types of cranes

10 Types of Cranes for Your Construction Business

In the construction industry, cranes are indispensable tools that significantly enhance the efficiency and capability of a construction project. Choosing the right crane for the job is critical, as each type is designed to perform specific tasks. Below, we outline 10 types of cranes commonly used in construction and industrial environments, along with their applications. Then, we discuss how you can secure crane financing with Charter Capital to ensure your business has the right equipment to succeed at job sites.

Top Types of Cranes for Construction

1. Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are the most versatile and widely used cranes in the construction industry. These cranes are mounted on a truck or a crawler, which allows them to be transported easily to different sites. The primary function of a mobile crane is to lift materials and heavy objects to high places. They are equipped with a telescopic boom or lattice boom, which can be extended to reach considerable heights.

Applications:
Mobile cranes are ideal for projects that require frequent movement from one location to another. They are often used in small to medium construction projects, where lifting capacity and mobility are essential. Examples include residential construction, small commercial projects, and infrastructure maintenance.

2. Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are the giants of the crane world, often seen towering over large construction sites. These cranes are fixed to the ground or attached to the side of a structure and are capable of lifting heavy loads to great heights. Tower cranes have a long horizontal jib that allows them to cover a large area.

Applications:
Tower cranes are the go-to construction cranes for building tall buildings and skyscrapers. Their ability to lift heavy materials, like steel beams and concrete blocks, to significant heights makes them indispensable for high-rise construction. They are also used in large industrial projects, such as the construction of power plants and bridges.

3. Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are designed specifically for off-road and uneven ground conditions. These cranes are mounted on four large rubber tires and are equipped with outriggers for stability. The hydraulic-powered boom of a rough terrain crane can be extended to reach considerable heights.

Applications:
Rough terrain cranes are ideal for construction sites that are difficult to access, such as remote areas or sites with challenging topography. They are commonly used in infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge construction, as well as in the oil and gas industry.

4. Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes are another type of mobile crane, but instead of wheels, they are mounted on tracks (crawlers). This gives a crawler crane excellent stability and the ability to move around a site without the need for outriggers. Crawler cranes are known for their high lifting capacity and the ability to operate on soft ground.

Applications:
Crawler cranes are often used in large-scale construction projects that require heavy lifting over a wide area. They are ideal for tasks like lifting and placing large prefabricated structures, such as bridge sections and wind turbine components. They are also used in mining and large industrial projects.

5. Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are typically used in industrial settings. These cranes consist of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning the gap. The hoist, which lifts the load, moves along the bridge of the overhead crane.

Applications:
Overhead cranes are commonly used in factories, warehouses, and workshops for moving heavy materials across a horizontal plane. They are essential in manufacturing plants, steel mills, and shipyards for handling heavy materials like steel coils, large machine parts, and shipping containers.

6. Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are similar to overhead cranes but are supported by legs that move on wheels or along a track. These cranes can be mobile or fixed and are used to lift and move heavy loads.

Applications:
A gantry crane may be used in shipyards, rail yards, and outdoor industrial settings where heavy lifting is required. They are ideal for loading and unloading heavy cargo, assembling large prefabricated structures, and handling large containers.

7. Floating Cranes

Floating cranes, as the name suggests, are cranes mounted on barges or vessels. These cranes are used for marine construction projects and are capable of lifting extremely heavy loads.

Applications:
Floating cranes are essential for the construction and maintenance of offshore structures, such as oil rigs, bridges, and wind farms. You may also use a floating crane for loading and unloading heavy cargo at ports and for salvage operations.

8. Telescopic Cranes

Telescopic cranes are equipped with a boom that consists of several tubes fitted inside each other. The boom can extend or retract, allowing the telescopic crane to reach varying heights with ease.

Applications:
Telescopic cranes are used in a variety of construction projects where lifting height needs to be adjusted frequently. They are commonly used for rescue operations, in urban construction projects with height restrictions, and for transporting materials to difficult-to-reach places.

9. Truck-Mounted Cranes

Truck-mounted cranes are cranes mounted on a standard commercial truck chassis. A truck-mounted crane offers a combination of mobility and lifting capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks on a construction site.

Applications:
Truck-mounted cranes are ideal for tasks that require short-term lifting needs at multiple locations. They are often used in building construction, maintenance projects, and utility work, such as installing poles and streetlights.

10. Carry Deck Cranes

Carry deck cranes are a type of mobile crane that features a rotating boom placed in the center of a compact, flat deck. These cranes are highly maneuverable and can rotate 360 degrees, making them ideal for confined spaces and indoor environments. The flat deck of a carry deck crane is used to transport materials around the job site, adding to their versatility.

Applications:
Carry deck cranes are particularly useful in industrial and maintenance applications where space is limited, such as inside factories, warehouses, and refineries. They are also used for loading and unloading materials, setting up equipment, and moving materials across short distances. Their compact size allows them to operate in areas where larger cranes would be impractical, making them an essential tool for projects that require both lifting and transport capabilities in tight spaces.

How to Secure Crane Financing with Charter Capital

Investing in cranes is a significant financial commitment for any construction business. Whether you’re looking to acquire a new mobile crane or need a tower crane for a high-rise project, securing the right financing is crucial. Charter Capital specializes in providing equipment financing solutions tailored to the needs of construction businesses.

Why Choose Charter Capital?

  1. Flexible Financing Options: Charter Capital offers a range of financing options, including leasing and loan programs, that can be customized to fit your business’s financial situation and equipment needs.
  2. Competitive Rates: Charter Capital provides competitive interest rates and flexible terms, ensuring that you can acquire the equipment you need without straining your cash flow.
  3. Expert Support: Charter Capital’s team of experts understands the construction industry and can guide you through the financing process, helping you choose the best option for your business.
  4. Quick Approval Process: With Charter Capital, you can expect a fast and straightforward approval process, allowing you to secure the cranes you need quickly.

Steps to Secure Financing:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Determine which type of crane(s) your business needs and the total cost, including any additional expenses like transportation and setup.
  2. Consult with Charter Capital: Contact Charter Capital to discuss your financing options. Their team will work with you to understand your business’s financial health and recommend the best financing solution.
  3. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve chosen a financing option, submit your application along with any required documentation, such as financial statements and equipment quotes.
  4. Approval and Acquisition: After your application is approved, you’ll receive the funds to purchase or lease the crane.
  5. Put Your Crane to Work: With financing secured, you can acquire the crane and put it to work on your construction projects, boosting your business’s efficiency and capability.

Partner with Charter Capital for Crane Financing

Choosing the right type of crane is crucial for the success of your construction projects. From mobile cranes that offer versatility to tower cranes that dominate high-rise construction, each crane has a specific role to play. By understanding the different types of cranes and their applications, you can make informed decisions for your business. And with Charter Capital’s flexible financing options, acquiring the cranes you need has never been easier. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or investing in your first crane, Charter Capital is here to support your business every step of the way. Contact us today!