Understanding the Different Types of Cranes You Can Hire

Cranes come in a wide variety of models and choices, from mini cranes that can be used on home remodeling projects to large-scale cranes that you need to use for high-rises and other such construction. If you need to rent or hire a crane for a project, and this is your first time having to decide on the best type of crane for your use, note a few different types of cranes you might find so you can determine the right one for your needs.

Truck crane

A truck crane is a crane arm that is attached to the back of a heavy-duty truck. This type of crane offers maximum mobility, as the truck can easily be moved from one location to the next as quickly as you can drive a standard truck. For jobs where you need the crane to move around quickly or for when you're using the crane to deliver items from one end of a jobsite to another, rather than hoisting items from the ground to a high-rise site, a truck crane is the best option.

All-terrain crane

An all-terrain crane is a type of truck crane, however, you might immediately notice one significant difference: an all-terrain crane has more wheels than a truck. An all-terrain crane may have anywhere from six to twelve wheels or even more; this allows for maximum traction in mud, soft soil, sand, and other such conditions while still keeping the crane mobile when on concrete or asphalt. If your construction project will span both a concrete or paved lot and something unpaved, you need an all-terrain crane to accommodate.

Self-erecting crane

This type of crane has a very long arm that folds up when not in use and when being transported, and which then unfolds to reach very high heights. Usually a self-erecting crane is operated remotely, so that the entire area of the crane is reserved for the crane arm and not an operator's cab. For constructing high rises in close, tight area, such as for city construction, a self-erecting crane is the best choice.

Spider crane

A spider crane has added outriggers or legs that extend out from the base to keep it steady and even over unlevel ground. Spider cranes are also used for lifting large loads in a very small space; those added outriggers help to disperse the weight that might topple any other type of crane. For added balance with your crane when working over rocky soil or an area that may not be level and even, and for home projects where you need maximum lifting capacity without the span of a large crane, choose a spider crane.


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