Using truck cranes or any other mobile crane type at the construction site requires careful planning about how the lifting machine will be transported to the work location. Truck cranes dimensions, the turning radius, the axle loads and the weight are very important factors that need to be closely considered because they usually come up against the road transportation restrictions. Every mobile crane model, whether it is driven by its own power or hauled, has unique characteristics that can affect the transportation process.
Furthermore, different states and cities have different height and weight regulations when it comes to mobile crane or truck cranes transportation. Therefore, every transportation route needs to be closely examined so that the height and weight limitations can be identified. These transportation restrictions can cause serious project delays, especially when alternative routes need to be used for mobile crane transportation. The power lines that are near the roads might need to be turned off or temporarily removed so that truck cranes can be safely transported. All these things make the transportation of the truck cranes or any other mobile crane a challenging and demanding task that requires good planning and organization.
Although the mobile crane can be moved around the construction site and on the roads easily, for a long distance transportation, additional transportation equipment is required. Usually, special big sized trucks are used when a mobile crane needs to be transported from one location to another. The components of the truck cranes are usually transported by flat bed trailers. These components can be big in size, and that’s why a check for overhead clearance at underpasses is required. Those who organize the transportation need to know that metal chains are not ideal systems for securing the mobile crane components, like: latticed booms, extensions and jibs. The metal chains can nick or bend the crane components and seriously damage their capability to support heavy loads. Even the nylon strap tie downs can damage the mobile crane components.
Another problem can be the entrance to the construction site. The construction site entrance gates and access roads are usually too small for a large mobile crane or big sized truck cranes to enter the working area. In situations when the entrance to the construction site is limited, the big sized components of the truck cranes need to be loaded on several trailers and transported to the construction site where the truck cranes again are assembled for work. A large telescopic mobile crane with luffing jib may include ten or more trucks for transporting the components of the crane.
Continue reading – Mobile Crane Transportation To The Construction Site – Part 2
