Tag: jib

5 Types of Cranes Used for Building Construction

Written by hookcrane on September 11, 2024. Posted in General.

Construction workers rely on cranes to facilitate the movement of large building materials. Finding the right crane for building construction involves knowing the different varieties available and their purpose. Before you sign up for a crane rental service, discover the different types of equipment you can use in this helpful guide from Hook Crane Services.

The Evolution of Cranes

Historians believe that building cranes were first used thousands of years ago when ancient civilizations would create complex irrigation systems and famous structures. The machinery has evolved over time and now ranks as one of the most important pieces of equipment in a construction zone. There are now several different types of systems in use and lengthy crane safety protocols for each construction project.

5 Common Types of Cranes Construction Crews Use

How can you find the right crane for building construction projects? Many varieties exist, but the following designs are some of the most commonly used equipment at major construction sites.

1. Mobile Crane

Maneuvering equipment like cranes is possible when you choose a mobile design, such as:

Truck-mounted cranes
Crawler cranes
Carry deck cranes

These options work best for temporary use in a given area around a job site and contain an arm, also called a boom, to raise and lower objects. They always come with counterweights to increase stability.

2. Static Crane

Static or fixed cranes remain in one spot throughout a project’s duration. Key components of these machines include a wall or floor-mounted jib and a flexible hoist to facilitate movement. A load block appears on one end of the jib to hook and carry heavy objects.

3. Tower Crane

You’ll often see tower cranes during skyscraper construction. Their impressive size requires someone to operate the crane from a separate control cab.

4. Floating Crane

Construction projects that take place on the water, such as building new piers or oil rigs, require the use of a floating crane. This equipment is semi-submersible and makes seaside projects much easier.

5. All-Terrain Crane

You might opt for a rough terrain crane when navigating undeveloped land, but choosing an all-terrain design allows you to move the equipment on established roads for easier access.

How To Select a Crane for Your Construction Project

While there are several types of cranes available, you need to narrow down your options and choose ones that will help you complete construction faster. Are you building a new pier along a major waterway? A floating crane would be your best option.

What if you’re building brand-new apartment buildings on an undeveloped plot of land? A mobile all-terrain crane could easily maneuver on the land as well as on paved roads. Consider all of the requirements of your project when choosing a crane to lift and lower building materials.

Rent a Crane for Your Upcoming Project

Securing a crane for building construction can help get your project off the ground. Hook Crane Services offers crane rentals so you can build your new construction efficiently using top-of-the-line equipment. Submit our convenient online form or call (520) 323-0963 to request a free quote.

A Guide to the 5 Essential Crane Components

Written by hookcrane on July 11, 2024. Posted in General.

Without cranes, it would be practically impossible to move heavy construction materials around job sites. However, not all cranes are the same, and understanding crane components can help you choose the right machine for every job.

As the most respected crane contractors and crane rental services in Arizona, we take pride in matching the right equipment to customer needs. So we prepared this guide to help you understand some of the basics and things to consider when scheduling equipment.

The Two Types of Cranes

Builders use two types of cranes: tower or telescopic. Tower cranes remain in one place but rest on a turntable that allows them to move horizontally. Telescopic cranes have wheels or tracks that let them move around the worksite, adjusting the boom to different heights as necessary.

Although these machines have some key variations, they share many of the same components. Here are some you’ll find on every crane.

1. Outriggers and Counterweights

Hooking a heavy load to the front of a crane without counterbalancing it on the back can cause the machine to topple over. Outriggers and counterweights prevent this. Every crane has counterweights for extra stability and weight distribution.

2. Boom

The main boom, or mast, extends from the crane base and provides height. These crane components may use hydraulics that allow them to stretch to reach varying heights or lattice booms, which have a fixed position.

Lattice booms have steel bars welded together in a crisscross pattern, evenly distributing weight and increasing the crane’s lifting capacity. However, telescopic booms are better for smaller construction sites or projects that require greater precision.

3. Jib

The last thing you want is for the load to hit the crane body, so cranes have jibs that extend out horizontally to ensure plenty of space between the boom and the load for crane safety.

4. Hoist

Hoists make it possible for the crane to lift materials off the ground. Without them, the machines wouldn’t do anything at all. A hoist has a crank, a winding drum, and a wire rope that raises and lowers the hook.

5. Hook

Arguably, the most important part of the crane, the hook, connects the load to the hoist. Hooks are the only connection point between the crane and whatever it needs to move, so they have to be exceedingly strong.

When not in use, the hook remains part of the hook block, a rugged steel block that contains the bearings, sheaves, and pulleys that allow it to function. This block also maintains tension on the wire rope when cranes aren’t in use.

Turn to Hook Crane Services for Help With Tucson Construction Projects

If you need crane services in the Tucson, AZ, area, choose the company with over 40 years of experience serving commercial and residential customers: Hook Crane Services. Our expertise in crane components and the uses of crane rental services, as well as our full fleet of vehicles and professional operators, make us the first choice for southern Arizona crane contracting. Call (520) 323-0963 to learn more and schedule your project.