Tower cranes are being used often for large building construction projects. They are essential for the heavy lifting and placing of supplies and machines. Tower cranes offer a different configuration which provides numerous advantages over more traditional cranes. These benefits comprise: higher vertical lift, quiet electrical operation, increased capacities, and reduced space requirements.
Hammerhead Crane
A hammerhead crane is a different configuration which is most typically associated with a tower crane. In this case, a long horizontal jib is connected to a vertical tower. One end of the jib acts as a counterweight and the other end of the jib extends horizontally over the worksite. On the hammerhead crane, there is a trolley. This trolley has the lifting cable and travels along the length of the jib. The tower crane is capable of operating anywhere in the jib's radius.
Self-Erecting Tower Cranes
Self-erecting cranes are normally assembled on location with the assistance of a different crane. This greatly saves time in equipment expenses and provides a huge benefit in setup time too. Self-erecting cranes are usually remote-controlled from the ground, although there are some models that have an operator cab built onto the jib.
The self-erecting crane is normally freestanding to allow them the opportunity to be moved around. There are several models which have a telescoping tower that enables the crane to work at various heights without the need to reconfigure the tower.
Luffing Jib Tower Crane
Most urban work settings do not have enough clearance or space for the jib to freely rotate without existing buildings blocking its movement. A luffing jib tower crane is ideal for such tight spaces. Most tower cranes have a fixed horizontal jib. The operator could raise or lower a luffing jib in order to allow the crane to swing in a reduced radius.