Crawler Crane Overview
Crawler cranes use a tracked undercarriage that distributes crane loads across a relatively large contact area. This can provide useful site mobility, although the access route and working area must still be suitable for the crane and the loads imposed during the operation.
Crawler cranes can use two main boom configurations:
- Telescopic: Nested boom sections extend and retract to provide different boom lengths without assembling separate lattice sections.
- Lattice: Modular steel boom sections are assembled into the required configuration for the planned lifting operation.
Crawler cranes are widely used for major lifting operations where high capacity, working radius and on-site mobility are important project requirements.
Crawler Crane Uses
Crawler cranes combine high-capacity lifting with site mobility, making them suitable for major construction and infrastructure projects where site conditions support the planned operation. Typical uses include:
Why Choose Crawler Cranes for Construction Sites?
Crawler cranes offer several operational advantages where their capacity, configuration and site mobility suit the lifting requirement. Key considerations include:
Stability
Crawler cranes are supported through a tracked undercarriage, allowing the assembled crane to retain mobility on site where the configuration and operating conditions permit. This combination of stability and site mobility can be useful on construction projects where off-road access forms part of the planned operation.
Large Lifting Capacity
Crawler cranes are available in high-capacity configurations for major lifting operations. Lattice crawler cranes can be configured for substantial working radii, depending on the crane model and planned boom arrangement. Ainscough’s crawler crane capability ranges from 300T to 700T, providing options for demanding lifting requirements.
On-Site Mobility
Crawler cranes can relocate within a site while assembled where the crane model, configuration, travel route and operating limits permit. This can reduce the need for repeated dismantling and reassembly when lifting is required in different areas of the same site.
Mobility Across Suitable Site Surfaces
Crawler tracks can provide mobility across suitably assessed construction-site surfaces, but ground conditions remain a critical consideration throughout planning and operation.
Supports Complex Lifting Programmes
Crawler cranes can support large-scale projects where high lifting capacity, a substantial working radius or repeated lifting across different areas of a site is required. Selecting the crane and configuration around the full lifting programme can help reduce avoidable changes and support efficient lift sequencing.
360-Degree Operation
Depending on the crane, configuration and applicable load chart, the upper structure may provide full 360-degree slewing capability. This can offer additional flexibility when planning lifts around different areas of the crane’s working envelope.
Crawler Cranes at Ainscough
Ainscough supports construction projects across the UK with lifting capability ranging from mobile tower cranes to high-capacity crawler cranes. Our technical teams assess requirements including load, working radius, crane configuration, access and site conditions to identify a suitable lifting solution for the planned operation.
If crawler crane hire is required for an upcoming construction project, contact the Ainscough team to discuss the lifting requirements. Call us on 0800 272 637 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.