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Crawler crane is extensively used for heavy-duty lifting tasks. A crawler crane is generally a lifting machine which is mounted on a tracked moveable platform. This crane is capable to perform lifting operations on different ground surfaces, even soft grounds because the entire weight of the machine is equally deployed on the tracked platform. Because it is on tracks and not on wheels, the crawler crane is more stable and it can lift more weight than the wheeled crane.

The main part of the crawler crane is the tracked propulsion system. The engine and the control cabin are placed on top of the tracks. A boom is raised right above the cabin. Cables run through the boom, and a hoist or hook is attached at the end of the boom. The crawler crane can also have a small extension at the end of the boom, allowing the crane to reach further. This extension is called jib. The wide tracks of the crawler crane allow the entire machine to rotate for 360 degrees, something that is not possible with the wheeled crane models. This way, the crawler crane can be used in tight and narrow places where other lifting equipment cannot be used. Although slower than the wheeled crane, the crawler crane is more maneuverable and highly versatile machine which can be used on different job sites.

One of the features that enable the crawler crane to lift enormous weights is the counterweight. The counterweight provides the needed stability and support when the crane is used for lifting heavy items. Some large crawler crane models are equipped with counterweights that can be up to several tones. There are also crawler cranes with custom made booms that can reach several hundred meters into the air. These cranes are ideal for large-scale construction projects.

However, the crawler crane has some negative sides. One negative side is the enormous size. Some crawler crane models are so large that must be dismantled in smaller pieces when transported from one location to another. Usually, these cranes are transported by special trucks or train wagons. The tracked platform and the massive size allow the crawler crane to lift and move heavy items which can be up to 3000 tonnes quickly and efficiently, but this lifting capability comes with a cost.

Application

The rising demand can be attributed to the ability of crawler cranes to lift heavy objects over long distances or at great heights, and to reach areas with extreme weather conditions. The industrial growth can be attributed to the extensive applications of crawler cranes in sectors such as construction and mining, utility, oil & gas, manufacturing, and transportation & logistics.

Crawler cranes are crucial for construction projects as they help in moving components and material within the construction site as well as between offsite facilities and the construction site. The high lift capacity and the ability to move around a site with relative ease make crawlers extremely valuable for new steel building construction. Just as crawlers are useful for erecting new structures, they're also great for demolishing old ones. They can be fitted with a wrecking ball attachment instead of a hook. From there, the high reach and high strength give crawler cranes what it takes to knock structures apart. Because they're also very mobile, they're able to move around the structure in question and get at it from many angles.

Crawler cranes are commonly used for road and bridge-building. The nature of roads and bridges is that they extend over long stretches, so it's necessary to have machinery that can easily move along the path of the construction project. Crawlers are helpful in that regard. When it comes to bridges, crawlers are especially handy because they offer high reach and high lift capacity to go with mobility. This is key when it comes to lifting heavy bridge components.

Crawler cranes can lift the heavy machinery and materials that are required for wind turbines, electrical construction, as well as oil and gas operations. Few loads are too big or heavy to be handled by a crawler.

Versatility

The versatility of crawler cranes makes them useful in many different ways. Depending on the specific type of job it is possible to fit crawler cranes with many different types of attachments. For example, they can be fitted with hooks that are ideal for lifting steel beams, with a clamshell attachment they can be used for moving debris, a pile driver attachment is good for driving tubes into the ground, with a wrecking ball they can be used for demolition, augers for drilling holes, and magnets for moving metal objects can be easily attached and used. There are several boom configurations that can be used.

Technology

Integration of technology has sparked the lattice boom crawler crane evolution. From self-assembly and in-cab display panels to user-friendly controls and use of telematics, today's crawler cranes are ready to be put to the test. With the integration of the latest technologies, modern crawler cranes are offering innovative features.

Due to the communication problems in conventional crawler cranes, manufacturers in the crawler crane market have started deploying advanced telematics technology in the recent models. These programs aid customers in generating the product history files of machinery work hours, the latest maintenance & upgrade schedules, and fuel-consuming capacity.

The technology provides drivers with easy driving operations under optimal conditions and enables the equipment maintenance functions. One of the advancements in crane technology is the Remote Observation Satellite System, also known as (KCross). This feature allows for remote machine monitoring. A user will be shown daily reports regarding fuel use, idle time, travel time, and other important details.

Renting

The practice of renting equipment including crawler cranes as an alternative to purchasing has proven to be advantageous for several companies globally and has resulted in the robust growth of the crawler crane market. Customers prefer renting as it allows them to save on the costs associated with the procurement and maintenance of new equipment. Renting equipment also reduces overall project costs. The growing preference for renting equipment is opening opportunities for manufacturers to collaborate with rental equipment companies as part of the efforts to augment their sales. On the other hand, rental companies are focusing on procuring new equipment and expanding their fleet size to cater to the rising demand for rental.