Different Types Of Construction Cranes Used All Over The World

There are many types of construction cranes used all over the world. The models can be divided into two main categories, fixed and mobile. Each category has multiple models that are used in an array of building settings.

The mobile units available have designs that are affixed to wheels, boats, barges, and tracks. The wheeled models include an all terrain, rough terrain, side lift and truck-mounted designs. These models provide the operator the maneuverability to traverse small to medium project sites.

These types of mobile vehicles can drive along public streets and are quite easy to move from job to job, giving them an advantage over other vehicles. Using a hydraulic set of legs to stabilize them, these models are not able to maneuver around a project while moving materials. They are however perfect for smaller structure builds and home repairs and upgrades.

The crawler design is mounted on a set of tracks which allow it to traverse muddy and rougher terrain that other vehicles cannot. Unlike other mobile models this machine does not require the use of outriggers and can move around while carrying a load. The crawler design is too heavy for conventional transportation, so it has to be disassembled and transported via ship, train or truck.

Railroad models are designed to run along pre-existing railroad tracks and used to load and unload train cars and are also used to lay new tracks. The floating design is mounted onto a barge and is most commonly used for building bridges and ports. Some models are attached to boats and used to remove items from underwater during salvage and archaeological expeditions.

With the ability to turn in a complete circle and extend to extreme heights, the tower model is perfect for building skyscrapers and other tall buildings. Another design that is quite useful in temporary situations is a telescopic model. Designed for short term duties this model incorporates multiple tubes that are connected and operated using hydraulics to extend and retract the boom. This model is quite often used in rescue missions.

Affixed to two identical beams that traverse the length of a factory building or shipyard structure is an overhead design. This is just one of the many fixed types of construction cranes that are used in the field. This design allows the operator to move materials such as car frames and shipping containers from one location to another with ease.

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