What are Crawler Cranes?
Crawler cranes are heavy-duty construction equipment widely used for lifting and moving heavy objects. Powered by diesel engines, these versatile machines move around on tracks, making them highly maneuverable.
Basic Components of Crawler Cranes
Crawler cranes have several key components that allow them to perform heavy lifting tasks:
Tracks - The tracks are made of linked metal plates that provide traction while moving the crane over various surfaces. Crawler cranes can travel over soft ground thanks to their wide tracks.
Undercarriage - Crawler Cranes forms the base that supports the upperstructure and counterweights. It includes the tracks, track frames, rollers, and hydraulic/mechanical components.
Upperstructure - Mounted on the undercarriage, this section contains the operator's cab, boom, winches, and other lifting gear. It can rotate 360 degrees on the undercarriage.
Boom - The crane's principal lifting device, usually made of multiple sections that can extend/retract hydraulically. It supports the hoist rope/cable and hook block assembly.
Counterweights - These heavy blocks mounted at the rear help provide stability during lifting operations by offsetting the weight of the load. Bigger counterweights allow cranes to lift heavier loads.
Hoist Equipment - Consists of the winch/drum that winds in the hoisting rope, and the hook with safety latch that connects to the load. There may also be auxiliary winches for boom/jib functions.
Control Systems - Cranes have hydraulic, electronic and computer-based control systems that allow precision operation from the cab. Sensors and limit switches enhance safety.
Applications of Crawler Cranes
Due to their mobility and high load capacities, crawler cranes are well-suited for a variety of heavy lifting jobs on construction sites:
Erecting Steel Structures - Crawler cranes with boom lengths up to 250+ feet can efficiently assemble tall buildings, bridges, towers and more. Their maneuverability near structures is a big advantage.
Precast Concrete Placement - Heavier sections like walls, beams and floors are set in place much faster using crawler cranes versus other equipment.
Demolition Projects - For dismantling buildings piece by piece, crawler cranes can lift, grasp and remove even the most unwieldy debris safely.
Foundation Work - Tasks like installing drilled shafts/piers or placing cofferdams into excavations require cranes with major reach and lifting capacity near trenches.
Wind Turbine Installation - Erecting the large nacelles and blades atop tall turbine towers demands cranes with ability to operate precisely at heights over 500 feet.
Crawler Crane Design Features
Manufacturers offer various customized designs tailored for different applications and jobsite conditions:
All Terrain Ability - Models with wider/balloon tires can traverse softer ground, swamps and areas lacking ideal soil compaction better than track-only versions.
Extended Booms - Retractable/non-retractable booms ranging 150-350+ feet provide the height needed for distant picks or working near obstacles.
Lattice Boom - An open, truss-style construction allows greater extension compared to single- or multi-section rigid booms of same length. However, lattice booms have less capacity.
Jib and Inserts - Auxiliary lifting arms (jibs) or removable sections (inserts) help reach over obstacles or pick from limited access areas alongside structures.
High Operating Heights - Specialized lattice boom cranes can position loads as high as 700+ feet using extended booms, jibs and luffing capability.
Load Moment Indicators - Computerized systems prevent overloading the crane by monitoring boom angle, radius, load weight and creating a load chart in the cab.
Derrick Booms - Configured like tower cranes, these stationary cranes have rigidity for heavy lifting but lack crawler mobility without disassembly/reassembly.
In the crawler cranes are versatile heavy construction equipment capable of precisely maneuvering and lifting immense loads. Their rugged design paired with optional features allows these machines to tackle a wide range of difficult lifting tasks on job sites. With capacities from 50-1200 US tons, crawler cranes continue proving indispensable for major industrial and infrastructure projects worldwide.
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