Cranes can be classified into several broad categories such as:

• Mobile Cranes
• Tower Cranes
• Derricks
• Bridge/Gantry Cranes
• Container Cranes
• Barge Cranes
• Etcetera

Since we concentrate in construction, we’ll be talking about the common cranes that are used at typical construction sites such as mobile cranes, tower cranes, ringers, and derricks.

Whether they are lattice boom crawler cranes, hydraulic all-terrain cranes, or rough-terrain cranes, mobile cranes are the backbone of the construction industry. 

Lattice boom crawler cranes can range in capacity from 75T to 3500T or more.  They are extremely versatile with many options such as wheeled or hanging counterweights, fixed jibs, luffing jibs, and etc.  With all of these options, a lattice boom crawler crane can be found to do almost any job in the construction industry.  Crawler cranes are not transported to site fully assembled due the size and weight of the many pieces.  The crane is delivered in manageable pieces and assembled on site.  Therefore this type of crane usually require another crane or two to assemble and laydown space to build.  These cranes require a level foundation to support the ground bearing pressures imposed by the crane when being assembled as well as during lifting operations.  These cranes require planning and forethought before being brought on-site.

Hydraulic all-terrain cranes can range in capacity from 20T to 650T or more.  All-terrain cranes are usually designed to be able to drive on roadways and highways to be able to travel from a rental yard to a project.  They are usually much higher in capacity than rough-terrain cranes and require more set-up time.  All-terrain cranes usually have their booms and counterweights brought in on separate truck and trailers and therefore they can have a higher mobilization cost.   

Rough-terrain cranes are probably the most popular type of crane worldwide and ca n range in capacity from 15T to 160T or more.  Unlike the all-terrain cranes, the rough-terrain cranes usually only have four oversized wheels and are not meant to travel on roadways.  Rough-terrain cranes have all wheel drive capability and all-wheel steering.  They require little set-up time and are used greatly as yard cranes and site fabrication cranes.  These cranes also provide excellent charts for pick and carry needs.  Rough-terrain cranes are usually brought to site in a single assembly on a semi-trailer because they cannot travel on the highway.

Tower cranes, ringers, and derricks are referred to as fixed cranes since they stay in a stationary location from mobilization to demobilization.  These cranes are used in more specialized cases as in where there may be a limited footprint area for a crane.  Even though they are in a fixed position, they still require about the same amount of space as a mobile crane to assemble and disassemble.  For tower cranes, when fixed to the ground, they will often give you the best combination of height and lifting capacity when building tall structures.  It is important to note that for tower cranes, once they reach a certain height they will need to be tied back to the structure being built to help prevent crane sway and tipping.   Tower cranes also need to have clear air space to allow the rotating part of the tower to freely swing when not in use or will probably need to be tethered down.

We want to make sure you have a successful lift and that starts with proper planning and selecting the correct crane for the job.  We can help in this process by helping to create a lift plan and help size the correct crane for the job.  Here at The Dothea Group, we will do our best to meet your schedule needs and we will provide efficient, engineered solutions to better your project, improve safety, and increase your bottom line.   

If you are interested in learning more about our engineering services, contact us today.  We can partner with you to ensure a successful bid or project.