For big building construction projects, tower cranes are utilized rather frequently. These equipments are rather needed for heavy lifting as well as positioning supplies and equipment. Tower cranes provide a unique configuration that offers numerous advantages over more traditional cranes. These advantages include: higher vertical lift, quiet electrical operation, increased capacities, and reduced space requirements.
Hammerhead Crane
The hammerhead crane is commonly associated with a tower crane. The long horizontal jib is connected to a vertical tower, in this case. One end of the jib acts as a counterweight and the other end of the jib extends horizontally over the worksite. There is a trolley on the hammerhead crane. This trolley has the lifting cable and travels along the length of the jib. The tower crane is capable of operating anywhere within the jib's radius.
Self-Erecting Tower Cranes
Self-erecting cranes are often assembled on location with the help of another crane. This greatly saves time in equipment costs and provides a huge advantage in setup time too. Self-erecting cranes are usually remote-controlled from the ground, though there are several models which have an operator cab built onto the jib.
The self-erecting crane is normally freestanding to enable them the opportunity to be moved around. There are several models which have a telescoping tower which enables the crane to work at various heights without the need to reconfigure the tower.
Luffing Jib Tower Crane
Usually, in urban work environments, there is not enough space or clearance for the jib to freely rotate without being blocked by existing buildings. A luffing jib tower crane is great for such tight spaces. Nearly all tower cranes have a fixed horizontal jib. The driver is able to raise or lower a luffing jib in order to enable the crane to swing in a reduced radius.