No. 56, Building 10, Jixiang South Street, Luoxi New City
Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Call Us
+86-18390874063
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-08-06 Origin: Site
By driving through a city like Toronto or New York you will quickly realize that tower cranes come in many different shapes and sizes. The different types of tower cranes are:
Hammerhead Crane (Jib Type)
Luffing Jib Tower Cranes (Jib Type)
Derrick Cranes (Jib Type)
Self Supporting Tower Cranes (Mast Type)
Travelling Tower Cranes (Mast Type)
Self Climbing Tower Cranes (Mast Type)
A hammerhead tower crane is a common type of tower crane found on construction projects throughout the world. The hammerhead tower crane is recognizable through it’s vertical mast (tower) with a horizontal jib which supports both the cab. A trolley runs along the mast horizontally carrying the cable and hook. This allows the hook position to be in any position along the mast.
A luffing jib tower crane, often called just a luffing or luffer crane is another common type of construction tower crane. The crane is recognizable due to its diagonal arm which extends out from the top of the mast (tower) on an angle. Unlike the hammerhead the hook point is located off the end of the jib. The crane counter weights are located closer to the tower, when combined with the angled arm the luffing jib tower crane typically has a higher capacity then the hammerhead crane.
Unlike the hammerhead crane, the diagonal arm can move in and out (from vertical to a 30 degree angle). This movement allows them to fit within tight spaces which is why you often see luffing jib cranes within downtown urban environments.
Similar in nature to the luffing jib type you can think of Derrick cranes as their little brother. These cranes are unique in nature as their size is typically designed to sit on rooftops or small spaces. Derrick cranes are unique in nature because of their outriggers which allow them to sit on a surface.
They are assembled in pieces and are often used to either assemble or disassemble tower cranes. Derrick cranes are unique because often times they do not have a cab for an operator. Instead they are operated by remote control which is either wired or wireless.
A self supporting mast type is a typical tower crane that is put to use in shorter structures where tower extensions are not required. Self supporting tower cranes are anchored at the base with a weight or reinforced concrete block. Piles may be required to anchor the base to bed rock.
Self supporting tower cranes are anchored in place, have a tower extending out of the anchor point and they rotate around the tower. Considerations for the tower’s reach need to be made prior to installation as they cannot be moved easily once in place.
A travelling tower crane is often used on projects which have a large footprint that require equipment be relocated regularly for lifting. A travelling tower crane is either track mounted or rail mounted. The tracks or rails allow the crane to travel horizontally along a path.
Depending upon the base or track design loads may or may not be able to be carried during the travelling period. If using this type of crane you need to ensure that you leave a path clear enough and flat enough on a project site to allow the crane to travel. If a path is not completely level and clear of debris you could risk the crane tipping over.
Self climbing tower cranes are one of the most fascinating pieces of equipment that can be found on a construction site. A self climbing tower crane starts it’s life as with a typical self supporting tower crane. A tower is erected and anchored to a concrete reinforcing base.
As the building extends vertically the tower is anchored to the existing structure. When the building reaches a point where the crane will not clear the structure the crane then increases it’s height by inserting a piece of tower within the existing tower and “climbing” upwards.
The below video will help to explain the process of self erecting a tower crane.
