Six Tips to Choose the Right Crane for your Tower Crane Projects
Tower cranes are often used in construction sites where massive skyscrapers are being built after another. Construction engineers must contact a crane hire company and pick the right crane for their tower crane projects. These projects require the use of cranes to make the construction process faster, safer, and more efficient. When picking tower cranes, the following tips will help you make the right choice:
Determine the Heaviest Materials or Equipment that Must Be Lifted
Tower cranes are placed on top of buildings to lift heavy building materials such as bulky sandbags, concrete, and heavy machineries like cement mixers and power generators. To ensure you choose the right crane, determine the heaviest material or equipment you must lift. Also, it is important to measure the project area’s radius to see how far the crane must go.
Consider the Boom Length and Tail Swing
Check if your construction site and the surrounding area have fixed obstructions like buildings, high power lines, or bridges. Also, continuing construction could lead to the development of future obstructions. Consider these things when deciding the crane’s boom length and tail swing that suit your project.
Decide Between Hammerhead and Luffer Cranes
Hammerhead cranes are a type of tower cranes that tend to be cheaper than luffers. But, hammerheads may not be ideal if there are surrounding buildings and bridges. Take your time looking around the site to know if these obstructions exist to make your choice.
Think About the Power and Hook Line Speeds
When constructing a very tall building, you need a tower crane with high hook line speeds. You need high gear speeds to lift light loads and return them to the ground quickly. Also, ensure the crane’s hoist has enough power to lift the heaviest load to the maximum height of the building.
Consider Noise Restrictions
The majority of states have laws that govern the amount of noise allowable around construction sites. Thus, you must consult with the municipal government on the noise limit so you can decide whether to get a diesel-powered tower crane or an electrically powered one.
Know When you Need the Crane
Keep in mind that tower cranes cannot be simply moved in and out of construction sites. Thus, you must consider when you will need the crane and for how long. This way, you can discuss the terms of your hire with the crane hire company. Most companies will require you to pay a monthly amount that you must consider based on your budgetary and construction needs.