An important development in crane design occurred during the Middle Ages, when a horizontal arm known as a jib was added to the boom. The jib was attached to the boom in a way which allowed it to pivot, allowing for an increased range of motion.
Did you know that the do-it-all heavy equipment lifting machines we call cranes got their name because they are thought to resemble the long-necked, long-legged bird of the same name? Cranes are also the largest flying birds in the world, so the shared name is particularly appropriate.
The most important substance used to manufacture cranes is steel. Steel is an alloy of iron and a small amount of carbon. For structures that do not require very high strength, a common form of steel known as carbon steel is used.
A key part of a tower crane is the ability to move the cable up and down the length of the jib, which is done by use of a trolley that's run by cables running along the jib. The combination of the jib, trolley, and 360° turning radius allow the crane to move the load to any location.
As floor space becomes limited or congested, installing overhead tracks and cranes for moving inventory will improve productivity, make your operations more efficient, and contribute to a safer workplace. Once we conduct a site assessment, we will be able to show the best system(s) for your business.
The newly invented aplanatic projector was a major attraction at the 1855 Paris Exhibition. Designed for lighthouses and similar applications, the 3-foot diameter lighting device featured parabolic mirrors and was exhibited on a mobile crane that was wheeled through the exhibition hall.
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%. They also contain a small amount of one or more other elements that add strength.
Did you know that cranes have been able to work in water for a while now? In fact, floating cranes or crane vessels, as they are more commonly known today, first came into use in the 14th century.
In 1877, a British manufacturer published an ad in the London newspaper touting its newest crane, which provided “Lifting Power by Steam, Water or Hand … for Dock, Wharves, Contractors, Quarry Owners, Builders, etc.”
Did you know that floating cranes went into use during the 14 century? These types of cranes, mounted on ships, were created and employed to help handle the increased amount of goods moving through European shipping and trading ports.
When a fork lift runs into something, it does more than just damage the fork lift or the load. It can often cause other things to fall or lead to structural damage. Overhead cranes lift the load up above other items, which makes collision much less likely.
Just like any other large truck, cranes are subject to a number of regulations through the Department of Transportation, including the maximum amount of weight per axle. Crane experts use equipment like crane dollies, since cranes can exceed maximum weight levels.
Gantry cranes are typically employed in areas where it is not feasible to install overhead runways, where the existing overhead crane is not rated for the work that needs to be performed, or when the work is outdoors.
Jib arm is the horizontal arm of a tower crane that can extend outward 85m. The arm has 3 sides forming an isosceles triangle with a trolley track running along the bottom section.
Did you know that many monolithic structures like the Greek Parthenon and the Acropolis, as well as the Egyptian pyramids, may have used cranes in their construction? Historians believe that cranes have existed for more than 2,000 years and may have helped construct some of the world’s most famous structures.
Did you know that cranes are operated in the air, on land and on the water? Floating cranes and land cranes have been in operation for many centuries, while aerial cranes attached to helicopters are a more recent development.
Gantry cranes have a variety of configurations, depending on the limitations of the building and the service that needs to be performed. Single and double girder, cantilever, and single or double leg for both indoor and outdoor applications are available.
If the project will take place in an environment that prevents test procedures, inspection, standard operation, or maintenance because of contamination, temperature extremes, chemical gasses, radioactivity, or other hazardous conditions, a Hostile Environment Plan must be developed.
Did you know that in addition to there being a wide variety of different crane designs, cranes are also often modified to suit the needs of the user? For this reason, there aren't too many cranes that are exactly alike.
Crawler cranes are mobile cranes that do not require outriggers for stability. Mounted to a chassis with a set of tracks inside, crawler cranes are powerful machines. In fact, they have the ability to lift between 40 tons and 3500 tons!
When hydraulic cranes were first introduced in the 1940s, they were an instant hit. They were smaller, more mobile, safer and easier to operate than the heavy duty friction cranes common in that era.
There can be a variety of reasons why you need to install a tank on your building, including propane storage, water storage, or gasoline storage. No matter why or where you need to install a tank, a crane expert will help get it there.
With street accessibility and a lightweight two axle and eight wheel suspension, Hydraulic Truck Cranes can function at almost any job site. Hydraulic trucks range from 30 to 600 ton capacity and feature a hydraulic boom that can reach lengths up to 200 feet.
Do not load any crane with more than is specified on its load-rating chart. Remember load rating includes the weight of the rigging as well as the item lifted. The block, hook, and crane are also part of the load.
