Cranes have existed for many centuries and have known many variants over time. For a while there was even a crane that was powered by ‘crane children’. Meanwhile almost all cranes are electrically powered. There are still several types of crane machines and they all have a different purpose. Crane rental is available in various types and sizes.

What types of crane machines are there and in which sectors do you find crane machines?

There are various types of crane machines and they all have a different purpose. Most cranes are used in construction and shipping, but also in the logistics sector and road and hydraulic engineering various types of crane machines are used.

Let’s see what types there are:

Mobile cranes

Some truck-mounted cranes are mobile and have an independently functioning hydraulic system. The disadvantage, however, is that their light construction quickly allows them to reach the maximum weight. Mobile can be set up faster, is very flexible and is able to access area’s where the static crane can’t reach. It does not require much space and is relatively cost-efficient.

Offshore cranes

Offshore cranes are made like an iron tree construction with a horizontal tree on top of it to which the hook is attached for lifting materials. In many cranes there is a cabin for the crane operator at the top of the boom. Different types of offshore cranes are the Knuckle boom crane, the Ram Luffing crane and the Boom hoist crane. The biggest advantage of offshore cranes is that they can be used at performing dock operations. They are regularly light-weight and have better vessel stability.

Masting sheers

A masting sheer, sheer or masting crane has a boom that can turn, but the mast itself is fixed. They are mainly used in shipping and offshore. It is a specialized shipyard crane, built to place tall masts onto sailing ships. The main advantage of a masting sheer is its stability and strength, while the disadvantage is that a masting sheer cannot be moved.

Tower cranes

Tower cranes are the most used crane type in the world. Unlike the crane, the hook of tower cranes can be moved back and forth along the horizontal length of the boom, allowing objects to be taken closer and further away and moved. Also the tower crane itself is sometimes on rails and can therefore be moved over a limited length. The largest cranes in the world are tower cranes. Their benefit is therefore their amazing height which allows them to transport the largest loads on earth. In addition, they have an incredible stability and can be used on the hardest tasks. Nevertheless, there are a few disadvantages when it comes to tower cranes. First, there is a major labor intensity on installation. Moreover, they have a relatively high maintenance cost for repairs and maintenance.

Telescopic crane

Telescopic cranes are part of a truck and have a telescopic arm that can extend up to about 8 times the length of the tube. Only the lifting arm has the possibility to bend up and down, the telescopic arm can only rotate horizontally. Telescopic cranes can adjust height according to the place. Next to that, they can be used in rescue operations because of their ability to adjust height. They are flexible and mobile and can move loads with incredible precision. However, telescopic cranes are not as mobile as mobile cranes.

Overhead crane

These cranes are only the horizontal arms that are attached over the entire length of a shed. On top of this a trolley moves back and forth that can offer such a lifting function. In this way, but then vertically, wall cranes can also be used in workshops. Overhead cranes require no obstructions on the factory floor. In addition, there is more control over loads, and the ability to operate at high speeds. The overhead cranes also has an incredible capacity to lift heavy loads.