Construction cranes are one of the most significant human inventions. These machines can reach heights and construct buildings that are otherwise impossible. Although, many of us come across cranes daily but are not aware of how they work. It could be you’re new into construction and want to rent cranes from crane rentals and want to know about how these cranes work.
So, several factors go into place for construction cranes to function. Let’s take a look into what makes a construction process possible.
Parts Of A Crane
To understand how construction cranes work, you need to be aware of the parts that work together and allow the machine to do the impossible. Depending on the crane type, some parts may vary but, in most cases, all cranes comprise more or less the same parts.
For instance, construction cranes come with an operator cab, counter jib, counterweights, etc. It might also be that two similar-looking cranes have different features. The reason is that construction cranes are designed to perform different types of weights and lifting tasks within the construction industry.
Once you are aware of the parts, you can easily identify them by inspecting a crane from the base to the top. Plus, some cranes are custom-made to meet the needs of the client. Therefore, you might see a thing or two that stands out from the rest of the cranes.
How Are Cranes Built?
When it comes to discussing construction cranes, the most popular type tends to be tower cranes. The reason is these cranes can reach extreme heights and lift and shift extremely heavy loads. However, the thing is that tower cranes need to be built. These cranes are first disassembled and transported to the construction site where they are again re-assembled.
Tower cranes are built in three phases. To begin with, a concrete foundation is prepared that helps the crane with stability while lifting. Next, a mobile crane assembles the tower crane by placing the disassembled parts in place. And finally, the tower crane is ready to build a structure on its own using its core components.
Another factor to keep in mind when working with construction cranes is that external forces need to be studied and taken into consideration as well. When working at heights, high winds can imbalance the crane and it can topple.
This is why, engineers ensure the foundation of the crane is as strong as possible. At the same time, the weather forecast is also checked to make sure no extreme weather conditions are coming up in the next few days.
Moreover, keep in mind that you need rigging services MD to set up cranes properly if you don’t have a rigger in your team.
How Does A Tower Crane Perform Lifts?
A tower crane is supposed to move hundreds of extremely heavy-weight items at the construction site with the help of workers on the ground. The way a construction crane performs a lift is quite simple. As the process begins, the crane lowers its hook to the ground so that the workers can lock it to the weight.
The workers make sure the total weight of the lift is not more than recommended for the crane. This can easily turn into a risky process as going over the limit might imbalance the crane mid-lift. Then, the workers make sure the items attached to the hook are properly secured.
Next, the crane operators perform certain movements to lift, rotate the weights, etc. The features inside the operator cab allow the operator to move huge loads within a limited working area. And all this is done by using a joystick.
What Is The Job Of A Crane Operator?
The job of a crane operator is to use the controls inside the cab to load, unload, and shift the weights. Depending on the crane, the cab might be a few feet in the air. So, the crane operator has to climb a few steps on the ladder to reach the unit.
It’s the responsibility of the operator is to run a safety check before entering the unit. Even though, constructions are quite large and it is nearly impossible to keep track of leakages, damage, etc., but the operator should first check the features to ensure everything is working fine.
If upon using a feature, the crane tends to make weird or unusual noises, it means there is something wrong. The operator should inform the observation to the relevant department and avoid lifting weights until the issue is resolved.
Moreover, a crane operator does not perform all the lifting and shifting tasks on their own. They need workers on the ground who use have to use various forms of communications like hand signals to help the operator safely maneuver. Keeping an eye out on the surroundings is the biggest responsibility of a crane operator.
Because there are teams working on the ground and the area is surrounded by construction materials, even a slight mistake could turn into a life-threatening disaster.
How To Pick The Right Construction Crane?
Each construction project tends to be different based on the tools, materials, and features required. As mentioned previously, there is a huge variety of construction cranes out there to match different types of construction tasks. This means, if you are looking to purchase or rent a construction crane, you will need to take some factors into account.
The first thing is the required capacity. You need to determine the purpose of the crane and why you need it. If the task involves lifting relatively lighter weights, you can opt for a lightweight tower crane with basic features.
If there are few picks to be made, you can opt for a mobile crane that can lift and shift the loads and return to its base at the end of the day. This way, you won’t need to manage a space as well.
Secondly, space availability needs to be given a thorough thought since construction cranes take up a bit of space. Other than that, you will also need to make way for its accessibility. If the crane is to be assembled, you will need to clear the surrounding area and prepare as much space as possible.
However, if it is a mobile crane, make sure the terrain is clear and any obstacles that might come in the way are removed.
Finally, go through the features of the crane if the construction or lifting task has special needs. For instance, some cranes come with additional stability features that help the crane fight against extreme weather conditions. So, if you are working at a location that is uneven and at a complicated height, you will need such features to keep the crane from experiencing complications while lifting weights.
Conclusion
In the end, we are sure to have shared everything you need to know about how construction cranes work. These machines have seen many changes and function better than older cranes. So, the best way to pick the best option is by considering all the relevant factors and understanding how they work especially if you have a certain budget in mind and going to crane services VA for selecting the right crane for your project.
