Lattice boom crawler crane

A dismantled piece of a lattice boom

A lattice boom crawler crane is a crane that gets its name from the W or V shaped lattice design of the boom. The benefit of this design is that it decreases the total weight while still providing maximum support for heavy loads. Other lattice boom crane parts include the crawlers, hoist, cab, sheaves, and wire ropes. Crawlers are the equivalent of wheels on a car—they move the crane along the ground. The hoist is what moves loads up and down. The sheaves make up the pulley system that holds the wire ropes, and the wire ropes extend to latch onto objects.

Of the most commonly used cranes in modern-day construction, the crawler crane is the largest and can lift loads in excess of 2,500 tons. This crane is mounted on an undercarriage with tracks, which ensures mobility and stability. Their mobility allows them to move up and down, side to side, and front to back. Their tank-like treads ensure they move easily through construction sites.

Since the treads provide stability they do not require the use of outriggers. However, they do require the most on-site assembly out of all the mobile cranes. This can include attaching tracks, assembling the lattice boom, and adding counterweights.

History

The concept of a crawler crane undercarriage was first developed by the Bucyrus Company of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1911. The first model, a Bucyrus gasoline-engine powered 'Type 14' dragline (usable with crane hook) had a standard 18.3m (60ft) lattice boom, a 4.27m (14ft) diameter swing ring and the crawler version weighed 47t (52USt).

Uses

Due to the heavy-duty nature of the lattice boom crawler, they are the ideal crane for large-scale projects. Their multifunctional jibs allow the crane to be adjusted to any project. As the scale and scope of projects change, the lattice boom crawler crane has evolved to fit those needs.

Also many countries are investing in infrastructure development, such as road, bridge, airport, and port construction, among other large-scale projects. Crawler cranes are essential in projects requiring heavy lifting and maneuverability on difficult terrain. Heavy lifting capabilities are required to develop energy infrastructure, including power plants (nuclear, thermal, and renewable), wind farms, and oil and gas installations.

As advancements in technology are made, crane manufacturers are advancing as well. New lattice boom crawler crane models include user-friendly controls, display panels for information in-cab, and are easier to assemble. They are also more commonly including telematics, which are systems that generate work reports. These systems can predict total uptime and support the continued maintenance of the crane. Being able to fit a large crane on a small construction site has also been a recent technological advancement.