Types of cranes used in construction

It is impossible to build a skyscraper without a crane. Doesn't it seem impossible? Construction sites are dominated by cranes - they lift, move, and place heavy materials that would be impossible for humans to carry on their own. Steel beams, concrete slabs, or even glass panels are all handled by cranes.

But what types of cranes are used in construction? This is the question most people have when they see machines swinging steel through the air like it weighs nothing. There are many types, each built for a specific purpose. Every crane has its function, whether it is a massive tower crane or a compact mobile crane. This guide by EquipmentsFinder introduces you to all the major crane types you'll find on construction sites. You'll learn how they work, where they're used, and why choosing the right one is crucial.

The Importance of Cranes in Modern Construction

Dubai is home to several mega-projects. Worldwide, there are a lot of construction projects. These constructions will require Dubai cranes in the future. Construction cranes are essential for building bridges, high-rises, roads, and any other large project. A crane is used to lift or lower heavy objects, transport objects around the construction site, and build or demolish large structures. Cranes help complete these projects efficiently by lifting and transporting heavy materials vertically and horizontally.

Whether it's a residential complex, commercial building, or infrastructure project, the construction industry relies heavily on crane rental companies in the UAE. Choosing the right crane in construction will help businesses stay on budget and complete projects on time.

Why Are There So Many Different Types of Cranes?

Construction sites are unique. Building a house wouldn't require the same crane as building a high-rise or a dam. To handle different loads, heights, and site conditions, the construction industry has developed several types of cranes.

Depending on their design, some cranes are fixed in place, while others can be moved from one location to another. Some reach high into the sky, while others fit into tight spaces. Construction crane types can help project managers select the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective crane for building.

Different Types of Cranes

Currently, there are two main types of cranes for construction are available for sale or rent in the market:

1- Mobile cranes

Cranes mounted on vehicles or with their treads can be moved and operated in different locations. When compared to static cranes, they offer flexibility but are limited in lifting capacity and height.

Carry Deck Crane

Among the most common lifting equipment used in construction and industry is the carry deck crane, which is versatile and compact. Its unique design features a rotating boom with a load capacity ranging from 8 to 15 tons, and it features a flat deck for transporting materials. Its compact size and maneuverability make it ideal for navigating tight spaces. 

Crawler Crane 

A crawler crane for construction is mounted on a large, heavy vehicle with treads similar to those on a tank. Heavy trucks with wheels would likely get stuck in soft, rough, or marshy ground without these treads. When the ground is freshly torn up at the beginning of a construction project, they are commonly used. 

Their large size enables them to utilize powerful hydraulics and heavy-lifting arms. Mobile construction cranes can lift the heaviest weights.

Rough-terrain Cranes

Telescoping arms are common on these cranes. A rough-terrain crane features powerful tyres and a four-wheel drive to conquer challenging terrain. Despite their smaller size and lighter weight, they can be used in tighter spaces than crawlers. Due to their lower power and stability, these cranes cannot lift as much weight.

All-Terrain Cranes

All-terrain cranes are mobile truck cranes that can travel on pavement (at high speeds on the highway) and off-road. There are anywhere from 4-18 tyres on these cranes, depending on their size.

For lifting and moving loads, the truck bed is equipped with a telescopic boom. They can lift much more than rough terrain cranes - up to 1200 tons - but are less capable of navigating extreme environments or confined spaces. All-terrain cranes are operated from a cab that rotates around the truck bed as the boom moves. Due to its outriggers and counterweights, the crane requires some assembly on-site.

Floating Crane

Floating cranes, also called crane vessels or crane ships, are used for projects at sea, such as ports and oil rigs. Cranes have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and, over many generations, they have served many people well thanks to continuous technological advancements.

There are also several types of floating cranes available today, such as sheerlegs and semi-submersibles. However, floating cranes differ only from other types of cranes because they operate on the water.

Truck-mounted Crane

Truck-mounted cranes consist of two parts: the carrier (truck) and the boom (arm). Their unique design allows them to travel easily on the road without the need for special set-up or equipment.

Truck-mounted cranes are equipped with counterweights and outriggers to stabilize their movement while carrying large loads. The truck-mounted crane comes in a variety of versions; for example, special cranes are used for bridge inspections, maintenance, and construction.

2- Static Cranes

With these cranes, heavier loads can be lifted and they can reach greater heights due to their fixed location during operation. Their mobility is, however, limited.

Here are some static cranes:

Overhead Cranes

In industrial settings, overhead cranes are also known as bridge cranes. It consists of parallel runways separated by a traveling bridge. A lifting component moves along the bridge as well. There are several configurations of overhead cranes available based on the application, which is why there are general safety tips for overhead cranes.

Typically, overhead cranes are used when efficiency or downtime are critical factors. It is an electric crane operated by a control pendant, radio/IR, remote pendant, or operator cabin in many factories. Heavy loads are generally carried in factories by these cranes.

An overhead crane can be classified as either a gantry crane or a jib crane.

• Gantry

Gantry cranes are a variant of overhead cranes, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. A gantry crane differs from a bridge in that it is typically supported by two a-frame steel legs and is built on a track. It is common to see gantry cranes lifting cargo off ships at shipping docks and ports.

• Jib Crane

A jib crane is another version of a bridge crane. Typically, these cranes are used for repetitive tasks and are permanently installed over a workstation. Typically, the jib, or arm, is mounted on either a wall or floor-mounted pillar and has a moveable hoist.

Tower cranes:

Tower cranes are an essential component of high-rise construction, boasting impressive heights and exceptional reach. As the structure grows, they can expand along with it. A tower crane provides a combination of height and lifting capacity, making it ideal for constructing tall buildings.

Bulk-handling Crane

In bulk-handling cranes, heavy materials, such as coal and minerals, are carried in large quantities. Bulk-handling cranes are equipped with a hook at the end, which uses a grabbing mechanism and a bucket to grab, hold, and lift materials.

Hammerhead Crane

Construction projects commonly use hammerhead cranes. The crane has a horizontal, swivelling lever attached to a fixed tower. A trolley is attached to the forward part of the arm and counterbalanced by the backwards-extending part. There is also a feature known as racking on hammerhead cranes, which allows the trolley to move horizontally along the crane arm. On site, these cranes can be extremely heavy.

Level-Luffing Cranes

Level-luffing cranes have a vertical mast attached to a rotating, latticed jib that slews and moves upward and outward.

These construction cranes use an inward and outward jib movement to maintain hook level while moving the jib upwards and downwards. These cranes are particularly useful for lifting and moving loads close to the ground.

The jib itself moves inward and outward rather than a trolley and hook block to lift and lower the load. The cranes are frequently used in shipbuilding, freight loading, and construction.

Stacker Crane

The stacker crane is an automated crane designed to handle and store material in warehouses and distribution centers efficiently. A vertical lifting mechanism and a horizontal traverse system allow it to move along aisles and retrieve or store goods from high shelving. As part of automated storage systems, stacker cranes optimize storage space and simplify inventory management processes.

Self-Erecting Cranes 

Self-erecting cranes are the lightest members of the static crane family relative to their size. It is easy to set them up and take them down. Construction projects requiring short-term work or in tight spaces are ideal for self-erecting cranes. The main disadvantage of these cranes is that they cannot lift as much weight as other types. 

Telescopic Crane

Like a telescope, telescopic cranes have booms (arms) that are fitted with hydraulic cylinders that allow them to change length. Telescopic cranes are considered fixed cranes, but they typically are transported from one site to another by truck.

The unique ability of their booms to collapse and compact themselves makes telescopic cranes highly versatile for a variety of applications, including short-term construction jobs and some rescue operations during natural disasters.

Choosing the Right Crane:

Choosing the right crane isn't about picking the biggest. Consider these factors:

• Weight and size of the object you're lifting

• Your height requirement

• Availability of on-site space

• Travel distance of the load

• Ground conditions or soil conditions

Construction and other industry professionals can optimize efficiency and safety on every project by understanding the capabilities of each type of crane and carefully evaluating project needs. EquipmentsFinder helps contractors and engineers match the right equipment to their project requirements. Our team of experts can answer all your questions about cranes for sale or construction equipment available to rent in UAE and beyond. The right crane makes everything easier, safer, and faster.

Final Thoughts

There are many landmarks in Dubai, and the city is still expanding its horizons with beautiful landscapes. Construction projects with adequate equipment availability are crucial to these ambitious projects. Dubai cranes are an essential part of these sites. As Dubai advances, so do its construction projects. This requires proper transformation with the crane rental company in the UAE as well. Our knowledge of crane types helps construction firms complete projects efficiently and profitably. When you need crane rental in Dubai or expert assistance from a trusted crane company in the UAE, EquipmentsFinder is your reliable partner.