Different Types of Cranes in Construction

Building bridges, high-rises, roads, and other projects would be an impossible task without the use of construction cranes.

These powerful machines lift heavy objects, transport materials on construction sites, and play a crucial role in constructing or dismantling large structures.

Different types of cranes in construction cater to specific project needs, each designed for specific lifting tasks. Keep reading to discover different types of cranes in construction.

1. Mobile Cranes

All-Terrain Crane

All-terrain cranes are designed to handle any type of terrain easily, making them ideal for job sites that experience diverse weather conditions. These cranes are highly mobile and operate at faster speeds compared to other alternatives, ensuring efficiency in a range of different construction environments.

Rough Terrain Crane

A rough terrain crane is a specialised mobile tower crane made for off-road and rough terrain sites. They’re widely used in manufacturing and outdoor projects and are equipped to handle difficult terrains where traditional cranes may struggle.

2. Tower Cranes

Fixed to the Ground

Fixed cranes are firmly planted on the ground, giving them a solid base that allows them to work for a long time and lift heavy materials to tall heights. Once set up, fixed cranes can’t move around easily and need to be taken apart if you want to relocate them.

However, even though they’re not very mobile, their strong stability makes them great for lifting heavy loads in one spot.

Self-Erecting Tower Crane

A self-erecting tower crane (SETC) is a versatile fixed crane that can be placed almost anywhere on a construction site. It is known for being cost-effective and requires minimal space for installation, making it a reliable and successful crane option.

3. Crawler Cranes

Telescopic Crane

Often confused with handler cranes, telescopic crawler cranes have extending arms powered by hydraulics, which allow them to reach impressive heights. They are commonly used for tasks like constructing signal towers and handling unique operations like lifting boats from water and even rescue operations.

4. Overhead Cranes

Bridge Crane

A bridge crane is a type of overhead crane commonly found in industrial environments. It has a bridge supported by two steel beams, spanning the workload, with a hoist responsible for lifting and moving along the bridge. Gantry and jib cranes are two subtypes of overhead cranes.

5. Aerial Cranes

Helicopter Crane

Helicopter cranes are used to carry large loads in places that are hard to reach by land. These cranes are commonly used to lift items to tall buildings and can handle a variety of loads, from boats and cars to rooftop installations. They are also employed in rescue operations during emergencies.

6. Stacker Crane

Used in Warehouses

A stacker crane is an overhead system using a non-hoist load device, like a suspended mast with forks or a gripper. It’s moved by a bridge trolley and is commonly found in warehouses. Stacker cranes move goods efficiently, offering more flexibility than forklifts or conveyors due to their less restrictive aisle requirements.

Are you looking to hire a crane?

If you have plans to build or need to lift and lower heavy materials on a construction site, contact the team at BJW Cranes.

 

We are always available for support and are happy to assist you in finishing your crane project safely, on time, and within budget.

 

Either give us a call on 01724 289 501 or email the team at office@bjwcranes.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.