Parts of a tower crane
Hover over (or tap) a number on the crane or a term below — the part lights up.
Terms
The heaviest load the crane may lift — this figure applies close to the tower. The further out along the jib the load is, the lower the permitted load.
How much the crane may lift right at the end of the jib — the strictest and most important figure when choosing a crane for a site. Try it on the load calculator.
The manufacturer’s table or curve showing the permitted load for every distance from the tower. The chart for the specific crane configuration always applies.
The horizontal distance from the tower axis to the hook. The site must be covered by the reach — including the point where material is unloaded. Check it on the reach map.
The usable height from the ground to the hook in its highest position — it determines how high you can build with that crane.
The load multiplied by its distance from the tower — a measure of the real strain on the crane. That is why the same crane carries 12 t next to the tower and considerably less at the tip.
The vertical lattice structure made up of sections. The height is adapted to the project.
The horizontal lattice beam along which the trolley with the hook travels. Its length is the crane’s "reach".
The shorter side with concrete weights that balances the load. On bottom-slewing cranes the role of the counterweight is taken by the ballast at the base.
Concrete blocks on the slewing platform of a self-erecting (bottom-slewing) crane — they keep it stable without a bolted foundation.
The carriage that travels along the jib and carries the pulley block with the hook — it moves the load towards and away from the tower.
The end of the steel rope from which the load is suspended — always through certified lifting gear (chains, slings, ropes).
The apex above the cab and the diagonal ties that carry the jib and the counter-jib. They are characteristic of top-slewing cranes.
The operator’s position at the top of the tower. The crane can also be operated by remote control, depending on the model and the job.
The wind speed meter at the top of the crane — it warns the operator when the wind approaches the limit for stopping work. More on the page Wind and cranes.
The top of the crane slews while the tower stays still. For greater heights, heavier loads and longer builds — our EC-H fleet. See the fleet →
The whole crane slews on a ballasted platform and unfolds itself. Fast erection, a smaller footprint — ideal for houses and smaller buildings.
A truck-mounted crane — for short lifts and for erecting tower cranes. For a build lasting several months a tower crane is more economical.
The report on the examination and testing of work equipment — issued by an independent authorised company after every erection, before use begins at a new place of work. Work starts only once the report has been issued.
The routine statutory inspection of the crane during the hire — at least once every three years, and more often where the manufacturer’s instructions require it.
The document recording the condition at erection and dismantling — signed by both parties, on site.
A trained person holding an authorisation, who alone may operate the crane. Provided by the customer, unless the quotation says otherwise — see FAQ.
The person who gives the operator standard signals when the load or the landing point is out of sight of the cab.
Putting up or taking down the crane — an organised operation involving transport, a mobile crane and an erection team, dependent on the weather and on site preparation. The steps are in the Crane rental guide.
Leaving the jib free to slew when the crane is not working — the jib turns downwind by itself, like a weather vane, and so protects the crane.
The state of the crane when it is not lifting: hook raised, trolley next to the tower, jib weathervaning — as set out by the manufacturer.
A brief spike in wind speed — more decisive for cranes than the average speed, especially in bora conditions. You can check the wind live on the page Wind and cranes.
The fenced-off area around the crane during erection, servicing and dismantling, which unauthorised people may not enter.
No term matches that search — try wording it differently (or just ask us).
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute an offer. All contractual relations are governed by our General Terms and Conditions and the individual quotation.