How Exactly Do Giant Tower Cranes Work?

A crane is a machine that can lift or move heavy loads to great heights with the help of few people. Because it has a vertical structure ‘tower crane’ The cranes named after him are among the indispensables of the construction industry.

Firstly in shipbuilding This system used will be a source of inspiration for engineers working in the field of construction, as a similar system has been developed specifically for the construction industry and tower cranes have emerged.

Tower cranes are very important as they enable months-long construction projects to be completed faster, safer and less costly.

Tower cranes, which are used in the construction of a high-rise building to move or relocate heavy materials, have a simple structure. However, it is difficult to install. Crane brought to the construction site in parts combined one by one then it is ready for use.

The main parts of tower cranes are:

Basis

basic, all supporting the structure It is the most important part of the crane and is made of concrete poured a few weeks before the installation of the crane is started. The crane is fixed to this base.

Mast (Column)

Mast, which gives the working height of the crane beam-shaped columns means. It is designed to be bolted to each other and to other crane components rather than being a fixed column. Concrete base and mast columns provide stability to the crane and prevent it from tipping over.

slewing unit

The slewing unit has a gear and motor arrangement that enables the crane to rotate.

working arm

Compasses Also known as It runs perpendicular to the mast and has hook and trolley to lift the load.

Machine arm (Stabilizer)

Also known as the counter jib, this arm has counterweights and pulleys that stabilize the crane.

hook and car

hook, pulling loads main load carrier is the component. The carriage allows the hook to move back and forth and up and down the pole. These movements are made thanks to the cables and pulleys attached to the car.

operator station

of the crane is the control center and is connected to the conversion unit. The operator has to climb the stairs inside the mast to reach the cabin.

So, how are tower cranes installed?

As we mentioned above, the crane; It is assembled piece by piece and put on top of each other. Let’s explain without going into technical details:

• First of all, the crane’s standards suitable ground is prepared and the crane slowly begins to be built on it.
• The different lengths that make up the tower modules one by one with mobile crane placed on top of each other and fixed to each other with the help of nuts.
• After the main lines are created, the return system, tower and cabin are fixed to the crane.
• Before the boom or arm is placed on the main body, the balance weights and the rope are fixed.
• Weight is placed on the back of the arm for balance. In this way, the arm can be easily fixed to the crane.
• To get wind speed information to the highest point of the tower crane anemometer is placed.
• To warn aircraft if the crane is set too high red lighting system is set. Final checks are made and the crane becomes usable.

How do tower cranes work?

The working logic of tower cranes is that as the center of gravity changes, the load on the crane decreases. To put it simply, we can compare tower cranes to seesaws. As the weight is mounted, balance is tried to be achieved. That’s why another weight is always placed on the other end of the crane. In other words, it is necessary to balance the weight so that the crane works efficiently and does not tip over.

After balance is achieved, what drives the crane is, as anyone would guess, is engine power. The engine powers both the hydraulic and pulley system of the winch. In this way, the crane can be moved as desired.

We tried to get to know this system a little better without going into technical details. You can share your thoughts on the subject in the comments.