5 Types of Cranes for Residential Construction Projects
Each construction project, whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial project, presents its own unique set of challenges. But whatever type of project you are working on, whatever these challenges are, the goal remains the same: turn over the project in a timely manner while getting a good profit.
The achievement of such a goal requires adequate planning, ample preparation, and proper execution.
For the planning and preparation stage, you should know well ahead about which type of resources you will need for a particular project. One specific asset that you might want to consider deploying for a residential project is a crane.
What are cranes?
Cranes have been around since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Back then, just like today, this type of heavy equipment was designed to lift and move objects, making cranes perfect for construction projects.
The design and construction of cranes may have evolved with the passing of time, but the principles behind their operations remain relatively the same: lift and move an object through the use of counterweights.
Cranes may be powered through different means. However, the most common of these are the internal combustion engine, electric motors, and hydraulic power.
Why use a crane for your project
The chief advantage of using a crane for your residential project is that you will be able to move construction materials more efficiently in terms of time and resources needed.
In construction, the adage “time is money” has never been more accurate. Each day of delay can eat up your profit and cause a misunderstanding between you and the client. Simply put, the faster you complete each project, the less likely you will have to deal with the hassles associated with a delayed project turnover.
Using a crane enables you to use fewer resources to move materials. This translates into savings that you can allocate to other important things.
Finally, cranes can safely move materials, provided that the operator has received proper training and the necessary safety protocols are put into place.
Types of cranes commonly used for residential projects
There are different types of cranes used in a variety of sectors, from shipping to mining. In construction, specifically residential construction projects, there are five types that are widely used. These are the tower, all-terrain, mobile, overhead, and self-erecting cranes.
Here’s an overview of these types of cranes.
Tower cranes
If there is one type of crane that the general public is accustomed to seeing, it would be tower cranes. Tower cranes are used primarily for lifting and moving heavy objects, ranging from construction materials like steel and concrete to other heavy equipment like generators.
Compared to some types of cranes, tower cranes are fixed into place until project completion.
All-terrain cranes
Don’t let an all-terrain crane’s compact size fool you. Despite its relatively small size, it is big in functionality, capable of lifting up to 1,000 tons of load to heights of up to 500 feet.
On top of that, this type of crane can handle different types of terrain and weather conditions, making it an outstanding workhorse for different kinds of projects.
It is particularly suited for job sites with little to no road accessibility, or projects that require more flexibility and agility.
Mobile cranes | Vehicle Mounted Crane
If you need a crane that can be easily deployed on the job site, consider using a mobile crane. Since this type of crane is mounted on a vehicle, it can be mobilized quickly and allow you to deal with challenges related to a job site’s terrain.
It comes in a variety of types, including carry deck, crawler, and hydraulic cranes.
Overhead cranes
If your project poses the challenge of having a tight space to work in, you might want to use an overhead or suspended crane.
This type of crane is capable of moving heavy loads in a unidirectional distance.
Self-erecting cranes
Self-erecting cranes are ideal for projects in communities that are densely populated. This is because this type of crane has a quiet operation and is emission-free. That translates to fewer disturbances to other residents of the area.
Furthermore, a self-erecting crane is operated remotely and can be installed and ready for use within a day.
Self erecting crane can be installed fast as seen in below YouTube Video
How to choose the best crane for your project
But how do you choose the right crane to hire for your project? Each job site will have its unique features, and each project will have its own set of requirements.
But whatever the features of the project site are or whatever the requirements of the projects are, there are a few critical considerations that you should factor in before settling in for a final choice.
These are the reach, terrain, load capacity, and cost.
Start by making a forecast of the project’s task requirements, specifically, the maximum height and distance that the crane’s load will be carried.
Next, examine the terrain on the job site. Take note that cranes are heavy and need to handle a considerable amount of weight, so the project site should be able to withstand the weight of the crane and the loads it needs to carry.
After that, check the project perimeter. Can you quickly bring in a specific type of crane to the job site or are there constraints, especially in terms of access?
Operating a crane requires experience and expertise, and should be a primary consideration before hiring this heavy equipment. Remember, the operator will not only move materials on the job site. He will also have to work with your crew and perform the necessary checks on the crane prior to operation.
Finally, consider the cost. Completing each project in a timely manner might be your primary goal, but the achievement of that should not come at the expense of your bottom line.
Making a case for cranes for residential projects
Numerous factors can affect a project timeline. This is why it is critical for each project to undergo sufficient planning and preparation. And one crucial task that should be included in this stage is determining the best type of equipment to use, like a crane.
Hopefully, with the information shared in this post, you’ll find it easier to identify the best types of Cranes for Residential Projects
Types Of Industrial Cranes
- Tower Crane
- Aerial Crane
- Ship Deck Crane
- Railroad Crane
- Bridge Crane
- Rough Terrain Crane
- Crawler Cranes
- Workstation Crane
- Gantry Crane
- Truck Mounted Crane
- Jib Crane
AUTHOR BIO
Hermann Buchberger is the Founder and CEO of Active Crane Hire (ACH). He’s taken the company from start-up to Industry Leader offering the largest fleet of construction cranes in Australia. ACH launched a new type of crane previously unheard of in the Australian market: electric tower cranes. The company’s infrastructure and associated services now comprise a fleet of trucks and trailers, a crane-rigging team, mobile crane technicians, a fleet of service vehicles, and an extensive range of crane spare parts.
Image Reference – https://theconstructor.org/
