Construction Cranes: Indispensable for Modern Builds
It would be virtually impossible (and certainly highly inefficient) to construct bridges, high-rises, roads, or any other large-scale project without the aid of construction cranes. These machines are vital for raising or lowering heavy objects, transporting materials across a construction site, and are fundamental to the erection or dismantling of substantial structures.
A wide array of crane types has been developed to address the specific demands of particular projects, given their critical role in building such diverse structures.
The machinery of a crane will vary depending on the nature of the lift it is designed to execute. This guide will introduce several of the many kinds of construction cranes available and provide insights into the types of projects for which they are most beneficial.
Static Cranes and Mobile Cranes
The numerous types of cranes utilized in construction can be broadly classified into two fundamental categories: static and mobile.
Static Cranes:
- These cranes are designed for use in a single, fixed location and move objects along a predetermined path.
- They are frequently attached to the roof or side of a structure.
- They can also be anchored directly to the ground.
- In any scenario, these are built to remain in one spot for the entire duration of the construction project.
Mobile Cranes:
- As their name suggests, these cranes are engineered to move around the jobsite during a construction project.
- They are intended for the swift and easy movement of objects from one point to another.
What Are Static Cranes?
Static cranes are predominantly employed for long-term construction projects or are intended for permanent installation on a jobsite.
Static Cranes:
- Are designed to lift and move heavy loads along a predetermined path.
- Are engineered to accomplish pre-planned tasks.
- Perform their designed tasks exceptionally well but offer limited flexibility on the job.
There are several types of static construction cranes, each tailored to meet different needs.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are perhaps the most universally recognized type of crane in construction, if for no other reason than their striking visibility. Often quite massive, their crane towers stand tall amidst construction sites for all to observe.
Tower cranes are composed of the tower, or mast, and the jib, the arm that extends horizontally from the mast. The jib can rotate a full 360 degrees around the mast, with a trolley that traverses the entire length of the jib, allowing the block hook to be precisely lowered to the correct location.
Static cranes are the type most frequently used to construct large structures over extended timelines. They are commonly seen in urban areas where space is restricted and the public is rarely far away. Their inherent stability provides an additional layer of safety for both on-site workers and those outside the perimeter.
They are powerful and capable of lifting substantial weights to great heights if necessary, but their operation is confined to a single area. While they do extend and rotate, there remains a limit to their range of motion.
There are three primary types of tower cranes, including:
- Hammerhead cranes
- Luffing tower cranes
- Self-erecting tower cranes
Hammerhead Cranes
Hammerhead cranes resemble an inverted ‘L’ shape, with the jib maintaining a fixed horizontal level. The jib can typically rotate but cannot be raised or lowered. This model is frequently encountered on loading docks where multiple cranes may be operating simultaneously at various levels. They are also employed in situations where space may be limited, such as inside a structure or at particularly tight construction sites.
There are two basic designs for tower cranes: the A-frame and the flat top.
- The A-Frame:
- Utilizes a metal structure to connect cables from the jib to the counter-jib, which is a short but heavily weighted structure positioned behind the jib.
- This design provides leverage, allowing this type of tower crane to lift heavier weights.
- The Flat-Top:
- Features no additional structures above the tower and is used for lifting lighter weights.
- Boasts a simplified design without overhead bracing, making it easier to transport and assemble, ideal for projects with height restrictions or where multiple cranes are operating in close proximity.
Luffing Jib Crane
The luffing jib type of tower crane is very similar in structure to the hammerhead but possesses one significant difference: the jib can be raised and lowered on luffing jib construction cranes. This design provides them with added flexibility while simultaneously allowing them to lift heavier weights.
The luffing crane is more expensive than the hammerhead, but it can be more efficient with a smaller rotation radius, enabling its use in tighter construction sites. It can also be employed in scenarios where multiple cranes are operating concurrently.
Self-Erecting Cranes
Relatively speaking, self-erecting cranes are the lightweights of the static crane family. They are engineered for easy setup and dismantling.
Self-erecting cranes are ideal for working in tight spaces or for shorter-term construction jobs. Their primary limitation, however, is that they cannot lift as much weight as the other types of tower cranes.
Level Luffing Cranes
Similar in appearance and function to the tower luffing cranes, level luffing cranes have one major distinction — they do not feature trolleys that run along the jib. Instead, the hook block is fixed at the end of the jib, and the jib itself moves up and down to maneuver the load. This design ensures the load remains level during lifting.
This type of construction crane is most often used for shipbuilding and for the loading and unloading of freight.
What Are Mobile Cranes?
Mobile cranes can be moved around a construction site or even transported from site to site as required. They are typically mounted on trucks but can also be found on railcars and boats, and are usually outfitted with outriggers to prevent them from tipping over while the crane is lifting.
Mobile Cranes:
- Are intended for temporary use in any given area.
- Most consist of a single lifting arm that can be raised or lowered.
- Frequently feature a telescoping arm to allow the crane to reach higher places.
There are several different kinds of mobile cranes, including:
- Crawler crane
- Rough-terrain crane
- All-terrain crane
- Vehicle mounted crane
- Carry deck crane
Crawler Crane
The crawler crane is mounted on a large, heavy vehicle with treads, similar to those used by a tank. These treads give them the ability to move over soft, rough, or marshy ground, where heavy trucks with wheels would likely become stuck. They are frequently used at the commencement of construction projects when the ground has been freshly excavated.
Their large size endows them with a powerful hydraulic system and a robust lifting arm. They possess the capability to lift the heaviest weights among all mobile construction cranes.
Rough-Terrain Cranes
Similar in function to the crawler, rough-terrain cranes are designed to traverse challenging ground conditions. However, they are smaller and lighter, which allows for their use in tighter spaces than crawlers. These cranes are not as powerful or stable, meaning they cannot handle lifting as much weight.
All-Terrain Cranes
All-terrain cranes are similar to the rough-terrain crane, with the added capability of being driven on public roads. This implies they can easily move from one construction site to another, in addition to being able to traverse most ground types.
These cranes are mounted on trucks with anywhere from 6 to 18 wheels and can lift substantially larger weights than rough-terrain cranes. To achieve this, some assembly may be required at the worksite—including the installation of outriggers and boom weights.
Truck Cranes
These cranes offer significant flexibility at a relatively low cost. These vehicles do not need to be hauled to and from job sites and are safe for traveling on public roads. This makes them ideal for construction companies that may not require extremely heavy lifting and manage multiple projects concurrently.
These cranes may also be referred to as a boom truck, a truck crane, or a truck-mounted crane (TMC). They can also be used to easily move objects from one place to another within the construction site, provided the ground is not freshly excavated or marshy. They can be used to lift up to 110 tons if the outriggers are properly deployed.
Carry Deck Cranes
These are the smallest of the types of cranes for construction. They feature a simple design, with a crane mounted on a four-wheel deck.
Carry deck cranes are primarily used for moving objects from one area to another within a construction site. They can only handle weights of up to 25 tons, which they load onto their deck and transport away.
The Right Crane for the Job
As you can see, there are a great many options to choose from when considering a crane for your construction projects. Knowing exactly what your needs will be before you begin your search for the right crane can help you save a lot of stress and money down the line.
If you have a long-term project or one that requires extensive vertical construction, such as a high-rise, then a static crane may be the appropriate choice. If you are undertaking construction on newly broken ground, a mobile crane may be a better option, especially one that can handle rough terrains like the crawler or all-terrain crane.
When your project is on the smaller side, or if you will require cranes at multiple sites, you should select one that can travel public roads. While these are designed for lighter loads, they compensate for this with their flexibility and ease of transport.
Remember, we are here to support you as your perfect partner. As of July 2025, we boast one of the largest, most modern fleets of cranes and other lifting equipment available, and our staff is always ready and happy to help you. We will ensure you get the right equipment for the job—regardless of how large or small the lift might be. Contact Maxim Crane Works today to consult with one of our professionals.