Heavy-duty machinery is a common occurrence on any construction site. The type, size, and added features of these pieces of equipment are often the deciding factors in how safely and efficiently a job gets done and whether or not the deadline is met.
One of the more common ways to ensure this is to opt for the crawler crane hire Melbourne Rental companies are offering. What exactly is a crawler crane? How is it better than a mobile truck crane and why should you hire one for your next lifting job? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Crawler Crane?
Crawler cranes, also referred to as city or mini cranes, are heavy-duty cranes that use tracks instead of tyres. They are also not mounted on trucks such as mobile cranes. Distinguishing features on your average crawler crane are its compact size and small tail swing radius. Both of these features are ideal for use in cramped and tight spaces.
Its ability to easily manoeuvre around small spaces makes it the preferred machine for work that needs to be done on roads and pavements around Australia. It’s also significantly easier to use in dense, urban cities.
Another stand-out feature includes an upper deck that can rotate a full 360 degrees. There’s also a lattice boom which can have an optional extension. This enhances the height that the crane can reach.
Crawler Cranes are Superior in Many Ways
Many project managers regard hiring and using crawler cranes as a no-brainer when it comes to lifting tasks. We’ve compiled a list of the top ways that a crawler crane will take the stress out of all your lifting tasks.
1. Offer All-Terrain Mobility
One of the top reasons to opt for a crawler crane is its all-terrain mobility. Heavy-duty tracks enable these cranes to travel and work on difficult terrain such as mud, gravel, loose soil, and all other types of uneven terrain.
Tracks also make it easy for the crane to move around on sites where the area is still being cleared in the early stages of development. Travelling to off-road locations is also easier with tracks.
2. Stellar Stability
Crawler cranes are well known for their stability. This is because being positioned on tracks creates a lower gravity, which when combined with a wider support base, enhances stability. Increased stability also enables the crane to lift considerably heavy loads without the risk of tipping over.
3. Simple and Speedy Setup
On a construction site, getting a specific job done is often reliant on something else getting moved or cleared beforehand. The last thing you need is to have work coming to a standstill because your team is waiting for a crane to be set up.
Unlike some stand-alone cranes, there’s no need for drawn-out setup processes. Crawler cranes require minimal setup which means your operator will be ready to work in no time. You can also speak to your rental company about including a licensed operator in the rental process. This benefit eliminates the need to train one of your employees.
4. Superior Lifting Capacity
Many crawler cranes boast an average lifting capacity that can range up to 3,500 short tons. This means your team will easily be able to move the timber and steel beams that are often used in various construction jobs. The crawler will be able to move materials around your job site without any hassle.
You can also opt for a crawler crane model that has a 300” boom with an additional 300” jib extension. This will allow the crawler to have more reach and also be able to move materials around in hard-to-reach spaces. The jib allows the crane to park at a safe distance and reach into the space, rather than to squeeze into a difficult or overly narrow area.
5. Minimal Damage to Surrounding Ground
If you’ve ever worked in wetland areas then you’ll know how much damage machinery can do to the ground. Fortunately, tracks allow for a more even distribution of the machine weight. When this happens, there’s less chance of severe damage to areas where soil preservation and structure are important.
6. Enhanced Safety Features
There are also a host of safety features that will reduce the risk of a potential accident. These typically include the following:
- Safety overload alarm: Alerts the operator that the load capacity is close to being reached.
- Computer safety aids: Advanced technology enables the operator to perform each function more safely and effectively.
- Turnover protection: Keeps the cane stable and reduces the risk of falling over when lifting heavier materials.
Final Thoughts
If you need a lifting machine in a small space, or the terrain is less than desirable, you’ll do well to hire a crawler crane. Superior features you can look forward to include minimal damage to the surrounding ground combined with superior lifting capacity. Since set-up is quick and easy and the machine boasts a host of safety issues, moving heavy materials around on your job site just became a whole lot more convenient.
