When operating a crane knowing how it operates technically can assist the driver in making decisions about moving loads. In this article we look at tower cranes and their components.
A tower crane is broken up into several sections. The base is a large concrete pad that supports the crane. This base is connected to the tower which supports the entire structure.
Attached to the top of the tower is the rotating gear and motor called the slewing unit. On top of this there are three parts:
The drivers cab which is attached above the slewing unit.
The jib is the working arm of the crane. This supports the load the crane is hauling. A trolley runs along the jib to move the load along it.
Opposite the jib is the machinery arm. This houses the counter weight, crane motors and other electronics. The motor on the machinery arm is the one that lifts the load. This motor powers a cable drum which winds the cable connected to the load.