Tower Crane Hire Guide: Choosing a Suitable Crane for Your Site

The appropriate tower crane hire can drive the efficiency and safety of your building sites.

Since construction equipment comes in different models and configurations, you need careful evaluation to arrive at the suitable choice for your crane hire.

The different tower crane types suit different project needs. So choosing carefully will ensure the right crane for the job is selected at the right cost to complete the project on-time and on-budget.

Here is a free crane selection guide to help you make the right decision.

Your Tower Crane Hire Options

You have three general types of structures to choose from for your tower crane hire. These are:

1. the self-erecting tower crane
2. the luffing tower crane; and
3. the slewing crane

Each tower crane is built to fit specific sites in terms of the scale of the project as well as the frequency of operations. Every type of tower crane is also ideal for the unique conditions on your site, like obstructions and space limitations.

Active Crane Hire (ACH) offers all three types of cranes in varying models and configurations.

1. For building projects of private houses, and small to medium size residential buildings, ACH recommends the self-erecting crane. It’s simple to use and easy to install. It’s also suitable for short duration projects, with frequent to infrequent operations.
2. When working on restricted job sites (e.g., crowded, narrow spaces), the luffing tower crane would fit the project well. It will provide complete coverage and avoid obstructions. It’s designed for easy assembly and erection.
3. For building projects in urban areas, ACH provides the top slewing crane. ACH’s models are operational within a day, telescopic, and modular. The emission-free electric operation also reduces disruption and stress in residential environments that may surround your building site.

The “T” Structure

In general, a tower crane is designed to lift heavy loads, to set steel beams and other large building components. It will consist of three main sections:

1. the slewing unit
2. the tower mast
3. the base.

The slewing unit features the horizontal jib, which comes at various lengths to meet your project needs;

• the counter jib
• tower top
• the trolley and hoist lines; and
• the slewing assembly, which is where the operator cab is located

Below the slewing unit is the tower unit, which consists of:

• top climbing unit
• bottom climbing unit
• tower sections
• the bolts and pins; and
• the tie-in

The tie-in secures the tower mast to a framework. This provides stability when the crane is under load or when serious wind forces hit your location.

Right at the bottom is the base, which features;

• the undercarriage
• the knee brace
• the central ballast
• bogies; and
• foundation anchors

A free-standing crane will use ballast weight to stabilise and spread out the load on the ground. Meanwhile, a fixed-based crane will use heavy foundations to do the same.

While you can gain savings through equipment hire over purchase, you must still weigh your options carefully. When you choose the suitable tower crane, your building projects will meet requirements at every stage.

At Active Crane Hire we offer a free and no obligation consultation and quote and will gladly guide you through the selection process. Click here to fill out our Get A Quote form or call us on 1300 730 403