Understanding How Cranes Are Transported To And From Construction Sites

Cranes play an important role in building today’s towering skyscrapers and monumental structures. This blog delves into the complexities of how cranes are transported to construction sites, highlighting the critical yet challenging process that underpins successful construction projects.

Different Types Of Cranes And How They Are Transported

Lorry Crane

A lorry crane is easily transported by driving it to the desired location on the road. Since lorry cranes are built onto the chassis of a lorry, they can be driven to the construction site under their own power. This self-propelled capability makes them one of the easiest cranes to transport, as they do not require additional trailers or transportation vehicles.

Upon arrival at the destination, the lorry crane is ready to be operated immediately, offering convenience and efficiency in transportation and deployment.

 

Mobile Crane

A mobile crane is built for mobility and is capable of travelling on roads, which allows them to be quickly set up at different job sites. Its capacity to quickly reach and manoeuvre around sites needing lifting operations makes it an indispensable tool in the construction industry.

Depending on their size and weight, some mobile cranes might require special permits or escorts when travelling on highways, especially if they exceed standard dimensions for height, width, or weight as regulated by local or national transportation authorities.

 

Rough Terrain Crane

Rough terrain cranes are transported on large, heavy trucks. Their wheels and axles are often too large for regular driving on public roads, so they are moved to the site on specialised transport vehicles and then prepared for operation.

Some rough terrain cranes are also capable of self-propulsion, allowing them to travel short distances over rough or uneven terrain to reach remote job sites. This mobility and versatility make rough terrain cranes ideal for construction projects in challenging environments.

 

Crawler Crane

Crawler cranes are a favourite for construction sites for their ability to move across difficult terrain, courtesy of their tracked base. For long-haul transportation, these cranes often need to be taken apart owing to their heft and bulk. Because of their large size, transporting crawler cranes to and from sites presents a challenge.

Breaking down the crane into smaller components for transport and then putting it back together on-site simplifies the process. Assembling a crawler crane on-site requires a skilled crew and specialised equipment to ensure proper reassembly and functionality.

Despite the logistical challenges, the versatility and lifting capacity of crawler cranes make them indispensable for large-scale construction projects.

 

Crawler Telescopic Crane

Similar to crawler cranes, crawler telescopic cranes are transported in sections on flatbed trucks because of their large size. The assembly process on-site involves attaching the telescopic boom and ensuring the crawler tracks are correctly set up for operation.

For each type of crane, the method of transport considers the crane’s size, weight, and distance to the construction site. Heavy haulage vehicles and detailed convoy logistics are critical in ensuring these vital pieces of machinery arrive safely and are ready for the tasks ahead.

 

Ensuring Your Crane Is Transport-Ready

Before moving a crane, ensuring it’s fully prepared for the journey is crucial. This preparation involves a series of checks and procedures to guarantee safety and compliance with transport regulations.

 

Inspect The Cranes Thoroughly

A thorough inspection of the crane should focus on identifying potential issues affecting its transportability. This includes checking for loose parts, securing all attachments, and ensuring that hydraulic systems are leak-free.

 

Dismantle Properly For Legal Road Transport

The crane must be dismantled or adjusted to fit within the legal dimensions for road transport. This often means removing the boom, counterweights, and sometimes other crane parts. Each component must be secured on the transport vehicle to prevent movement during transit.

 

Secure Permits And Route Planning

Obtaining the necessary transporting permits is a vital step. Police escorts will be necessary for transporting cargo that surpasses specific dimensions. If the cargo’s width or height exceeds 3.4 meters, not counting the chassis, or if the total weight goes beyond 80 tons, a police escort will be required for safe transportation. Planning the route is also essential to avoid low bridges, narrow roads, or areas with weight restrictions.

 

Brief The Drivers And Escort Teams

Ensure that the drivers and escort vehicle teams are briefed on the specifics of the load and route. They are crucial in safely transporting your crane to its next destination. By following these steps, you can help ensure your crane arrives safely and is ready for its next construction project.

 

Where Are Cranes Stored?

When not towering over construction sites or lifting heavy loads, cranes have specific places they call home. Understanding where cranes are stored sheds light on the logistics of managing these massive pieces of machinery. Here’s a look at the common storage solutions for cranes:

• On-Site Storage: Cranes might be stored directly on the construction site for long-term projects. This option eliminates the need for frequent dismantling and transportation, saving time and resources.
• Dedicated Depots: Many construction companies and crane hire services maintain dedicated depots or yards for storing their cranes. These facilities can handle various crane types’ sizes and maintenance needs.
• Manufacturer or Dealer Yards: Some cranes are held at manufacturer or dealer yards, especially if they are awaiting sale or lease. These locations are also used for maintenance and repairs.
• Specialised Storage Facilities: Specialised storage facilities offer a solution for cranes not in regular use or those requiring significant maintenance. These facilities provide a secure environment tailored to the specific needs of crane storage.

 

Conclusion On How Cranes Are Transported

In conclusion, the transportation of cranes is a critical aspect of their deployment in construction projects. Understanding how different types of cranes are transported, ensuring they are transport-ready, and knowing where they are stored are key considerations for successful project execution.

By implementing proper transport protocols and storage solutions, you can streamline operations and maximise efficiency on-site.

To ensure your crane is ready for transportation and deployment, reach out to us today via WhatsApp or talk to us at +65 67557600.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About How Cranes Are Transported

How Are Cranes Transported To Construction Sites?

Cranes are transported using various methods depending on their size and type. Crawler cranes typically need to be disassembled due to their considerable weight and size for long-distance transport. Mobile cranes, on the other hand, can be driven to the site under their own power, adhering to regulations for oversized loads when necessary. The process of crane transportation ensures each piece is securely delivered and ready for assembly or use upon arrival.

 

What Are The Preparations Needed For Transporting An Oversized Crane?

Transporting an oversized crane typically involves disassembling the crane into manageable parts, securing the necessary transport permits, and planning the route to accommodate the size and weight of the load.

 

How Do You Ensure The Safe Transport Of Cranes?

Ensuring the safe transport of cranes involves several key steps, including securing all loose parts, using the appropriate transport and lifting equipment, and obtaining all necessary permits. Professional crane transport companies are experienced in navigating these requirements, ensuring that transporting cranes is done safely and complies with road use and safety regulations.

 

What Challenges Are Faced During Crane Transport?

Transporting oversized cranes presents several challenges, including route planning to avoid low bridges and narrow roads, securing the necessary road permits, and ensuring the load is balanced and secure during transit. Each aspect of crane transport is meticulously planned to mitigate risks and ensure the safe arrival of the crane at its destination.