Cranes are an essential part of construction projects that require hoisting heavy material and moving it around the area. But the type of work you do determines which crane type is best. You might need a Mobile crane that can move around the worksite easily. Another option is a fixed crane such as a Tower crane which can reach greater heights and take on heavier loads. Read on to explore all the differences between Mobile cranes versus Tower cranes.
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Types of Cranes
Cranes are categorized under two main types: Mobile and fixed. The right crane must be used for each job to ensure the safety of everyone. Although all cranes serve a similar purpose, they each have a unique attribute that makes them perfect for the job.
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are mounted on either crawlers or tires and offer superior mobility—some can even be driven on the highway. Their main use is navigating over rough terrain as they move large loads around the construction site. Under the Mobile crane umbrella are:
- Carry Deck Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Floating Crane
- Rough Terrain Crane
- Truck Mounted Crane
Fixed Cranes
As you may know, fixed cranes are located on a single part of the construction site. This means it must be brought in and assembled on site where you plan on using it. All of the following are types of fixed cranes you might see used:
- Bridge/Overhead cranes
- Gantry Crane
- Bulk-handling Crane
- Hammerhead Crane
- Stacker Crane
- Telescope cranes
- Tower Crane
Difference Between Mobile Cranes And Tower Cranes
When it comes to Mobile cranes versus Tower cranes—it’s quite easy to spot the difference. Tower cranes are tall and typically found around construction sites where a building is going up. But you wouldn’t find a tower crane in an indoor setting or performing a statue lift. That’s where mobile cranes come in. Mobile cranes can maneuver over challenging terrain and access indoor settings to make the job easier.
Why Choose Mobile Cranes
Construction crews might choose a mobile crane for the following reasons:
- Flexibility/mobility
- Doesn’t require much space
- Comparable strength to
- tower cranes
- Easy set-up
Why Choose Tower Cranes
There are several advantages to using a Tower crane:
- They have the highest loading and lifting capacity of any crane.
- Their ability to reach heights other cranes cannot.
- They’re incredibly stable even under heavy loads.
Safety Comes First in Crane Operation
No matter what crane you’re operating, you must practice crane safety. These are powerful machines that, when used correctly, can create marvelous structures. However, the slightest misstep can end in significant injury or worse. Keep yourself and anyone around you safe while operating a crane—follow OSHA guidelines carefully. You can read more about them here.
Find a Heavy Equipment School Near You
The construction industry is full of great opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, material moving machine operators, which crane operators fall under, are projected to add 84,300 openings over the next decade.
Wondering if you should pursue a career as a mobile crane operator or a tower crane operator? Don’t waste time thinking about a new career and get it started. You can complete a mobile crane operator program in as little as three weeks and be on the fast track to a rewarding job. We have four locations nationwide; find the closest one to you and apply today.
