Lorry mounted cranes are heavy lifting machines mounted on truck chassis, providing the mobility and reach to transfer materials around construction sites. As per experts like hmfaustralia.com.au, these versatile cranes offer advantages over fixed on-site tower cranes. This article will introduce lorry mounted crane capabilities and why they play an integral role in many construction projects.
What is a Lorry Mounted Crane?
A lorry mounted crane, also called a truck mounted crane, is a hydraulic crane installed on the bed of a lorry truck. The crane features a horizontal boom that extends outwards from the vehicle, from which a cable and hook are lowered to lift loads. The design provides a mobile crane capable of hauling cargo to work sites then offloading and positioning it.
Key Components and Operation
Lorry cranes feature major components including:
- Stabilizing Outriggers – Extendable arms that level and support the truck when lifting.
- Rotating Cab – A cab that rotates for precise load movement.
- Telescoping Boom – Extends outward on hydraulic cylinders to variable reach lengths.
- Hoist/Winch – Raises and lowers the load cable and hook vertically.
- Load Block – The hook, pulleys and rigging that connect to the load.
Operators manipulate levers to extend booms, winches, rotate, and raise or lower loads safely. Stabilizers prevent tipping when lifting off-center.
Benefits of Lorry Mounted Cranes
Lorry cranes provide unique advantages versus fixed onsite tower cranes:
- Ultimate mobility to transport loads and reposition on dynamic jobsites as needs change daily. Cranes can even be driven fully rigged between sites.
- Unlimited lifting versatility since loads aren’t restricted to preset hook points. Operators can precisely position hooks and rigging.
- Massive maximum load capacity far greater than smaller mobile cranes. Big lorry cranes lift enormous objects like structural beams and prefab units.
- Rapid deployment ready to work immediately without time-consuming crane assembly. Setup and takedown take minutes.
- Cost effective rental option for short term projects rather than investing in permanent tower cranes.
This flexibility makes lorry cranes the perfect complement to increase productivity and lifting options.
Critical Construction Applications
Lorry cranes truly shine on tasks like:
- Efficiently hoisting major structural components like beams, columns and equipment up into buildings under construction.
- Loading, unloading, and placing delivered construction materials anywhere needed on congested sites.
- Lifting out debris and dismantled components during demolition or renovations.
- Providing safe aerial access when workers must reach tall elevations in man baskets.
- Transporting loads like lumber, rebar or tools between multiple job site zones quickly.
When operated safely by a trained crew, lorry cranes are a versatile powerhouse uniquely equipped to tackle the most demanding lifts on complex construction projects. Their mobility and flexibility deliver productivity.
Conclusion:
With unmatched mobility plus serious lifting muscle ranging up to 100+ tons, lorry mounted cranes provide an adaptable, customizable solution for critical material handling needs on major construction projects. By increasing logistical agility and lifting options across evolving, congested job sites, lorry cranes boost productivity and efficiency when it matters most – ensuring tight schedules and budgets are met. Their flexible mobility fills a key niche complementing fixed onsite tower cranes.