For big building construction projects, tower cranes are utilized rather frequently. These machinery are rather required for heavy lifting as well as placing supplies and equipment. Tower cranes offer a different configuration which provides numerous benefits over more conventional cranes. These advantages consist of: higher vertical lift, quiet electrical operation, increased capacities, and reduced space requirements.
Hammerhead Crane
A hammerhead crane is a different configuration that is most often associated with a tower crane. In this situation, a long horizontal jib is connected to a vertical tower. One end of the jib extends horizontally over the worksite and the other end of the jib acts as a counterweight. There is a trolley on the hammerhead crane. This trolley has the lifting cable and could travel along the length of the jib. The tower crane can operate anywhere within the jib's radius.
Self-Erecting Tower Cranes
Self-erecting cranes are often assembled on location with the assistance of another crane. This provides a huge benefit in setup time and really saves time in equipment expenses as well. Self-erecting cranes are usually remote-controlled from the ground, even though there are several models that have an operator cab built onto the jib.
Self-erecting cranes are generally freestanding and this allows them the opportunity to be able to be moved around. There are several models that have a telescoping tower which enables the crane to work at multiple heights without the need to reconfigure the tower.
Luffing Jib Tower Crane
Normally, in urban work environments, there is not enough space or clearance for the jib to rotate freely without being blocked by existing buildings. A luffing jib tower crane is ideal for such tight spaces. The majority of tower cranes have a fixed horizontal jib. The driver can lower or raise a luffing jib in order to enable the crane to swing in a reduced radius.