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Difference between Hydraulic Crane and Crawler Crane
The most common heavy lifting machines used on construction sites are hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes. Hydraulic cranes are used to lift the lighter loads. Crawler cranes are used to lift heavy loads. Hydraulic cranes are agile and mobile. Whereas crawler cranes are powerful and heavy-duty.
Hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes are used to lift and transport heavy loads, cargo, and various types of materials from one location to another. Both cranes contain similar parts.
Read this article to find out more about Hydraulic Crane and Crawler Crane and how they are different from each other.
What is a Hydraulic Crane?
Hydraulic cranes, also known as mobile cranes, are powered by hydraulic systems that lift and move heavy loads using liquid pressure. They are mounted on wheels or tracks and can be driven to various job sites. Hydraulic cranes are generally smaller and more agile than crawler cranes, allowing them to manoeuvre in tight spaces and over uneven terrain. They also have a shorter boom length and a lower lifting capacity than crawler cranes.
A crane's hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid, hydraulic cylinders, and control valves. By forcing hydraulic fluid through the system, the hydraulic pump generates hydraulic pressure. The fluid is typically an oil or synthetic fluid with properties that allow it to be used in hydraulic systems. The hydraulic cylinders extend and retract in response to hydraulic pressure, allowing the crane to lift and lower the load. The crane operator operates the control valves, which regulate the flow of fluid through the system.
The following types of Hydraulic cranes are available −
Telescopic Crane
Truck-Mounted Crane
All-Terrain Crane
Rough Terrain Crane
Knuckleboom Crane
What is a Crawler Crane?
Crawler cranes, are heavy-duty machines designed to lift massive loads. They are mounted on crawlers or tracks that provide stability and traction on rough or uneven terrain. Crawler cranes typically have longer boom lengths and greater lifting capacities than hydraulic cranes. They are frequently used in industrial and construction projects where heavy equipment or materials must be lifted and moved.
Crawler cranes are made up of several parts, including the tracks, boom, counterweight, and cab. The tracks provide stability and traction on rough or uneven terrain, allowing the crane to work on construction sites, mines, and other locations where wheeled vehicles are not permitted. The boom is the crane's long, vertical arm that is used to lift and move heavy loads. The counterweight is a large weight attached to the crane's back to help balance the weight of the load being lifted. The crane operator sits in the cab and controls the crane's movement with a variety of controls, including joysticks and foot pedals.
Crawler cranes are powered by various engines, such as diesel engines, electric motors, or hydraulic systems. The power source drives the crane's tracks and other components, as well as generates the hydraulic pressure required to lift and move heavy loads.
Crawler cranes have lifting capacities ranging from several tonnes to several hundred tonnes and can lift extremely heavy loads. They are frequently used in bridge construction, heavy equipment installation, and offshore drilling. Crawler cranes are particularly useful in applications requiring heavy loads to be lifted and moved over a long distance due to their long boom length and high lifting capacity.
Operating a crawler crane necessitates specialised skills and training, and safety is of paramount importance. To ensure safe operation, crawler cranes must be properly maintained and inspected, and operators must adhere to strict safety procedures to avoid accidents and injuries.
The following types of Crawler cranes are available −
Hydraulic Crawler Crane
Dragline Crane
Multi-Purpose Crawler Crane
Mini Crawler Crane
Telescopic Crawler Crane
Lattice Boom Crawler Crane
Difference between Hydraulic Crane and Crawler Crane
The following table highlights the major differences between hydraulic crane and crawler crane −
Characteristics |
Hydraulic Crane |
Crawler Crane |
---|---|---|
Definition |
Hydraulic cranes, also known as mobile cranes, are powered by hydraulic systems that lift and move heavy loads using liquid pressure. |
Crawler cranes, on the other hand, are heavy-duty machines designed to lift massive loads. |
Movability |
Installed on wheels and tracks, it is mobile and flexible |
Installed on tracks, it is less flexible and mobile |
Capacity |
Capacity is lower |
Capacity is high |
Size |
It is small in size, and it performs the less heavy-duty operations |
It is larger in size, and it performs the high heavy-duty operations |
Terrain |
Smooth terrain |
Rough terrain |
Sites |
These cranes are used on the small and medium sites |
These cranes are used on the larger sites |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes are used to do the lifting jobs. Hydraulic cranes are the best option for lifting lighter loads, and they can be operated by the one person. Crawler cranes are the best option for lifting heavy loads, and they can be operated by a team. The budget, location, load weight, and lifting requirements all need to be consider when choosing the right crane for your work or job.