Why Would You Want a Carry Deck Crane?
With so many different types of cranes out there it can be hard to know if you are aware of all of the options and are using the best choice of crane for your needs. A Carry Deck Crane is a relatively new type of crane that has evolved from the old pick and carry model that was first used in the 1980’s. They are small and can rotate 360 degrees on their four wheels. They are extremely portable, simple to set up and can navigate in tight spaces.
A Carry Deck Crane is a versatile piece of machinery that is ideal for lifting materials that need to be picked, carried and stacked and with a weight of anywhere from 5,000-30,000 pounds. They have a lifting height of 15ft to 50ft with a 3-section boom that has 90 degree rotation or 360 degree continuous boom rotation. They also can have two-wheel, four-wheel or crab steering.
If a Carry Deck Crane sounds like something that could be useful to you have a look at the options and specifications of the one that would work best for your projects.
Posted in Cranes by Jason .
The Mini Crawler Crane
One of the most versatile cranes for hire or purchase is the Mini Crawler Crane. It is incredibly useful and provides the multi-purpose use of being able to be operated indoors and outdoors. There are two variations, diesel powered and electricity powered, depending on just how accessible an electrical power source is. Electrically powered Mini Crawlers come in handy indoors, so as not to create harmful fumes.
Mini Crawlers can provide a wide range of heavy-duty lifting for various materials and is typically considered essential even for smaller construction projects or even for various other uses for businesses. One example is transporting waste, across work areas. They can also be used for transferring or loading extremely heavy pieces of equipment and material or even loading or unloading vehicles for transport. These incredible pieces of lifting machinery are small and mobile which makes them an incredible addition to practically any construction site.
Often the Mini Crawler Crane can be loaded with other additional features, that may be beneficial to your project, like:
• Radio-Controlled Operation
• Silent Running and Safe for Indoor Use (Electricity)
• Lifting Capacities of Up To 10 tonnes
• Practical Boom Lengths of Up To 21 metres
There is quite a variety of Mini Crawler Cranes that you can choose from, depending on the job site and job needs or requirements. You can choose a Mini Crawler based on capacity, maximum lifting height, maximum lifting radius, maximum working radius and if you will be using it predominately indoors. There are even some Mini Crawler Cranes that have a hydraulic blade on the front of it, that is designed to help even out rough terrain or can be used to help level out the crane when it is working on a terrain gradient of up to 13 degrees. These cranes are very handy for any job site.
Posted in construction, Cranes by Jason .
How to Choose the Right Laser Level
One fantastic tool that increases accuracy, efficiency and enables hands-free working is the Laser Level! It is a very versatile instrument with a variety of different types, which you would choose based on the type of job or project you need it for.
Before you purchase, consider what type of job you require the level for:
• Indoor project- the best level suited for an indoor project is a multiple line laser for aligning kitchen cabinets or framing in a smaller, enclosed room. Or you can use a laser square for tiles and masonry.
• Outdoor project- for uneven surfaces and/or for long distances, you will be better suited for a rotary and line laser with a pulse/detector feature.
• Large or small area- you need to consider the room size or distance the laser needs to travel as laser levels with a low rotations per min (RPM) are bright and visible but do not travel far. The higher the RPM, the further it will travel but it will be fainter.
Posted in Tools by Jason .
How Do You Become a Crane Operator?
There are a few paths and courses that are available for becoming a Crane Operator, however attaining a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card is considered the best and most in-demand qualification in the construction industry. The CPCS ensure that you have been trained up to national standards that have been set by technical specialists in the construction industry. This qualification involves intensive training courses that will help prepare you for rigorous Practical and Theory tests. It can be a long and expensive process but it leads to a very rewarding and well-paid position. On average, Crane Operators in the UK can make over £14 an hour.
After passing the Practical and Theory tests, a CPCS Trained Operator card (or Red Card) is obtained which is valid for two years as a ‘provisional’ qualification which means they can operate under close supervision until deemed experienced enough to operate unsupervised. This supervised period varies from one person to another but typically after three to six months most operators will be ready for an assessment to become a fully competent operator.
Posted in construction, Cranes by Jason .
Construction News 2020
Construction recovery activity seems to have slowed again, since August, and seems to be remaining around 11 percent below pre-lockdown levels, according to latest Office for National Statistics figures. The months prior to August, directly following the ease of lockdown restrictions, were immensely better for construction recovery.
Monthly construction output growth was at a record 21.8 percent in June and 17.2 percent in July, compared to the drop to 3 percent output growth in August. During this three-month increase, all new work sectors showed higher output than pre-lockdown, except for private industrial, which fell by 6.5 percent. The largest growth contributor being private new housing, which grew by 34.9 percent.
It is believed that the unpredictability regarding another lockdown or work restrictions are causing private commercial investors to remain cautious and skeptical. Record growth in repair and maintenance sectors is another demonstration of commercial hesitation, with growth being at 35.6 percent during the three-month growth period.
Posted in construction by Jason .
When Would You Need an All-Terrain Crane?
For many industries, mobile cranes are the workhorses of crane types. They are quite versatile and combine heavy-lifting power with mobility to conquer various tasks and loads, but when having to work on rough or uneven ground, an all-terrain crane will most likely be a necessity. They are also better at handling different kinds of weather conditions.
All-Terrain cranes typically have 6-8 tyres but can have up to 18 for increased stability. They typically have two engines, one to power the truck and one for the boom or arm of the Crane. Most cranes have a hydraulically powered telescopic boom so they are highly adjustable and their lifting capacity is usually between 40-1000 tons, model dependent.
The main downside is that they are extremely heavy so any worksite they will be used on, that has softer terrain, would need to be inspected for bearing strength to ensure that it can support the cranes weight.
Posted in Cranes by Jason .