Mobile cranes are one of the most popular machines that you can rent from crane rentals to use in your rigging project. The machines make use of a collection of simple machines that raise and lower the objects. The cool thing is that the machines also have the capability to raise objects horizontally.
You can use mobile cranes for a wide range of projects. You can use them to lift heavy objects and move them over short distances, and also use them in the construction of larger tower cranes.
How mobile cranes work
The working of the cranes is made possible by the presence of many parts that work together to allow the crane to lift the heavy equipment. The mast (the tall vertical part of the crane) is supported by a large, heavy base that aids in offsetting the weight of the crane that holds it at higher heights.
The top of the mast has a slewing unit made up of a gear and motor, that allow the crane to rotate. The slewing unit contains the jib (a long horizontal working arm) that makes use of the trolley to carry the load. There is also the shorter machinery arm that contains the crane’s motor, and larger concrete counter weights that aid in balancing the load.
In addition to these parts, the crane also makes use of the pulley system that helps the crane to lift heavier loads with minimal force.
Types of mobile cranes
If you are looking to rent a mobile crane, you are on the lucky side as there are many types of these cranes in the market that you can go for. The most common ones being:
Truck mounted: These amount to up to 75% of all cranes you will find in construction sites. They are loved by many people as they are adaptable to a wide range of jobs, can lift heavy loads, and they can move by themselves, instead of waiting to be transported.
Many people also go for the cranes as they can swivel a full 360 degrees, giving you a wide area to work on.
Sidelifter: A sidelifter crane is permanently mounted on the top of the flatbed truck or railroad car. While they aren’t very popular, they are heavily used in loading and unloading containers. In rare cases, you will find them being used in construction sites.
All terrain cranes: From their name, you can use them in both paved highways and rocky landscapes. When you are moving them on the highways, they can travel at high speeds, and at the same time have the necessary power to handle a wide range of construction projects.
Rough terrain: As the name implies, you use these in unpaved areas and challenging landscapes. They are ideal for use in off-road areas that might be challenging for the other types of cranes.
Many people go for these cranes for their 4-wheel drive capabilities and their ease of set up. All you need to do to start working with them is to set them at a strategic location and you start the heavy lifting.
Crawler cranes: The most unique thing about these cranes is that they move on treads, rather than wheels. They are loved by many people as they are stable and can handle a lot of weight.
They are also unlikely to get stuck in mud due to their threads.
While they are good, their main challenge is their transportation—you have to dismantle them for you to transport them to the job site.
Tips for better mobile crane operations
For you to properly use the crane, you need to consider a number of tips. Some of these tips include:
Never override the mobile crane’s computer system
Just like when using other cranes, be aware of all overhead hazards. You should be ultra-cautious of those close to buildings and power lines.
Before you start lifting, check the ground conditions. Crane services DC providers recommend that you inspect the site and ensure that its suitable to support the mobile crane and any loads that you might suspend on it.
Before you start using the crane, double check the gas, oil, and the flued levels. Only operate the crane when the levels are sufficient.
