Crane (mechanical)

In the construction industry, a crane is a powered mechanical device for lifting or pulling, with many variations involving the support of its moving parts, and its range of motion. Among the different types are the A-frame, Bridge, Gantry, and Tower cranes.

Types of crane

A-frame crane

Often attached to a vehicle, a lifting and traction device that uses a cable winch, with the cable run over a sometimes-adjustable A-shaped support, to pull upwards or diagonally; the common crane on an automobile towing vehicle.

Bridge crane

Also called an overhead travelling bridge crane, a lifting device supported by an overhead runway system that does not touch the work area, but whose lifting mechanism can shift in a three-dimensional operating area; work, such as components of a large assembly to be fastened together, are moved into the operating area of the crane.

Gantry crane

A lifting device whose floor-mounted supports do not move, but whose lifting mechanism can shift in a two-dimensional operating area; work, such as components of a large assembly to be fastened together, are moved into the operating area of the crane.

Tower crane

Used in the construction of tall buildings and equipped with hoist mechanism for the manoeuvre of bulk construction materials.