Tower Crane

Different types of cranes exist depending on the particular job that needs to be completed. One of the most
commonly seen cranes seen in cities is a tower crane. Tower cranes were initially developed in Europe and are
now popular all over the world. A tower crane is used in the construction of tall buildings. This type crane can
reach up to 265 feet, out to 230 feet, and lift a total of approximately 20 tons. Tower cranes are fixed to the
ground during the construction period. A tower crane is always mounted over a strong concrete pad so that
anchor bolts can be embedded into the pad, which hold the tower crane when it is lifting heavy loads.
Vehicle Mounted Cranes
Since cranes used on construction sites are usually temporary structures, sometimes they are mounted to
vehicles so that they can be easily moved. Truck-mounted cranes are usually able to travel on highways.
Therefore, additional equipment is not necessary to transport the crane to the job site. When the crane is then
erected at the construction site, outriggers are extended horizontally from the base of the truck and then vertically
to stabilize the crane.

Rough Terrain Crane

A rough terrain crane is a special type of truck-mounted crane. It is mounted to an undercarriage that has rubber
tires specifically used for off-road applications. Outriggers are also used for stability with this type of crane.

Crawler Crane
A crawler crane is a mobile crane that does not require outriggers for stability. A crawler crane is mounted to a
chassis with a set of tracks instead of tires and has a lifting capacity from 40 tons to 3500 tons. Although crawler
cranes are mobile around a site, they usually need to be disassembled and loaded on to transport trucks for
movement between sites.

Aerial Cranes
Aerial cranes are also called "sky cranes" as they are helicopters used exclusively to lift very heavy loads. These
cranes are very useful in conditions where conventional cranes do not work. At a construction site, these cranes
also help in disaster mitigation and risk relief programs.

Other types of mobile cranes used in construction are floating cranes. Floating cranes are
usually used in waterway construction such as bridges, ports, and dams. Floating cranes are either mounted
on pontoons or on special barges.
These are the typical cranes used in construction. Other types of cranes do exist, though. For example, fixed
cranes usually have the ability to lift and carry greater loads due to their increased stability. Cranes are also used
inside manufacturing plants to assemble equipment. Cranes in manufacturing plants are usually overhead cranes
that move along beams which give support in lifting. Finally, sidelifter cranes are specifically designed to load
containers for trucks or railway vehicles. The lifting is performed with parallel crane-like hoists.
While working with cranes, the employer must ensure employee safety because falling from an overhead or
tower crane would be fatal. Employers must be in compliance with rules and regulations set by the Department of
Labor and Industries