7.3. Types of Tower Cranes

Now, let us look into what are all the different crane configurations possible. Different types of cranes are available. You can classify it from different perspective. So, basically, the crane is classified into 2 important categories based on mobility. One is mobile crane; other one is tower crane.

Cranes are essential in construction and can be broadly classified based on their mobility into two main types: mobile cranes and tower cranes. Mobile cranes are those that can move from one place to another, while tower cranes are where the structure remains fixed. Understanding this classification helps in selecting the appropriate crane type for a project based on site requirements and mobility needs.

Think of mobile cranes like a delivery truck that can easily travel to different locations, while tower cranes are like a stationary lighthouse that provides a fixed service but cannot move. Just as you would choose a delivery truck for a package that needs to be transported far and wide, you choose mobile cranes for jobs that require movement and flexibility.

The tower cranes can be further classified based upon the base type into static and travelling. That means static means; your tower crane is fixed either fixed to the foundation to the ground or fixed on the top of the tower. So, it is static. Other type of tower crane is traveling, your tower cranes can also be traveling. It can be mounted on a truck or mounted on a crawler or truck or it can be mounted on a rail.

Tower cranes are specialized cranes that are often used in the construction of tall buildings. They can be classified into two main types based on their base structure: static and traveling. Static tower cranes are fixed to the ground or top of a building, providing substantial height and stability, while traveling tower cranes can move along tracks or be mounted on vehicles, allowing for mobility on larger construction sites.

Imagine a tall lighthouse fixed on a cliff that provides light to ships far away; that’s how a static tower crane operates. Now picture a mobile train that can drive around to deliver goods; that's similar to how a traveling tower crane works, allowing it to reach different areas of a large construction site efficiently.

Similarly, the boom of the crane, you can classify into horizontal boom and luffing boom. Horizontal means the boom is fixed saddle type where I cannot change the angle of inclination of the boom that is called as horizontal. Luffing means, I can change the angle of inclination of the boom.

The boom of a crane, which is its arm that lifts materials, can also be classified into two types: horizontal booms and luffing booms. Horizontal booms remain fixed and cannot be adjusted, while luffing booms can change their angle of incline, allowing for greater versatility and range when lifting and placing materials at different heights and distances.

Think of a horizontal boom as an outstretched arm that cannot bend; it can reach out but stays at the same height. In contrast, a luffing boom is comparable to an arm that can bend at the elbow, allowing it to reach higher or lower, making it easier to deposit materials exactly where needed.

Similarly, mobile cranes also can be classified based on mounting, boom type and jib type. So, mounting, you can mount it on a truck or a crawler or a ringer base. Boom type, you can have lattice boom or telescopic boom. Just now, we discussed about the lattice boom. They are lightweight booms. Telescopic or solid booms which are heavier.

Mobile cranes can be categorized by how they are constructed, including their mounting style, boom type, and jib type. Mounting options include being on a truck for road travel or a crawler for rough terrain. The boom types include lattice booms, which are light and strong, and telescopic booms, which can be extended or retracted and are generally heavier. Understanding these categories helps in selecting the crane best suited for specific job requirements.

Think of a mobile crane on a truck as a portable toolbox that can easily be moved from place to place, while a crawler-mounted crane is more like a multi-tools Swiss army knife, designed to handle different terrains. Choosing between lattice and telescopic booms is like deciding whether to use a lightweight backpack for short hikes or a more robust suitcase for longer travel, with each land cover its suitable scenario.

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