The base of the tower crane is generally bolted to a huge concrete pad that provides very crucial support. The base is attached to a mast or a tower and stabilizes the crane which is affixed to the inside of the structure of the building. Usually, this attachment point is to an elevator shaft or to a concrete lift.
Usually, the mast is a triangulated lattice structure measuring 0.9m2 or 10 feet square. The slewing unit is connected to the very top of the mast. The slewing unit is made of a motor and a gear which enable the crane to rotate.
Tower cranes may have a max unsupported height of 80m or 265 feet, while the minimum lifting capacity of a tower crane is 16,642 kg or 39,690 lbs. with counter weights of 20 tons. Moreover, two limit switches are used to be able to make certain that the operator does not overload the crane. There is also another safety feature referred to as a load moment switch to ensure that the driver does not surpass the ton meter load rating. Lastly, the maximum reach of a tower crane is 70 meters or 230 feet.
Because of their extreme heights, there is a science involved to erecting a crane. The stationary structure will first need to be brought to the construction location by utilizing a huge tractor-trailer rig setup. Next, a mobile crane is used so as to assemble the equipment part of the crane and the jib. These parts are then connected to the mast. After that, the mobile crane adds counterweights. Forklifts and crawler cranes can be a few of the other industrial equipment which is utilized to erect a crane.
Mast extensions are added to the crane when the building is erected. This is how the height of the crane can match the building's height. The crane crew utilizes what is known as a top climber or a climbing frame that fits between the top of the mast and the slewing unit. A weight is hung on the jib by the work crew so as to balance the counterweight. When complete, the slewing unit could detach from the top of the mast. In the top climber, hydraulic rams are used to adjust the slewing unit up an additional 6.1m or 20 feet. After that, the operator of the crane uses the crane to insert and bolt into place one more mast section piece.