Mobile Tower Cranes vs Self-Erecting Cranes
Whether you’re constructing high-rise city accommodation, or moving heavy materials across a building site, selecting the right crane for your project can be difficult.
Mobile Tower Cranes and Self-Erecting Cranes are the most common cranes you’ll find on a construction project, but what’s the difference and how do you choose which is best for what you need?
In this blog we’ll look at the main differences, advantages (and disadvantages) of mobile tower cranes vs self-erecting cranes.
What is a mobile tower crane?
A mobile tower crane is a crane attached to a heavy-duty vehicle that can be driven and easily set up on a construction site.
Because it’s easy to set up, take down, and move between projects, the mobile tower crane is commonly used for city projects and those within confined spaces.
What is a self-erecting crane?
A self-erecting tower crane (SETC) is a fixed crane that can be placed almost anywhere on site.
Affordable and requiring little space for installation, it is a sturdy option with a proven record of success.
When would you use a mobile tower crane?
The moveability of the mobile tower crane makes it the perfect fit for a vast range of projects.
We recommend the mobile tower crane for use in the following:
- City builds, new build factory sites and chemical plants – can easily move around sites without being deconstructed and erected again, making city building much quicker.
- Housing construction – moveability means that they can be used to construct multiple buildings in a short space of time
- Bridge building – can be positioned to reach from a greater distance away from road and ridge edges
- Solar power installation – mobile cranes are perfect for light, quick work that doesn’t require too much time
When would you use a self-erecting crane?
Requiring limited space for installation and operation, a self-erecting crane can be used in multiple construction projects of all scales.
At BJW cranes, we advise that the self-erecting crane be used on the following:
- Residential apartments – as the crane will be required for a long period in a fixed position
- Multi-story buildings – a self-erecting crane has the freedom to rotate above the building meaning a smoother lifting process over taller structures
- Moving material across site – as it can reach great lengths without having to move, lifting materials across site is easy work.
- Shipbuilding – this crane’s right-angled structure makes reaching over large and delicate structures much more straightforward.
Pros of using a mobile tower crane
- Can be set up anywhere – a mobile tower crane is highly compact, meaning it can be used in tight spaces amongst most city sites.
- Easily reaches remote construction sites – as the crane is fitted to a vehicle, it can efficiently travel to further reach sites.
- Transportable around site – mobile tower cranes don’t require engineers to install them, therefore they can be easily moved around site for further construction purposes.
- Set up quickly – on average, they have a 20-minute installation time.
- Reduced set-up costs – less manpower is needed to install making these cranes are easily affordable.
Cons of using a mobile tower crane
- Requires more room for slewing – Mobile Tower cranes have an angled jib; therefore, they cannot be installed too close to the building. This may lead to site obstruction.
- Cab operated – this crane is controlled via a crane operator. Visibility of the load may be restricted and the chances for human error are increased.
You can read more about why you should hire a mobile crane in this blog: 6 Reasons to Hire a Mobile Crane for Your Project.
Pros of using self-erecting cranes
- Can be installed in most areas on site – As self-erecting cranes are more compact and upright, they can be positioned almost anywhere.
- Remote control operated – this type of crane is controlled remotely, meaning that potential health and safety concerns are reduced. More visibility also increases greater precision when lifting.
- Requires little space – due to their fixed nature, self-erecting cranes don’t require much room to be installed.
Cons of using self-erecting cranes
- Limited use on-site – As SETCs are fixed to one position, they cannot be moved around site, meaning increased effort to have them repositioned.
- Requires professional installation – Qualified professionals must be on-site to set-up this crane. This may increase installation times, leading to a slower start to construction.
- May become expensive if they need to be moved – more manpower and expertise will be needed. This will only increase project spending.
Mobile tower cranes vs self-erecting cranes – what’s the difference?
So, how do mobile tower cranes and self-erecting cranes compare?
- Mobile tower cranes are moveable cranes attached to heavy-duty vehicles. Self-erecting cranes on the other hand are fixed and require a trained engineer to install them.
- Self-erecting cranes require little space to install, whereas mobile tower cranes require more room for slewing.
- Mobile tower cranes can be easily driven around site. SETCs need to be deconstructed and reinstalled.
- Self-erecting cranes can be controlled by remote control. Mobile tower cranes are moved via an operator in the cab.
Ultimately, both cranes effectively move heavy loads on a variety of construction projects. However, they differ greatly in their installation methods, moveability, and operation.
Hire the right crane for your project from BJW Crane Hire
BJW Crane hire has been providing heavy lifting services for over 20 years. We’re on hand to assist you in selecting the ideal crane for your construction needs. To find out more about our crane hire services and how we can help you, give us a call on 01724 289 501.
Mobile Tower Cranes vs Self-Erecting Cranes FAQ’s
Mobile tower cranes and self-erecting cranes both come with their own unique advantages.
For example, mobile tower cranes are incredibly compact and portable, which means they can be set up in the tightest of spaces.
Self-erecting cranes, on the other hand, provide excellent reach and lifting capacity.
To determine whether a mobile tower or self-erecting crane is best for your project, it helps if you consider the required strength, flexibility and lifting capacity. It’s a good idea to look at set-up times and costs, too – so you can figure out which one will suit your timescales and budget.
If you’re still torn between mobile tower and self-erecting cranes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at BJW Crane Hire.
We’re always on hand to help and will gladly discuss your project requirements in further detail before advising you on the most suitable crane.
Mobile tower crane hire is typically cheaper than self-erecting crane hire.
This is because mobile tower cranes are easy to install and relocate – requiring less manpower and expertise than self-erecting cranes.
However, the exact price you’ll pay to hire either a mobile tower crane or a self-erecting model will vary depending on your location. For example, if we need to travel a long distance from our depot to reach your site, you can expect to incur additional costs to cover fuel.
Other factors that will influence the price include the duration of your project – the longer you need to rent lifting equipment, the more you’ll pay.
A crane with greater lifting capacity will likely cost you more to hire, but it’ll make light work of lifting and moving large, cumbersome loads – allowing you to complete tasks safely and quicky.
Before we offer a free, no-obligation quote, we’ll help you to determine whether a mobile tower or self-erecting crane will best suit your needs, and which model. This way, you can trust that you’ll receive maximum value for your money.
Most crane providers specify a minimum hire period of 4 hours. Anything after this is usually charged per hour.
However, at BJW Cranes, we understand that no two projects are the same and there may come a time when you need to hire a mobile tower crane for a couple of weeks or even longer.
That’s why we offer a flexible solution for all clients seeking mobile crane hire and will do everything we can to provide a suitable crane for as long as you need it.
We’ll also deliver and collect the crane from your site at a time that suits you and your project – making our lifting solutions as convenient as possible.
To get the ball rolling and benefit from mobile tower crane hire, give us a call on 01724 289 501.
Yes – whether you opt for a Crane Hire Plant Association (CPA) hire agreement or a contract lift, all of our cranes (not just self-erecting models) come with a competent operative as standard.
Whilst a CPA hire will give you the freedom to do things in your own time, our qualified operator will follow the instructions provided by your supervisor. They’ll work together with the rest of your team – ensuring the job is completed to a professional standard.
If you’re new to crane hire, we recommend arranging a contract lift as we’ll take care of every aspect, from providing the crane operator, appointed person and signaller to completing the method statement and risk assessment.
This way, you can trust that the machinery will be used correctly and safely – minimising the risk of accidents and protecting the load and your site from damage.