Why Are Large Cranes Not Transported Fully Assembled?

Some cranes are too large and heavy for practical transport in their fully assembled configuration. Their size and weight can exceed normal road transport limits or require specialist abnormal-load arrangements, so larger cranes are often designed in modular sections that can be transported separately and assembled in the required configuration once they reach site.

Once on site, mobile cranes are configured for the planned lifting operation according to the crane type and required configuration. For telescopic mobile cranes, this can include deploying outriggers, fitting counterweights where required and configuring the boom for the required lifting duties.

How Are Different Ainscough Cranes Prepared On Site?

Mobile Cranes

Many of our mobile cranes can travel to site largely assembled, reducing the amount of on-site assembly required before they are configured for the planned lifting operation.

For mobile cranes prepared on site, the exact setup depends on the crane and the requirements of the planned lifting operation. This can include deploying the outriggers in the required configuration, installing counterweights and configuring the boom for the required lifting duties.

Once the crane has been configured and the required checks have been completed, lifting can begin in accordance with the planned operation and agreed site controls. Ainscough’s mobile fleet includes several crane types suited to different site conditions and lifting requirements:

All-Terrain Cranes: Designed to combine the road-going capability of conventional mobile cranes with the off-road performance needed for more challenging terrain, all-terrain cranes can travel efficiently between sites before being configured for lifting. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of projects, including construction, infrastructure and lifting operations across varied site conditions.
City Cranes: City cranes are suitable where access is restricted or space is limited. Mounted on a small wheeled chassis, they can be transported and set up quickly while minimising disruption in busy urban environments. Their compact footprint also suits city centre construction and other confined worksites.
Mobile Tower Cranes: Mobile tower cranes differ from conventional tower cranes because they use a vehicle-mounted, self-erecting design. They can be driven to site and set up in under 20 minutes in some cases, providing a rapid setup option for suitable projects.

Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes typically require more extensive on-site assembly because their fully assembled size and weight make transport impractical. They are therefore transported in separate sections and assembled in the required configuration once they reach site.

Depending on the crane, individual components can include the main chassis, tracks, boom sections, jib, counterweights and hook blocks. These components are assembled by Ainscough’s lifting specialists in the configuration required for the planned operation.

Some crawler models in Ainscough’s fleet are also capable of self-unloading and self-assembly, helping streamline the setup process. Once assembled, crawler cranes provide substantial lifting capability and can be suitable for projects involving softer terrain where the supporting ground and any required temporary works have been suitably assessed.

Safety Throughout the Assembly Process

No matter which crane is being assembled, safety is always our highest priority. It’s at the heart of everything we do.

For a managed Contract Lift, Ainscough assumes the agreed responsibilities for planning, organising, supervising and carrying out the lifting operation. Planning can include site assessment, crane selection, Risk Assessment and Method Statement development, with suitable operational boundaries and access controls established where required. Crane assembly and lifting activities are planned and carried out with reference to applicable BS 7121 guidance and relevant LOLER and PUWER requirements.

Why Choose Ainscough for Complex Crane Projects?

With 30 locations across the UK and more than 300 cranes, including UK’s largest fleet of mobile cranes, Ainscough supports complex lifting projects across the construction, infrastructure, energy, rail, emergency response and industrial sectors.

For managed Contract Lifts, Ainscough’s Appointed Persons and technical specialists can support crane selection and detailed lift planning from an early stage, with responsibilities defined through the agreed service scope.

Looking To Hire A Large Crane for Your Next Project? Contact Our Team Today

Whether you’re planning a single lift or a complex heavy lifting project, our experienced team can help you identify a suitable crane and lifting solution.

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