Construction equipment consists of different types and sizes of machines that are used for various kinds of works. For major construction works, one of the leading construction equipment used is overhead cranes. You can use many types of cranes for your construction project based on your needs and requirements.
Cranes are expensive equipment. That’s why many businesses choose to rent or buy used ones. If you’re looking for used process equipment & industrial machinery, there are many sellers you can find online. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for information to help you choose the best overhead equipment for your construction needs, you can read more below.
Overhead Cranes Benefits And Their Applications
In a construction site, there are bulky loads that need to move from one place to another. Overhead cranes are used widely in many commercial applications to help handle and process large, heavy objects that typical lifting methods and machinery can’t do. These cranes cover a rectangular area and move the load from any direction. It has a lifting device called the hoist. The hoist is mounted on a trolley so it can have horizontal movement across the beam.
These cranes are powered by electric motors and run-on tracks or casings. Generally, they have a gearbox attached to the engine, and this gearbox can be used to increase the lifting power of the machine, enabling it to lift heavier and more massive objects.
One of the first benefits of using overhead cranes is that they’re highly efficient. They can lift heavy loads over difficult surfaces, and they can often do so safely and quickly. Another benefit of using overhead cranes in operation is that it’s adaptable and customizable depending on your needs. Lastly, using overhead cranes is cost-effective because, unlike the other construction equipment you use, it has lower maintenance costs and it helps reduce labor expenses.
Types Of Cranes Used In Construction
Construction cranes are helpful tools for many different types of construction. Whether you’re building a house, a high-rise building, or a bridge, you’ll need these types of overhead equipment to move materials:
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Gantry Crane
A gantry crane is an aerial crane designed to lift and support heavy loads on a flat surface. They are designed to handle very heavy loads over long distances. Typically, they raise and support objects that can’t be moved on a ground surface. It’s supported by free-standing legs that move on wheels or a railing system.
The supporting columns or towers are connected to a common platform. The columns are often constructed from lightweight metal sections like steel, and they connect to the platform via railings or cableways.
One of the benefits of using this type of overhead equipment is that it can be used easily outdoors. It also doesn’t need to be tied to any support or structure, so you won’t need to build a permanent runway or columns. This can result in lesser material or construction costs for your project.
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Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are one of the most important pieces of construction equipment. It’s mainly used for the construction of high-rise buildings. Most construction projects require a concrete foundation for the structure. These concrete foundations are installed on the job site to secure the structure to the ground.
The crane has a fixed body that has to be mounted on-site. It can move materials at a larger angle compared to other types of cranes. It’s mainly used to lift machinery responsible for pumping concrete into the foundation of the building.
Tower cranes are also generally used for loading and unloading ships, carrying materials, and moving things from one floor to another on the construction site. The tower crane has a boom or a platform on its top that hovers or moves up and down. Most tower cranes have a deck on the bottom to support the lifting weight and contain the hydraulic system.
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Bridge Crane
A bridge crane is one of the most common overhead equipment used in many construction sites. A bridge crane usually consists of a single platform spanning a gap and connecting to fixed nacelles on either side. The hoist, the central lifting part of the crane, moves along the bridge using tracks typically fitted inside the cab. The work platform is supported by a series of pins placed into fixed places on both sides of the work platform, with each of these supports acts as the clevis pin or paw grip used on any other kind of crane.
One of the advantages of a bridge crane is that it can have many different configurations and can be designed based on the needs of your construction environment. These cranes have a wider range. They can span entire facilities, so you can lift, move, and position your materials throughout your area.
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Telescopic Crane
Telescopic cranes are one of the most flexible overhead equipment you can use in construction. This kind of heavy equipment is great for construction purposes, especially when transferring heavy material such as logs, rocks, or cement. These cranes are capable of extending the working area and height of the boom. They usually come with a hydraulically operated mechanism to work in a limited space.
The telescopic crane comes with several essential parts: a boom, mast, stabilizers, and a counterweight. The boom acts as the support for the stabilizers installed on both sides of the structure. These parts are known as mast and counterweight since they are used to counterbalance the crane’s weight and keep it stable while in operation.
Summary
Cranes can be used for anything from loading wagons to lifting extremely heavy loads on a construction site. The benefits of using this overhead equipment are that it’s efficient and cost-effective. You won’t need to hire many people to lift heavy objects around the site. It also makes the work easier and faster.
There are many ways you can operate this overhead equipment, and you should ensure you provide ample equipment training for operators so you can maintain the safety of your site. There are many types of overhead equipment you can use on your construction site. You should evaluate your construction site needs and requirements before you can use the best one to use.
