A crane is a machine that is used on various construction sites. It exists in different types, and the use of its counterweight allows it to increase its range and gain in load capacity. How is the counterweight attached? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about fixing a crane.
Static or tower cranes
These cranes are anchored in the ground and weighed down at the base by concrete blocks. They cannot move but can carry large loads. There are two types of static cranes.
Automated erection cranes (AECs)
Automated erection cranes have a folded structure. Its deployment is quite simple and fast. The crane is operated from a cabin located at the top. It can also be operated by remote control if the cabin is not available.
It is also possible to use radio control to move it. Automated or quick erecting cranes rotate at the base and are used for small construction jobs such as buildings of a few floors or villas. But you don’t have to worry about fixing the counterweight. The lifting specialist takes care of that.
Component cranes (GME)
Component cranes are the best known. In order to be able to use them on smaller construction sites, the mast ends are delivered by truck and then turned around and placed on the existing mast. This is because the counterweight of the modular cranes is attached below. This is necessary for large construction sites where a very high crane is required. The base is first built on the ground, which allows a wider element to be placed than the rest of the tower and stabilized with concrete blocks.
Assembly of the counterweight
The assembly of the counterweight of the modular cranes is done from below. A smaller, narrower tower element is slid into the foot and lifted by cylinders. The latter is a metal tube that penetrates another, larger metal tube in order to be able to lift the larger loads.
Then, in order to be able to slide a second element, the jacks should be blocked and redeployed. The whole thing is to be lifted with the jacks and so on. In this way, the crane will slowly rise in small sections of about 3.5 m. Make sure that each section is well bolted to the structure.
Stability
To ensure better stability, cranes are anchored to the building once they reach a certain height. Very often, they are attached to the concrete receptacle of the lift shaft, which is in the centre of many buildings. This allows the height to be adjusted to suit the construction.
Fixed or mobile cranes
These cranes do not have a base to be fixed to the ground, and they can tip over if they lift very heavy objects. This can be avoided by making the base heavier. These are cranes that cannot lift loads higher than their arms. For this purpose, mobile and fixed cranes are sometimes combined in large projects. More often, mobile cranes are used to lift the components of fixed cranes.
Mobile or telescopic cranes
Mobile cranes run on tracks or tyres and are part of a vehicle. They are easy to move and can carry large loads of up to 1,200 tonnes. It is important to remember that there are different types of cranes. Each one has its own mode of operation and shape. The fixing of their counterweight takes these characteristics into account.
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