Crane (Mechanical)

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In the construction industry, a crane is a powered mechanical device for lifting or pulling, with many variations involving the support of its moving parts, and its range of motion. Among the different types are the A-frame, Bridge, Gantry, and Tower cranes.

Types of crane[edit]

A-frame crane[edit]

Often attached to a vehicle, a lifting and traction device that uses a cable winch, with the cable run over a sometimes-adjustable A-shaped support, to pull upwards or diagonally; the common crane on an automobile towing vehicle.

Bridge crane[edit]

Also called an overhead travelling bridge crane, a lifting device supported by an overhead runway system that does not touch the work area, but whose lifting mechanism can shift in a three-dimensional operating area; work, such as components of a large assembly to be fastened together, are moved into the operating area of the crane.

Gantry crane[edit]

A lifting device whose floor-mounted supports do not move, but whose lifting mechanism can shift in a two-dimensional operating area; work, such as components of a large assembly to be fastened together, are moved into the operating area of the crane.

Tower crane[edit]

Used in the construction of tall buildings and equipped with hoist mechanism for the manoeuvre of bulk construction materials.