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Mini cranes are cranes designed and built intentionally small and compact, for relatively light lifting. When lifting requirements are in a location with tight access, restricted space or obstructions, a mini crane will be perfect for the job. Mini cranes are designed to go to places where conventional or large cranes cannot go, or their use is economically unreasonable.

Fairly new to the mini crane market are Spider Cranes, which feature spider-like outriggers and sits on a crawler carrier. These mini telescopic crawler cranes have the same design attributes as large tell crawlers. A spider crane is ideal for working in areas where access is restricted or where working space is limited. It gets its name because once set up the crane outriggers and body have a striking resemblance to that of a spider with long spindly legs.

The modern-day spider crane has fast become a staple piece of plant machinery in the Construction, Maintenance and Mining industries due to its efficiency and ability to enter confined work areas other cranes cant access. Whether it be steel erection, window glazing, façade installations or general crane lifts the spider crane is one of the most versatile machines on the market.

From 1-ton capacity spider cranes that will fit through standard-sized doorways to 8-ton spider cranes that will reach up to 22 metres high and can still be positioned or tracked through the tightest of spaces, there's a spider crane that can always meet the toughest of demands.

Due to it's incredibly lightweight the spider crane has the ability to set up on a suspended concrete slab or rooftop for example and carry out tasks a typical crane could not access. Quite often these machines will even be able to travel between floor levels via the buildings lift.

Spider cranes offer unparalleled versatility, manoeuvrability and lifting capacity. Their compact design allows it to travel where no crane has gone before. With individually adjustable outriggers, spider cranes offer multiple leg extension and angle positions making it possible to set up and around obstacles. With 360-degree continuous rotation, these mini crawler cranes provide safe lifting in all directions and closer to the centre line of rotation when the outriggers are set in the maximum position.

Spider cranes don't require the space that a larger crane does to operate. This means that they reduce disruption to the construction area and limit road closures. They are often more cost and time effective. Teams can overcome obstacles including dangerous work areas by sending in a spider crane rather than trying to manoeuvre a full-size crane that ultimately saves endless man-hours. Transportation of a spider crane is also much easier and cheaper due to its compact size.

Whether it's lifting steel for installation inside of an existing structure, working in confined or underground areas or operating in harsh conditions, spider cranes can do it all. They deliver unparalleled heavy lifting capacity for heavy and compact pieces of equipment. They can often provide solutions for challenging lifting problems with the ability to work in tight areas instead of using a larger crane that must be positioned some distance away.

One of the more popular applications for spider cranes is the installation of curtain walling on new build projects. With its compact body size, small models can fit in construction elevator, so they can easily be placed on the completed floors above the curtain wall fitting floor, and can work quickly and efficiently than a large crane. The curtain wall panel is attached to the mini crane by workers, at which point it is hoisted and rolled into location.

Lightweight mini spider cranes can be placed on rooftops and lift materials from the ground. There is no need to block roads for the use of bigger cranes, and works normally carried out by tower cranes can be taken on by spider cranes. So shorter construction periods and cost cuttings can be achieved. The mini spider cranes can be lifted up to rooftops easily by tower cranes or elevators.

This is where the spider crane really comes into its own. The spider crane can easily fold up and be tracked down tight corridors to reach an area with restricted access. A spider crane is a perfect tool for heavy lifting in between floors in a building, lifting anything from air conditioning units or wooden beams on to upper floors or dropping down lower levels.

Mini cranes are often used for works inside tunnels for subway, underground road, underground facility, water line and electrical line where working space is limited.

Their ability to perform some of the most skilled lifting projects in some of the most challenging terrains truly is unprecedented. With their versatile outrigger configurations, spider cranes can work on uneven surfaces and slopes, whilst its tracked mobility enables the crane to travel over rough terrain. Their outriggers are designed to stabilise the crane even when working on uneven surfaces.

Spider cranes are often used for working inside shopping malls and retail stores due to their lifting strength and compact size. Whether it's an installation or a refurb with glass or with cladding, spider cranes are great for the job as they easily fit through single doors to lift heavy displays.