In this article, we will discuss the different types of cranes commonly used in various industries. Cranes are essential machines for lifting and moving heavy loads, and their versatility makes them valuable in construction, manufacturing, shipping, and other sectors. Let’s explore some common types of cranes:
What is Crane?
A crane is a type of machine or equipment designed for lifting and moving heavy objects vertically and horizontally. Cranes are used in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, shipping, logistics, and more. They are essential for lifting and handling materials, equipment, and structures during various stages of construction, maintenance, and transportation.
They come in different types and sizes, each designed for specific purposes and environments. Cranes can be operated manually, hydraulically, or with the assistance of electric or diesel-powered motors. They are essential machines that improve efficiency and safety in various lifting and material handling tasks.
Types of Cranes Used in Construction
Cranes are essential machines used in the construction industry for lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment. There are various types of cranes designed to suit different construction needs. Here are some common types of cranes used in construction:
- Tower Crane
- Vehicle Mounted Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Rough Terrain Crane
- All Terrain Crane
- Harbor Cranes
- Telescopic Handler Crane
- Floating Crane
- Level Luffing Cranes
- Aerial Crane
- Telescopic Crane
Tower Crane
A tower crane is a type of fixed crane that is commonly used in the construction industry for lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment on construction sites. Tower cranes are known for their tall height and high lifting capacities, making them suitable for large-scale building projects.

Tower cranes are known for their impressive lifting capacities, capable of lifting heavy loads. The lifting capacity can vary depending on the specific model and configuration of the crane. Typically, tower cranes have the ability to lift several tons of materials, such as concrete, steel, or pre-fabricated building components.
Vehicle Mounted Crane
A vehicle-mounted crane, also known as a truck-mounted crane or mobile crane, is a type of crane that is mounted on a truck or other types of vehicles. It offers mobility and versatility, allowing it to be driven to different locations and used for various lifting tasks.

Vehicle-mounted cranes come in various lifting capacities, ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty models. The lifting capacity depends on the size and configuration of the crane. Some models may also have additional attachments like jibs or fly jibs for increased reach and lifting capacity.
Crawler Crane
Crawler cranes are mounted on a set of tracks, or crawlers, which provide stability and mobility on uneven terrain. These cranes have a lattice boom or telescopic boom and are capable of lifting heavy loads. Crawler cranes are commonly used in construction sites with limited access or rough ground conditions.

Crawler cranes are designed to lift and move heavy loads. They typically have a lattice boom or telescopic boom that can be extended to various lengths, depending on the required reach and lifting capacity.
Rough Terrain Crane
Rough terrain cranes are designed for off-road operations. They are equipped with large rubber tires and a compact design to maneuver on rough or muddy terrain. These cranes are commonly used in construction sites with challenging ground conditions.

Rough terrain cranes have a lifting capacity that can vary depending on the specific model and configuration. They are designed to handle heavy loads and are commonly used for construction projects that involve lifting and placing materials, equipment, and components.
All Terrain Crane
An all-terrain crane, as the name suggests, is a versatile mobile crane designed to operate in a wide range of terrains and conditions. It combines the features of rough terrain cranes and truck-mounted cranes, offering the ability to navigate both off-road and on-road environments.

All-terrain cranes are commonly used in construction, infrastructure projects, and other applications where mobility and lifting capacity are crucial.
All-terrain cranes have high lifting capacities, making them capable of handling heavy loads. They are commonly used for lifting and placing materials, equipment, and components in construction projects, industrial applications, and infrastructure development.
Harbor Cranes
A harbor crane, also known as a port crane or a dockside crane, is a type of crane specifically designed for operations in ports, harbors, and marine terminals. These cranes play a crucial role in loading and unloading cargo from ships, as well as moving containers and other heavy materials within the port area.

Harbor cranes are designed to handle heavy loads. They have high lifting capacities to lift and move containers, bulk cargo, heavy machinery, and other types of cargo commonly found in port operations. The lifting capacity can vary depending on the specific crane type and model.
Telescopic Handler Crane
A telescopic handler, also known as a telehandler, is a versatile type of crane commonly used in construction and agricultural applications. It combines the features of a forklift and a telescopic boom crane, providing lifting capabilities along with reach and maneuverability.

Telehandlers have a lifting capacity that can vary depending on the model and specifications. They are designed to handle heavy loads, making them useful for tasks such as lifting pallets, construction materials, and equipment.
Floating Crane
A floating crane, as the name suggests, is a crane that is mounted on a floating platform or vessel instead of being situated on land. It is specifically designed for lifting and handling heavy loads in marine environments, such as ports, harbors, offshore construction sites, and shipyards. Floating cranes offer unique capabilities for handling cargo and equipment over water.

Floating cranes are capable of handling heavy loads. They are designed to lift and move materials such as containers, machinery, construction equipment, and other large items found in marine operations. The lifting capacity of a floating crane can vary depending on its size, configuration, and specifications.
Level Luffing Cranes
A level luffing crane, also known as a level luffing jib crane or simply a luffing crane, is a type of crane that features a variable angle jib or boom. Unlike a traditional fixed jib crane, a level luffing crane’s jib can be adjusted or luffed independently of the main hoist line, allowing it to maintain a level position even while lifting or lowering loads. This design makes it particularly suitable for operations in tight spaces or near obstacles.

Level luffing cranes are designed to lift and move heavy loads. They typically have a high lifting capacity, allowing them to handle materials such as construction components, containers, or heavy equipment.
Aerial Crane
An aerial crane, also known as a helicopter crane or a sky crane, is a specialized type of crane that utilizes a helicopter for lifting and transporting heavy loads. It combines the lifting capabilities of a crane with the mobility and versatility of a helicopter. Aerial cranes are commonly used in construction, disaster relief, and other industries where traditional cranes cannot access or operate efficiently.

Aerial cranes have significant lifting capacities, allowing them to lift and transport heavy loads that may be challenging or impossible for ground-based cranes to access. The lifting capacity can vary depending on the specific helicopter model and configuration.
Telescopic Crane
A telescopic crane, also known as a telescoping crane or a hydraulic crane, is a type of mobile crane that features a telescopic boom made up of multiple sections that can be extended or retracted to vary its length. These cranes are widely used in construction, infrastructure projects, maintenance work, and other applications that require flexible lifting capabilities.

Telescopic cranes are known for their high lifting capacities. They are designed to handle heavy loads and can be configured with different counterweight options to optimize their lifting capabilities. The lifting capacity varies depending on the specific model and configuration of the crane.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.