• Oct 29, 2024
• News

Can Cranes Be Easily Transported Between Job Sites?

Transporting a crane varies depending on the type, but generally speaking, all can be easily transported between job sites.

Transporting cranes between job sites is a critical consideration for many industries, especially those that require heavy lifting and precision handling. Cranes vary in size, capacity, and mobility, and each type presents specific transportation challenges and solutions. Moving cranes efficiently, cost-effectively, and safely is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring the crane arrives at the next job site in optimal condition.

This article explores how cranes are transported between job sites, the logistical factors to consider, and the specific considerations for transporting popular crane types produced by Yuantai Crane, such as overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes.

Factors Influencing Crane Transportation

Transporting cranes depends on several factors, including the type of crane, the distance between job sites, transportation infrastructure, and regulatory requirements. Below are some of the critical considerations when determining the best way to transport a crane:

• Crane Type and Size: The size and structure of the crane play a major role in how it can be disassembled, loaded, and transported. Larger cranes with complex assemblies may require specialized equipment for dismantling and transportation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regulations for transporting oversized or heavy equipment vary by region. Permits, route planning, and special escorts may be required, particularly for large cranes.
• Distance and Accessibility: Shorter distances between sites may allow for certain cranes to be moved fully assembled, whereas longer distances often necessitate disassembly.
• Site Access Requirements: Access to the job site can affect transportation methods, as narrow roads, uneven terrain, or limited space may dictate specific crane configurations or transportation techniques.

Transporting Different Types of Cranes

Each crane type has its own characteristics, affecting how easily it can be transported between job sites. Here, we mainly introduce the transportation of overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes.

Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes are typically installed in fixed locations such as factories, warehouses, or industrial facilities. These cranes, including Yuantai’s single girder, double girder, underslung, and explosion-proof overhead cranes, require specific disassembly and reassembly processes due to their often large, fixed structures.

Disassembly Requirements

Overhead cranes generally require partial or full disassembly before transportation. The main components—such as the bridge, girder, end trucks, and hoisting mechanisms—must be separated, labeled, and packed securely to avoid damage.

Transportation of Components

Once dismantled, components are loaded onto flatbed trucks or trailers. Given the size and weight of parts like the girders, transportation must comply with local regulations for oversized loads, often necessitating special permits and escorts.

Reassembly at Destination

After reaching the new site, reassembly requires technical expertise to ensure that each component is aligned and functions correctly. Yuantai’s service teams can assist with the reinstallation and testing of these cranes at new job sites.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are more versatile than overhead cranes, as they can be installed in both indoor and outdoor environments without a permanent support structure. Yuantai’s gantry crane offerings, including single girder, double girder, semi gantry, and track-type container ganty crane, have specific transport considerations.

Single and Double Girder Gantry Cranes

These cranes often require disassembly of the main girders, legs, and trolley system. Components are typically large and heavy, requiring heavy-duty trailers for safe transport. Due to their size, gantry cranes are often transported in sections to ensure compliance with transportation regulations.

Semi Gantry Cranes

Semi gantry cranes, which have one leg on the ground and one leg supported by a wall, may be easier to disassemble and transport since they are generally smaller and lighter than full gantry systems. They are ideal for projects where quick relocation is needed without extensive disassembly.

RMG Cranes

Track-type container gantry cranes (RMG) are large and complex and require significant disassembly. Transporting RMG cranes can be logistically intensive, requiring detailed planning and specific loading and unloading procedures.

Jib Cranes

Jib cranes are typically smaller and simpler in structure compared to overhead and gantry cranes. Yuantai offers pillar jib cranes, wall-mounted jib cranes, and wall-traveling jib cranes, each with specific advantages for mobility.

Pillar Jib Cranes

These cranes have a fixed base and a rotating boom. Smaller pillar jib cranes may be transported without complete disassembly, as they are compact and can be loaded directly onto a truck. Larger models may require the boom to be detached from the pillar to meet size restrictions.

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

Wall-mounted and wall-traveling jib cranes are easier to move since they lack a base column. These cranes can often be transported with minimal disassembly, reducing reassembly time upon arrival. This type is ideal for sites requiring fast setup times or frequent relocations within a facility.

Transportation Process for Cranes

Planning and Permitting

For large cranes, obtaining transportation permits is essential. Planning involves route selection, considering height and weight restrictions on roads, bridges, and tunnels, and arranging for escort vehicles if necessary. Early planning and compliance with regulations minimize delays and potential legal issues.

Dismantling and Loading

Dismantling the crane involves careful labeling and secure packaging of each component. Specialized lifting equipment, such as forklifts, hoists, and rigging systems, may be required to load these heavy and delicate components onto transport vehicles.

Transport Vehicles

The choice of transport vehicle depends on the crane’s size and weight. Flatbed trucks and trailers are commonly used, but for larger cranes like double-girder gantry cranes, low loaders or extendable trailers may be required. Container gantry cranes often require multiple transport vehicles to carry the components separately.

Offloading and Reassembly

Upon arrival at the destination, offloading and reassembly must be performed by qualified personnel. Each component is reassembled following the manufacturer’s specifications, and thorough testing is conducted to ensure functionality and safety. Yuantai’s field service teams can assist with reassembly and operational testing to streamline this process.

Challenges in Crane Transportation

Transporting cranes between job sites presents unique challenges. These include:

• Size and Weight Restrictions: Large cranes may exceed standard size and weight limits, requiring special permits and planning for oversized loads.
• Complex Disassembly: Dismantling large cranes requires technical expertise and specialized equipment. Inaccurate labeling or handling can lead to operational issues during reassembly.
• Road and Infrastructure Limitations: In some regions, roads, bridges, and tunnels cannot accommodate oversized loads, requiring alternative routes and potentially increasing transport time.

Cost Considerations

The cost of transporting a crane depends on various factors, including:

• Type of Crane: Larger cranes with complex assemblies are more expensive to transport due to additional disassembly, specialized transport vehicles, and the need for technical expertise during reassembly.
• Distance Between Sites: Longer distances increase fuel, labor, and logistics costs.
• Permitting and Escort Costs: Oversized loads require permits and may need escort vehicles, adding to the transportation cost.

Conclusion

Transporting cranes between job sites is a logistical and technical process that depends on crane type, distance, and local regulations. While overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes each have specific transport requirements, the right planning, disassembly techniques, and transport vehicles can make relocation efficient and safe. Companies like Yuantai Crane provide support for both disassembly and reassembly, ensuring that cranes are operational as quickly as possible upon arrival at new sites.