By Ezra Luca
Cranes are one of the essential equipment required at construction sites to tackle heavy-duty material handling tasks. An appropriately maintained crane can lead to a vast difference between life and death on a construction site. A poorly maintained or damaged crane can result in compromised workplace safety. Therefore, it is essential to have the necessary crane repair supplies for maintaining the proper working of a crane. Different parts of a crane come together to create a large piece of equipment that is a crane itself. This article enlists all important components of crane ad their function.
- The Hook
The hook is a connecting point between the crane and the load the crane must carry. When wanting to move large or heavy items around the job site, the hook of the crane can be used to hold them. The hook must be durable and robust to handle substantial loads of material. Construction workers must regularly check the hook for cracks or bends and, if necessary, use crane repair supplies to maintain the hook’s sturdiness.
- Wire Rope and Sheaves
Cranes use heavy-duty wire ropes to lift extreme loads. The material used to manufacture these ropes are cables made of steel wires twisted into the shape of a helix. Sheaves are used to increase the weight that the hook can lift. These are pulley system that holds wire connecting to the crane.
- The Boom
The boom act as the crane’s arm, the essential function of which is to hold the load. It makes it possible for a crane to move heavy items around and send materials far from where the boom’s base is. The two types of booms are lattice boom and hydraulic boom.
- Wheels and Tracks
Wheels are tracks that allow cranes to move around at the construction site. Wheels are an excellent option for bumpy and uneven ground. Tracks are long and wide, making them the best option for soft and muddy ground.
- The Hoist
The hoist enables the crane to lift items off the ground. It uses a cranking mechanism and wire rope to raise and lower the crane’s hook. Now that it can hold thousands of feet of wire rope, heavy materials can be moved over great distances and heights.
- The Jib
Sometimes cranes are required to move materials to the place beyond the boom’s reach. The jib is an arm of the crane that extends horizontally, providing extra space between the crane and the load. This part of the crane is useful when larger, and longer loads are to be moved farther away.
Conclusion
Different types of cranes feature these basic components, making it easier for people to move heavy loads at the job site. However, a minor issue with any of these components can put construction workers’ lives in danger. So, it is recommended to have crane repair supplies at the construction site to ensure the proper functioning of the crane.
