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Cranes Overview

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Cranes come in several different types: gantry cranes, jib cranes, bridge /overhead cranes and tower cranes. Gantry cranes are heavy duty cranes often used in industrial settings (in door or out door) and do not require a concrete foundation. They can be built quickly and are sometimes used instead of bridge cranes as a cost reduction measure. Bridge cranes are usually much larger and are less obtrusive in the factory workspace. Jib cranes are the smallest and are used in industrial work stations such as for welding, fabrication or small assembly.

When most people hear the word, “crane’ they think of the enormous cranes found at most large scale construction sites. They cranes are constructed on site and consist of a base that is attached to a concrete foundation, a tower which is the tall vertical component, and the gear and motor unit at the top that allows the crane to rotate. Right above the gear and motor unit (also called the slewing unit) is the working arm of the crane, called the jib; on the opposite side of the jib is a machinery arm that contains counter weights. The motor that lifts the loads is located on machinery arm. Centrally located near slewing unit is the operator’s cab. From the ground, cranes can rise above 250 feet and have a reach of about 230 feet. They can lift loads up to nearly 20 tons. The counter weights weigh slightly more. Renting a crane for a construction project can easily cost over $100,000 (US) depending on how long the project takes.

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