaproject building and heavy industry.  

They made our job too easy; we no longer had to raise or lower heavy goods because of them. They completed all of our complex tasks in a short period. 

Additionally, with the help of cranes, we can now work anywhere, including amid the sea and in high-rise buildings.

Furthermore, multiple crane kinds are utilized for various tasks in various locations. The following types of cranes will be discussed in depth in this section. 

1. Truck-Mounted Crane

These cranes are mounted on trucks, as the name implies. They are made up of a carrier (truck) And a boom (arm) that are only brought to a construction site when they are needed.  

Additionally, Outriggers are installed on truck-mounted cranes to help stabilize the crane while on the job.

Furthermore, they are mainly used for bridge inspection, maintenance, and building. 

2. Floating Crane

A floating crane is one of the various types of cranes used in construction works. It’s also known as a floating crane, crane ship, or crane vessel.

However, it is mainly utilized in offshore construction and specializes in considerable load lifting.  

They can also load and unload ships and raise sunken boats from the water. They can’t be rotated because they’re fixed. They have a capacity of around 9000 tons. 

3. Telescopic Crane

The telescopic crane comprises a massive boom with several tubes connected inside.

Additionally, it raises their height by using pipes throughout the hydraulic system. They are mainly used to move items from one location to another.  

Furthermore, telescopic cranes are the most excellent option for transporting an object to a high place.

They were able to modify their heights to fit the environment. They can also be utilized in search and rescue missions. 

4. Crawler Crane

Crawler cranes are one of the different types used in construction companies. They are built specifically for transporting huge loads on construction sites.  

Additionally, crawlers are made on an undercarriage with a pair of rubber tracks instead of wheels.

In addition, the crawler’s turning capacity is limited by this design, but it allows it to work on soft soils without sinking.  

Some crawler cranes include a telescoping arm that will expand or contract in size, making them more adaptable to different terrains.

These cranes are perfect for long-term projects due to their massive proportions. 

5. Harbour Crane

It’s also known as a port harbor crane or a movable harbor. It is mainly used to unload or load ships in seaports. The machine’s versatility allows it to be used almost anywhere.  

However, Its crucial benefit is that it is one of the most potent materials handling cranes available.

This means that materials will be carried safely and efficiently from one location to another. 

6. Mobile Crane

Mobile cranes are one of the different types of cranes. Cranes used for construction work are designed to move on the tractor, and numerous cranes may be mounted to barges when utilized for building waterway crossings.  

The lifting arm is typically articulated to allow for lifting and decrease as needed.

Furthermore, this is usually accomplished via cables or hydraulic systems, and the entire mobile structure may be linked to support for added stability while in use. 

7. All Terrain Crane

All-terrain cranes are built to work on both paved and unpaved surfaces. Furthermore, they have more wheels than regular cars to increase stability and prevent overturning in rough terrain.  

However, all-terrain cranes are frequently employed instead of rugged terrain cranes and vehicle-mounted cranes to accomplish dual-purpose duties. 

8. Rough Terrain Crane

Rough Terrain Crane is also one of the different types used in construction works.

Rough Terrain Cranes are placed on the four rubber tires. Off-road applications are the most common use for them.  

Outriggers are used to keep the crane stable while it is in use. Furthermore, they only have one engine, which means the same engine powers the undercarriage and crane.  

Off-road constructions cannot be completed with a standard vehicle-mounted crane. Rough terrain cranes are utilized for this reason. 

9. Tower Crane/Construction Crane

Tower cranes, commonly used in building significant buildings, provide incredible lifting capabilities.

They have an operating cab that controls the entire crane because of their size.

However, the jib of a tower crane extends horizontally from the mast (tower portion), which is supported by a concrete base. 

A luffing jib can move up and down, while the fixed jib has an operational dolly that transports items horizontally.

The engine (also known as a slewing unit) is on the top of the mast that controls the crane’s rotation.  

Tower cranes are built together with the building, expanding alongside its size. After the installation is completed, the process is reversed.

Furthermore, Tower cranes are a crucial tool while constructing a large building because of their height, ability to carry extensive materials, and other attributes. 

10. Carry Deck Crane

Carry Deck cranes are another type of crane used for construction work.

Pick-and-carry deck cranes were first used in the 1980s, and carry deck cranes are advancing that type.  

Furthermore, these compact, four-wheeled devices can spin 360 degrees, allowing them to go through limited and comprehensive locations.  

Additionally, carry deck cranes are perfect for lifting weights that necessitate small, low-profile cranes that can maneuver in confined areas while clearing overhead impediments. 

11. Level Luffing Crane

They have a job that is hinged. The hook stays at the same level in a level luffing crane.

Additionally, they are raising and lowering the jib. It is typically used to unload and load containers onto ships.

Moving the jibs towards the ground level necessitates cautious maneuvers. 

12. Overhead Crane

Suspended cranes are another name for these types of cranes. They’re commonly seen in factories, and some can raise huge weights.

The crane’s hoist is attached to a trolley that can move in one direction or along a beam.  

They move across the ground or raised level rails at an angle to the direction of travel. The rails are frequently installed along the side of a production area. 

13. Aerial Crane

Aerial cranes, sometimes known as flying cranes, are specific helicopters used to lift cargo in areas inaccessible by land, such as skyscraper rooftops or remote locations.  

Additionally, long cables or slings are coupled to flying cranes to hoist weights in a longline operation, named after the line length used to convey the load.  

Furthermore, Aerial cranes were first used in the 1950s, but their popularity in the construction business did not take off until the 1960s.  

This occurred after the Bell 47 helicopters were replaced by the more powerful Sikorsky S-58 helicopters, hoisting more special cargoes. 

14. Level Luffing Crane

These types of cranes have a job that is hinged. The hook stays at the same level in a level luffing crane. Additionally, they are raising and lowering the jib.  

It is typically used to unload and load containers onto ships. Moving the jibs towards the ground level necessitates cautious maneuvers. 

15. Hydraulic Crane

Hydraulic cranes may appear basic, but they can do complicated tasks that would otherwise seem impossible. 

Additionally, these machines can install beams on highways, move heavy equipment in workplaces, and even erect buildings in a matter of minutes. 

16. Hammerhead Crane

Some of the most regularly used cranes in building projects are hammerhead cranes. A horizontal, swiveling lever rests on a stationary tower in this crane.  

Additionally, the trolley is held in the forward part of the arm, which can be counterbalanced with the backward-extending part of the arm.  

Furthermore, the racking mechanism on hammerhead cranes allows the trolley to move forward and back horizontally along the crane arm. These cranes are built on the job site and can be exceedingly hefty. 

17. Bulk-Handling Crane

Bulk-handling cranes transport enormous quantities of heavy items like coal and minerals.

These cranes have a specialized hook with a gripping mechanism and a bucket to grab, hold, and lift goods instead of a turn at the end. 

You May Also Like