What Is a Traditional Tower Crane?
A traditional tower crane is erected in position on site and typically remains there for an extended period. Depending on the crane and project, it may use foundation anchors, a supporting base or another engineered support arrangement. These cranes are commonly used where sustained lifting coverage, significant height or repeated lifting from an established position is required.
There are three common types of traditional tower cranes:
- Hammerhead cranes: A horizontal jib sitting level with the mast, ideal for lifting across a wide working radius.
- Flat top cranes: Similar to a hammerhead but without the top mast section, allowing multiple cranes to operate closer together on congested sites.
- Luffing jib cranes: A jib that can be raised and lowered to reduce the crane’s swing radius, useful on tight urban sites.
The most suitable type depends on site constraints, required lift height and how many cranes need to work in close proximity to one another.
What Is a Mobile Tower Crane?
A mobile tower crane is a road-going crane that combines the reach of a tower crane with the mobility of a mobile crane. Rather than being erected on site section by section, a mobile tower crane travels to the location as a complete road-going unit. Ainscough’s current mobile tower cranes can be set up in under 20 minutes.
Ainscough’s Liebherr mobile tower cranes are road-going units that can travel to the site as complete cranes and self-erect once positioned. Models such as the MK 140 use a telescopic tower to achieve their working height.
This blend of tower-crane lifting characteristics and road-going mobility can make the choice between a traditional tower crane and a mobile tower crane less straightforward, particularly where tower-crane capability is required without a long-term fixed installation.
Tower Crane vs Mobile Tower Crane: Key Differences
The differences between traditional and mobile tower cranes become clearer when comparing setup, performance, space, mobility, cost and safety.
Here’s a quick snapshot before we look at each factor in more detail:
| Factor | Traditional Tower Crane | Mobile Tower Crane |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Requires on-site erection and commissioning | Ainscough models can be set up in under 20 minutes |
| Site requirements | Requires an engineered base/support arrangement and erection space | Compact road-going configuration with reduced setup requirements |
| Height and capacity | Varies by crane and configuration | Varies by model, radius and configuration |
| Cost considerations | Foundation, erection and dismantling may add to project costs | Reduced setup and mobilisation requirements may reduce some associated costs |
| Typical applications | Long-duration or high-rise projects requiring established lifting coverage | Shorter, phased, restricted-access or multi-location lifting requirements |
Setup and Installation
Traditional Tower Cranes
Installing a traditional tower crane is a multi-stage process that typically involves:
- Ground preparation and surveying
- Preparing the specified foundation, base or supporting arrangement
- Erecting the crane section by section, usually with the help of an additional assist crane
- Commissioning and testing before the crane is signed off for use
The erection programme depends on the crane configuration, supporting arrangement, site access and wider project requirements.
Mobile Tower Cranes
A mobile tower crane is delivered ready for deployment. Setup typically involves:
- Positioning the crane and extending its hydraulic outriggers
- Raising the telescopic tower using the crane’s own hydraulic system
- Reduced site preparation compared with many fixed tower crane arrangements
Ainscough’s current mobile tower cranes can be set up in under 20 minutes, reducing the erection time associated with many traditional tower crane arrangements. Find out more about our mobile tower crane fleet.
Lifting Capacity and Performance
Both crane types are capable of significant lifting operations, but they perform differently depending on height, radius and conditions:
- Maximum height: Traditional tower cranes generally reach greater freestanding heights than mobile tower cranes.
- Radius: Both offer a working radius suited to their jib or boom configuration, though this varies by model.
- Lift capacity at radius: Capacity typically decreases as the load moves further from the mast or tower.
- Weather conditions: Wind limits and other relevant weather conditions must be considered for both crane types in accordance with the crane specification and lifting plan.
- Programme flexibility: Quick setup and the ability to relocate can be useful where lifting is required across shorter or phased programmes.
Ainscough’s current Liebherr mobile tower cranes offer maximum lifting capacities of up to 8 tonnes and self-erecting operation, with remote operation by a single operator. Actual lifting capacity depends on factors including radius and crane configuration.
Site Space Requirements
Understanding the different site requirements of traditional and mobile tower cranes is important for accurate planning.
Traditional Tower Cranes
Traditional tower cranes can require significant space for their supporting arrangement, erection process and controlled working areas, depending on the crane and site, including:
- Controlled working areas based on the crane configuration, erection requirements and lifting operation
- Space for foundations and groundwork
- A dedicated area for the crane erection process itself
These requirements can influence suitability on constrained or restricted sites, depending on the crane configuration and project conditions.
Mobile Tower Cranes
Mobile tower cranes can offer a more compact setup where the crane, working area and site conditions are suitable, offering:
- A compact operating footprint, with suitable controlled areas and safety arrangements established for the lifting operation
- Can reduce setup requirements around surrounding work areas
- Well suited to many restricted-access and city-centre environments
Mobility and Flexibility
Traditional Tower Cranes
Many traditional tower cranes remain in an established position for extended periods. Some configurations can operate on rail-mounted undercarriages, while relocating other installations may require dismantling and re-erection.
Mobile Tower Cranes
Mobile tower cranes are far more flexible. They can be:
- Relocated between suitable working positions as work progresses
- Moved between different projects where access and site conditions allow
- Used to support multiple lifting phases without a lengthy reinstallation
This mobility can be useful on phased projects or where lifting is required across multiple locations.
Project Types Best Suited to Each Crane
Traditional Tower Cranes
Traditional tower cranes are best suited to:
- High-rise construction
- Long-term commercial developments
- Large residential towers
- Major regeneration projects
Mobile Tower Cranes
Mobile tower cranes are a strong fit for:
- Roofing
- Steel erection
- Modular construction
- Schools
- Industrial maintenance
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Plant replacement
- HVAC installation, including large rooftop units
- Refurbishment projects
Cost Considerations
Traditional Tower Cranes
Costs to factor in with a traditional tower crane include:
- Foundation works
- Installation and commissioning
- Dismantling at the end of the project
- Extended hire periods for long-term programmes
- Additional labour for erection and operation
Mobile Tower Cranes
Mobile tower cranes tend to offer:
- Reduced setup and mobilisation requirements compared with many fixed tower crane arrangements
- Less installation infrastructure may be required
- Quick setup can reduce time associated with crane erection
- Mobile configuration can support redeployment across suitable locations
- Overall cost will depend on the crane, hire period, site requirements and lifting programme
Safety Considerations
Both traditional and mobile tower cranes must comply with UK safety regulations. Key considerations can include competent lift planning, suitable operators and lifting personnel, assessed supporting conditions, applicable weather limits and the inspection and maintenance requirements for the crane. Responsibilities should be established according to the lifting arrangement and agreed service scope.
At Ainscough, safety sits at the centre of our involvement in lifting operations, supported by our Make the Safe Choice commitment. Lifting operations involving either crane type must meet applicable legal requirements, including relevant LOLER duties. BS 7121 provides additional guidance on the safe use of cranes.
For a closer look at crane hazards and UK legislation, see our guide to safety considerations for large cranes.
When Mobile Tower Cranes May Be a Suitable Alternative
Mobile tower cranes can be particularly useful where projects benefit from quick setup, a compact operating footprint, reduced installation requirements or the ability to relocate between suitable working positions. These characteristics can make them relevant to shorter programmes, phased works and restricted-access sites where a long-term fixed tower crane installation may not be required.
How to Decide Which Crane Is Suitable for Your Project
Choosing between a traditional tower crane and a mobile tower crane comes down to matching the equipment to the project’s specific needs. Key factors to consider include:
- Project duration
- Site access
- Frequency of lifts required
- Building height
- Ground conditions
- Budget
- Programme constraints
- Whether the crane will need to move between locations during the project
For more complex requirements, early engagement or a site survey can help assess access, crane positioning, visible site conditions and lifting requirements. Underlying ground capacity and temporary works remain subject to the client or Temporary Works Engineer arrangements. Our team can assess your lifting requirements and help determine whether a mobile tower crane from Ainscough’s fleet is suitable for the project.