One of the most striking pieces of construction equipment on site is the crane. The invention of modern cranes is a construction equipment mystery. You might not appreciate this fact until the crane has been disassembled. Every component of the tower and quay cranes plays a unique role. It’s interesting to know how cranes are transported to and from construction sites. 

Mobile crane owners use special earth-moving trucks. This article will help you to identify cranes when they are being transported from construction sites.

Understanding Crane Systems

Usually, construction site operators receive cranes as small components. They are stored and used as equipment between jobs. The largest cranes consist of pulley systems for transporting tonnes of loads in vertical and horizontal directions. However, cranes are assembled as different components and can get to heights of skyscrapers. 

The base of cranes can stay underneath a skyscraper, but people often see them as tower-like scaffolding (masts) next to buildings under construction. There are chances of repairing a crane on-site. Engineers usually keep replacement kits and tools in separate storage facilities. Also, transportation of cranes to construction sites is done either by driving the equipment or using special trucks. 

Since they can reach several hundred feet above ground levels, there’s a constant demand for tower cranes and gantry cranes. Operators can set up and disassemble tower cranes in between jobs. Before they are assembled, each piece of this equipment is kept in the crane yard. Operators remove cranes with the reverse method of erecting them on site. Their gigantic size doesn’t make them very difficult to transport. However, road users might not notice their modes of transportation because they are designed to be moved as small pieces of construction equipment.

Ensuring a Firm Installation of the Crane

Pneumatic and hydraulic rams are systems that use pressure to install pieces of a crane. Usually, operators start from the base level before installing a new bit underneath them. The set-up process works like the installation of a new telecommunication mast. Each piece of the crane locks onto another. When the building that’s under construction goes higher, operators add another piece to reach the next level. 

It requires mechanical skill to determine the weight of a crane. Without stabilisers, the crane’s scaffolding will not gain sufficient support to lift heavy loads. This process is essential because it helps to avoid the collapse of cranes and avoidable on-site hazards.

Disassembling a Crane

Since the crane has separate components, removing it from the site requires proper planning. Civil engineers must complete the lifting process of bricks, concrete, mechanical, and building materials before disassembling cranes.

Usually, it’s the last task after completing the construction of a skyscraper. Dismantling the crane piece by piece doesn’t require a direct approach. Instead, it can be executed with several techniques.

Depending on the crane’s type and size, hoists of smaller components are dismantled accordingly. This process starts with the primary crane and moves gradually. While the goal is to reduce the crane’s height, it must commence slowly. Hydraulic rams help to lower the mast as it was lifted during the construction. 

The final process of lowering the mast is when operators reach the base. This process might seem very easy to describe, but skyscraper structures with intricate designs might require extra effort. Some components of tower cranes can be disassembled from the elevator shafts of the skyscraper. However, site engineers, crane operators, and a team of riggers can ensure the safe removal of the crane.