Construction projects come in many different forms, and often require the use of different heavy equipment to ensure that they are carried off successfully. Almost all construction involves the use of a crane to lift materials into elevated areas, but not all cranes are the same — and certain applications demand specific crane types. Below, we’ll teach you how to identify the type of crane (and crane crew) your project requires and tell you where you can find appropriate personnel for the job. Read on, and make sure your team is always supported by qualified professionals who know how to achieve the best possible results with the equipment you’re using.
Working on a Tall Building in a Densely-Packed Downtown Area? Hire a Luffing Crane Crew
The luffing (or luffer) crane is a variation on the standard tower crane design. Tower cranes use a mast fixed to the earth by a heavy slab of concrete, which helps them remain upright and offers structural stability — even when lifting heavy objects. As such, they are some of the strongest and tallest cranes available in the construction industry. However, they can also be impractical for use in areas where many skyscrapers are built near one another, since the jib (or working arm) on a tower crane juts out at a 90-degree angle from the tower itself and can limit the crane’s ability to move amongst other tall structures without the risk of a collision. Luffing cranes are built so that the jib can operate parallel to the tower, allowing the arm to move more freely. A tower crane crew should only be put to work on a luffing crane if they have specific experience with luffer cranes, since the hook moves differently on these machines.
Need Extra Mobility in an Open Area? Consider a Hammerhead Crane Crew
Hammerhead cranes provide a unique racking capability by which their operators can move the lifting trolley outwards along the jib — even when it is fully loaded. This extra manoeuvrability comes at the cost of some grace, however, since it requires the jib to be built outwards from the back of the crane. Constructing the jib this way allows the hammerhead crane to accommodate extra machinery and a larger counterweight but makes it unusable in tight spaces. A hammerhead crane and crew are best used in a large open area such as a harbour or shipyard.
Whether you need a luffer crane crew for a downtown skyscraper or a hammerhead crane for work in an open industrial facility, JF Cranes can provide the solution. Our personnel have the proper training for use on all the crane types mentioned above, as well as standard tower cranes. We also have the knowledge and know-how to operate these machines safely. Call now for more information and speak to someone on our team who can tell you more about the services we offer. We look forward to lifting your business to greater heights with our help.
