Crane Types

Self Erecting (VC)

For low-rise building projects, housing and apartments the self-erecting tower crane is the answer to material handling. The versatility of the crane hook combined with lifting equipment, i.e., pallet forks, block grab, mortar trays, concrete skips, nylon slings and chains, provides the site manager with a fast and safe means of lifting materials to the required build location. Erection and dismantling by hydraulic systems provide fast erection/dismantling to minimise site disruption at minimum cost. Fast road tow systems are also available on some models with onboard generators, integral ballast and hydraulic jacks for set-up times that compete with mobile telescopic cranes. These cranes are specifically designed for short site visits.

Micro (MC) and Micro Luffing (VC.L)

The micro saddle jib and luffing jib cranes are small versions of their larger lifting counterparts. Specifically designed for restricted site applications, these can be used as the prime mover, or as an extra hook working in conjunction with larger cranes, which is where they really excel. These small cranes are ideal for cladding or glazing projects, steel erection, building maintenance or other lifting requirements.

Saddle Jib (MR)

These cranes have few individual components, making them quick to load and fast to erect by mobile crane. For transport and erection the crane is supplied in sections up to 12m lengths, which are carried to the site on 12m trailers.  This allows each crane to be erected with the minimum amount of site assembly, thereby dramatically reducing the time it takes to install the crane on site. The counter-jib incorporates the slew ring, driver's cabin, electrical control panel, hoist and slew systems. For transportation the hook-block and trolley remain on a stub jib on the counter-jib, reeved with the hoist rope. The front jib is assembled on the ground with the ‘A’ frame and tie bars; one lift by mobile crane positions the jib.

Flat Top (+3)

The flat top cranes, also known as 'topless' cranes, are similar to the City range, but have no ‘A’ frame. The front jib can be built in sections ‘in the air’ if required; this is a very useful feature where space is restricted so that the jib cannot be built complete at ground level. Stacking one crane over the other, in multi crane applications, results in lower overall hook heights with flat top cranes.

Luffing Jib (LR)

Congested sites or air trespass may dictate that the tower crane has to be a luffing type jib, i.e., the hook is suspended from the outer end of the jib and the jib angle varies to adjust the hook radius.

Hydraulic Climbing (HC)

The HC range of tower cranes has been designed and built to address the very specific requirements of high-rise building sites. This model is fitted with a hydraulic climbing system that allows the crane to be extended to the required height by utilising the electro-hydraulic climbing equipment. When the maximum freestanding height of the crane has to be exceeded a collar is fitted to the mast, which is tied to the building by steel beams, this stabilises the crane. Several collars may be required at intervals determined by the design engineers to satisfy the construction requirements.

Power

Electrical power is the energy used to power most tower cranes and the tower cranes from Vanson utilise electricity, which provides practically silent operation and reduces pollution in the congested city environments in which many tower cranes operate.

Control Systems

Inverter drive systems are now generally stipulated as part of the crane’s specification to achieve smooth operation and allow the loads to be placed very precisely. This facility also reduces stress in the component and crane’s structures, which has the advantage of also extending component life, whilst also reducing overall maintenance and costs.

Static and External Climbing

‘Static and external climbing’ tower cranes have a complete mast from base level to the required hook height. This configuration may require the mast being tied to a structure, or guying to ground anchors above free standing heights.

Floor Climbing

A ‘floor climbing’ option is available to increase hook height as the construction height develops, using the construction structure itself to mount the crane in and climbing through the structure as it’s height develops, with a jacking system in the lowest mast section.

Rail Travelling

‘Rail travelling’ provides a larger area of hook cover. The crane may also be mounted on a portal base to provide access under and through the rail travelling structure.

30 years Experience should help you guage which Crane Supplier carries the most weight.