In the 19th century, the term "machine tool" referred to any machine that shaped or formed metal. Today, the term is used more selectively to describe advanced machining centers, the most compact of which can only be shifted or moved with a crane or lifting device.
Put severe duty (Class E) cranes to work when you require high-speed load handling on a predictable and programmable cycle of operation. They are engineered to perform 20 near- or at-capacity lifts per hour.
Today's cranes make use of either petroleum, hydraulics or electricity to do their work. These highly practical power sources enable professional crane operators and riggers to perform lifting jobs that help get projects done quickly, safely and economically.
Cranes used in construction often perform a variety of tasks and must be controlled by highly skilled operators. Construction cranes are divided into mobile cranes and tower cranes.
During the High Middle Ages, the treadwheel crane was reintroduced on a large scale, after the technology had fallen into disuse in western Europe with the demise of the Western Roman Empire. The earliest reference to a treadwheel appears in archival literature in France from about 1225.
Cranes used for industrial purposes are generally designed to remain permanently in one location. These cranes often perform repetitive tasks that can be automated. An important type of industrial crane is the bridge crane.
Did you know that cranes were constructed and disassembled on site during the Medieval Ages? Much like our use of cranes today, in the Medieval Ages cranes were often assembled inside the buildings they were constructing and then disassembled when the job was done.
In the 1800s, hand-powered gantry cranes were an essential part of the carriage building industry. They were used to lift and remove the carriage body from a damaged chassis and reposition it over a new, functional one.
Did you know that lift safety often falls on the shoulders of the rigger? A rigger is responsible for securing the load to the crane so he must be very familiar with the machine and have in-depth knowledge of safety standards.
For structures that require great strength, particularly in cranes designed to lift very heavy objects, a variety of substances known as high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels are used. HSLA steels contain relatively low levels of carbon, typically about 0.05%.
Did you know that one of the earliest versions of a crane to be developed was the shaduf in ancient Egypt more than 4,000 years ago? A shaduf consisted of a long pivoting beam balanced on a vertical support. A heavy weight was attached to one end of the beam and a bucket on the other to move water. The beam was then rotated to the desired position, and the bucket was emptied.
Even if you’re doing the same thing with your crane as someone else, you’ll be using your crane differently with different loads. When you work with a crane specialist to make your crane, you can be sure that he or she will make the crane to fit your requirements.
One type of early crane was the treadwheel crane, which included a large wooden wheel that turned around a central shaft with a treadway wide enough for workers walking side by side.
Although the Greeks are widely credited with inventing the modern crane, the ancient Egyptians devised a somewhat similar device to move water. What was it called? If you guessed a "shaduf," you're right.
Did you know that the ancient Romans were the first to use multiple cranes for cooperative lifting tasks? This is evidenced by the massive cornerstone blocks that were used in some of the most famous Roman structures.
Did you know that cranes used to be powered by people on large wheels? Back before the invention of steam power, cranes were built with what looked like large hamster wheels on the side. Workers would walk or climb in the wheels to raise and lower the crane.
Before traveling with a load, we will dispatch trained personnel to the site to assess the variables, and identify necessary safety precautions. These include terrain type, boom length, momentum during starting and stopping, and other factors.
It’s believed that it was the ancient Greeks who made the world’s first cranes. These early versions where quite different from today’s steel, mechanized cranes: they were made from wood and powered by beasts of burden or slaves.
Work spaces will inevitably have different layouts so a crane system that works for one factory may not necessarily work for yours. This isn't a problem, however since professionals can tailor fit a system specifically for your needs.
Treadwheel cranes were typically powered by what force? If you guessed this type of crane, or hoist, was usually human powered, or possibly powered by animals like donkeys or horses, you're right.
Counterweights go by a large number of different names, including rock, soap stone, weights, sandbags, slabs, kidney weights, cheaters, and pig cranes. Whatever name they use, they're a valuable part of a crane's ability to lift a load without falling over.
Did you know that cranes (or the basic principle of them that uses levers and/or pulleys to lift significant weights) have been around since ancient times? In fact, the ancient Romans used crane-like machines to build huge monuments.
One way to know if the crane company you're working with is truly professional is by observing the crew. If they make the job look easy, then chances are, they have a high level of competence as well as lot of experience.
Most businesses absolutely rely on their crane, which means, when it breaks down, business grinds to a halt, and you immediately start losing money. Crane manufacturers can not only install cranes, but can also quickly repair them to get you up and running again.
