Types of cranes: What types of cranes are commonly used in construction

What are cranes?

A crane is a lifting device that can move heavy loads horizontally and vertically. This is done by moving the lifting hook up and down via lifting blocks using a winch. A lifting crane is usually erected temporarily and is mainly used in the construction and transport sectors for loading and unloading goods. A lifting crane is usually fixed to the ground or mounted on a mobile structure such as a truck.

Types of cranes: From the mobile crane to the tower crane and everything in between

A lifting crane is an exceptional structure, widely used in construction. However, can you spot which crane you see at work on the street? The differences between different types of cranes are outlined in this article.

Mobile crane

As the name suggests, a mobile crane is mobile and can therefore be easily moved from one place to another. A mobile crane is very efficient if you want to use the crane in different places on the site or in different locations. Because a mobile crane changes location frequently, it is easy to set up. In addition, the compact size of a mobile crane makes it ideal for locations where space and access are limited. Mobile cranes are therefore versatile and flexible in their use and can legally be driven on public roads.

Tower crane

A tower crane consists of a mast that stands on the ground and is anchored in a concrete base. The mast is sometimes mounted on a rail, over which the tower crane is able to travel. At the top of the mast is the horizontal arm, also called the jib, which rotates in relation to the mast. A trolley (wheeled trolley) with a hook attached to it travels over the jib, allowing the hook to move closer and further away from the mast and the hook to be raised and lowered by a winch (hoist).

A tower crane, unlike a mobile crane, is often in a fixed location and cannot be easily moved. A tower crane can take hours to days to set up and can be up to 100 metres high, so it can't be erected and dismantled quickly. This is often not a problem as a tower crane has an incredibly long outreach that often does not even require the crane to be moved to perform a lift elsewhere on the site.

Mobile tower crane

Mobile tower cranes combine the advantages of mobile cranes and tower cranes. It is a tower crane that is mobile. Mobile cranes are often used in urban areas where space is limited and they can be quickly turned around and erected (in about 15 minutes). In addition, this type of crane offers the possibility of placing the cabin at different heights, giving the operator a good view. This makes work faster and safer. Mobile tower cranes are equipped with a radio remote control that allows the operator to control the crane. In addition, the boom is equipped with several lights so that work can be carried out as safely as possible even in the dark.

Telescopic crane

A telescopic crane is a crane with a telescopic boom made up of extendable tubes. The telescopic crane can sometimes be up to 8 times the original length of the base tube when the boom is extended. The boom can then be raised and lowered using one or more hydraulic cylinders.

A telescopic crane is often used for short-term projects, such as small demolition work or lifting boats in and out of the water. Compared to a tower crane or a boom crane, the telescopic crane is much smaller.

Mobile telescopic crane

A telescopic crane is usually a mobile crane, often mounted on a truck chassis. Mobile telescopic cranes are flexible cranes that can be set up quickly, giving them the advantage of being able to be used for short lifting jobs.

Crawler crane

A crawler crane is a crane on tracks. The crawler stands for the tracks that can be placed underneath a crane, allowing the crane to be mobile and to work in places that are difficult to reach. A crawler crane has its own undercarriage with tracks that provide mobility, flexibility and stability. An advantage is that crawler cranes can be self-propelled with loads.

Caterpillar telescopic crane

A crawler telescopic crane is a telescopic crane on tracks. This makes the crane mobile. A crawler telescopic crane is often used on difficult terrain and where large working heights are required. This happens in many different sectors, such as construction, industry, but also sustainability. With a tracked telescopic boom, you have the versatility and speed of a telescopic mast with a stable and robust tracked undercarriage. Tracked telescopic booms can also travel with a full load.

Rough terrain crane

Rough terrain cranes are suitable for working in difficult conditions, in places where normal mobile cranes cannot reach. The rough terrain crane is a compact crane that is often particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions. A rough terrain crane is often used for industrial and power plants, maintenance work or as a support crane for setting up another larger crane.

Mini crane

A mini crane is the smallest crane of all types of lifting cranes. Mini cranes are often used on small sites with limited space, both indoors and outdoors. Some mini cranes even fit through doorways. Mini cranes are often used for glass handling or restoration projects.

How much does a crane cost?

The cost of a lifting crane depends on the specifications of the crane. Obviously, a large telescopic crane is more expensive than a mini crane. Therefore, it is not possible to quote a single price when you want to know the cost of a lifting crane. The best thing to do is to find out what type of crane you need for your business and then look up prices.

Are you interested in leasing a crane?

Beequip makes crane leasing easy. Thanks to our knowledge of the equipment you work with, we can offer you the most suitable lease for your business. Whether you want to lease a mobile crane or a mini crane. You can contact us for all different types of cranes.