7 Steps for Planning and Setting Up a Tower Crane
1. Planning the Tower Crane Setup
Planning starts by considering the project’s lifting requirements, proposed crane position, required lifting capacity and working radius, together with access routes, available space and visible site conditions. Underlying ground capacity and any temporary works should be established through the relevant client or Temporary Works Engineer arrangements.
The wider site environment also needs to be considered, including nearby buildings, roads, utilities and other restrictions that could affect setup or the lifting operation. For fixed tower cranes, this stage may also need to account for the engineered base or supporting arrangement, additional equipment and the space required to assemble individual sections while coordinating the crane with the wider programme.
2. Preparing the Support Area
Before the crane is positioned, the supporting conditions need to be assessed against the loads imposed by the crane. Underlying ground capacity and any temporary works remain subject to the relevant client or Temporary Works Engineer arrangements.
The area may need to be levelled, with suitable load-distribution measures used where required to manage the forces transferred into the ground. Mobile tower cranes are supported by their own stabilising systems on suitably prepared ground, so they do not rely on a concrete base being constructed as part of the site setup.
Fixed tower cranes require an engineered supporting arrangement appropriate to the crane and installation, which may include foundation anchors, a base or another specified system. The design will depend on the crane configuration, anticipated loads and site conditions and must be completed and verified before the main tower structure is assembled. This generally means more preparatory work is needed before erection can begin.
3. Positioning the Crane on Site and Deploying the Outriggers
A mobile tower crane arrives on site as a road-going unit and is manoeuvred into the working position identified during lift planning. Access, available space and the crane’s position in relation to the planned lifts all need to be considered before setup begins. Once in position, the outriggers are deployed to support and stabilise the crane. Mats or other load-distribution measures may then be used where required to spread the imposed loads over the supporting surface.
The final position should align with the applicable lift plan, taking into account the required radius, surrounding structures and site activity. Fixed tower cranes follow a different positioning process, with the base or foundation established before the crane structure is assembled above it.
4. Raising the Tower
For mobile tower cranes, the tower and jib travel folded along the road-going chassis. Once the crane is positioned and supported, the integrated erection system raises the tower from its transport position, bringing the structure upright before extending it to the required working height. As this happens, the jib is progressively brought out of its folded position and prepared for use.
Because the main components travel with the crane and are raised using built-in systems, there is far less separate assembly on site. Fixed tower cranes follow a different process, with individual mast sections installed vertically onto the prepared base until the specified tower height is reached.
5. Erecting and Configuring the Jib
On a mobile tower crane, the jib travels folded as part of the crane and is brought into position using the integrated erection system. As setup continues, it unfolds and is raised into its working configuration, with the final position influenced by the required working radius, available space and surrounding site constraints.
Fixed tower cranes follow a more involved erection process, with the jib typically assembled from separate sections at ground level before being lifted and connected to the upper crane structure. The counter-jib, counterweights and lifting systems are then installed and configured around the planned lifting operation.
6. Configuring the Crane for the Planned Lift
Once the crane has been erected, it still needs to be configured around the specific lifting operation. This can include setting the required working radius, checking lifting capacity, confirming the jib position and ensuring the hoist and trolley systems are set up in line with the lift plan. Counterweights or ballast also form an important part of this configuration, helping balance the forces created when loads are lifted at different radii.
Power requirements and any site-specific operating restrictions should also be confirmed before operations begin. For fixed tower cranes, the same principles apply, with jib length and the wider operating configuration selected around the planned lifting programme.
7. Carrying Out Final Checks Before Lifting
Raising the tower and jib does not mean the crane is immediately ready for use. The completed setup needs to be checked to confirm the crane is correctly levelled and supported, with its configuration, working radius and lifting parameters matching the applicable lift plan. Relevant crane functions and safety systems should also be checked before lifting begins.
Where the safety of lifting equipment depends on its installation conditions, LOLER requires a thorough examination by a competent person after installation and before first use and after assembly before use at a new site or location.
For fixed tower cranes, this also includes confirming the erected structure, connections and operating configuration have been completed as planned. Ainscough’s Make the Safe Choice approach reinforces the importance of completing these checks before any lifting operation begins.
How Long Does It Take to Erect a Tower Crane?
There is no single timeframe for erecting a tower crane, as the process depends on factors such as the crane configuration, required height, site access, available space, ground or foundation readiness, weather conditions and the erection method being used.
Mobile tower cranes are designed for efficient setup using integrated erection systems, while fixed tower cranes generally require more on-site assembly and supporting equipment. In either case, sufficient time needs to be allowed for safe erection, configuration, inspections and final checks before lifting operations begin.
What Equipment Is Needed to Erect a Tower Crane?
The equipment required depends on the type of tower crane. Mobile tower cranes use integrated systems to raise the tower and jib once positioned and supported, while fixed tower cranes usually require separate mast and jib sections, counterweights and suitable lifting equipment for erection.
Specialist climbing systems may also be needed where a fixed tower crane increases in height during construction. Site access and available space must also allow for deliveries, crane positioning and any supporting equipment involved in the erection process.
What Should Be Considered When Planning a Tower Crane Erection?
Planning a tower crane erection starts with understanding how the crane will fit into the site, its lifting requirements and the wider construction programme. Key questions for the project team include:
- Where can the tower crane be positioned safely and effectively?
- What lifting capacity and working radius will the project require?
- What height does the crane need to reach?
- Is there sufficient access for crane delivery, erection and supporting equipment?
- What surrounding structures, roads, utilities or site restrictions need to be considered?
- For fixed tower cranes, will the crane need to climb or be tied into the structure as construction progresses?
- How will the erection process fit into the wider construction programme and other site activities?
Planning Tower Crane Requirements for Your Project
Successful tower crane erection starts well before the crane arrives on site. Selecting a suitable crane, working position, configuration and erection methodology depends on understanding the project’s lifting requirements, site conditions and programme from the outset.
Ainscough can help assess lifting requirements and determine whether a mobile tower crane from its fleet is suitable for the project. Where a managed Contract Lift is required, Ainscough can assume the agreed responsibilities for planning and coordinating the lifting operation.
Get a Site Survey with Ainscough
A site survey can help assess access, crane positioning, working radius and visible site conditions when considering a suitable crane setup. Underlying ground capacity and temporary works remain subject to the client or Temporary Works Engineer arrangements.
Book a site survey with Ainscough to discuss your mobile tower crane requirements with the team.