Early Crane Evolution
The very first recorded concept or version of a crane was used by the early Egyptians over 4000 years ago. This device was called a shaduf and was utilized to transport water. The crane was made out of a pivoting long beam that balanced on a vertical support. On one end a bucket was connected and on the other end of the beam, a heavy weight was attached.
Cranes which were built during the first century were powered by animals or by humans that were moving on a treadmill or a wheel. The crane consisted of a long wooden beam that was known as a boom. The boom was connected to a rotating base. The treadmill or the wheel was a power-driven operation that had a drum with a rope that wrapped around it. This rope additionally had a hook which was connected to a pulley at the top of the boom and lifted the weight.
Cranes were utilized extensively in the Middle Ages to make the huge cathedrals in Europe. These devices were also designed to unload and load ships within major ports. Over time, major advancements in crane design evolved. Like for example, a horizontal boom was added to and became known as the jib. This boom addition allowed cranes to have the ability to pivot, therefore greatly increasing the range of motion for the machinery. After the 16th century, each side of a rotating housing that held the boom incorporated two treadmills.
Cranes used humans and animals for power until the mid-19th century. This all changes quickly once steam engines were developed. At the turn of the century, electric motors as well as internal combustion or IC engines emerged. Furthermore, cranes became designed out of steel and cast iron as opposed to wood. The new designs proved longer lasting and more efficient. They could obviously run longer as well with their new power sources and thus complete bigger jobs in less time.