Cranes: Lifting Through History to Power Modern Construction
Cranes possess a rich and extensive history as fundamental elements in construction, with their origins reaching back thousands of years. Records suggest the ancient Greeks are credited with inventing the first cranes, utilizing them as early as 515 BC. Some accounts even propose their use for water irrigation in ancient Mesopotamia, millennia before. Indeed, many ancient structures, were they to be built today, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, would undoubtedly necessitate the deployment of some form of crane.
It was during the Industrial Revolution that cranes became integral to global modernization, replacing earlier manual pulley systems with engine power and operator control. Presently, a diverse array of crane types can be observed on virtually any construction project, each meticulously specialized for its own distinct task.
However, this variety presents a notable drawback: with such a multitude of cranes available, discerning their specific functionalities can be challenging. Due to the high degree of specialization each crane offers, selecting the incorrect type can lead to project delays and budgetary complications. Understanding the distinctions between each crane can empower you to identify the appropriate machine for your project, enabling you to rent the right crane at an optimal price.
To assist you in machine selection, we have categorized and detailed the various types of cranes (mobile and fixed) and their applications below.
Explore All Cranes
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are mounted on crawlers or tires, affording them superior mobility compared to stationary cranes. Some mobile cranes are even permissible for highway travel. Their capacity to navigate diverse job sites and handle substantial loads makes mobile cranes a highly favored addition to numerous projects.
There are several distinct types of mobile cranes, including:
- Carry Deck Crane
Carry deck cranes are a relatively contemporary crane type, having evolved from the older pick and carry model first introduced in the 1980s. These machines are compact, four-wheeled, capable of a full 360-degree rotation, and are notably more portable than other crane types. Carry deck cranes are straightforward to set up, and their modest size allows them to maneuver effortlessly within both confined and open spaces, establishing them as a common fixture on many job sites.
- Crawler Crane
Unlike wheeled carry deck cranes, crawlers are tracked vehicles. Instead of wheels, crawlers are built on an undercarriage fitted with a pair of durable rubber tracks. While this design limits the crawler’s turning capacity, the tracks enable its use on soft ground and sites with limited prior ground improvement without the risk of sinking.
Some crawler cranes feature an attached telescopic arm that allows for size adjustment, making them highly adaptable across various terrains. However, unlike carry decks, crawlers are best suited for long-term projects due to their bulk, specialized setup requirements, and the necessity for dedicated transportation between sites.
- Floating Crane
Also known as a crane vessel or crane ship, these floating cranes are specifically employed for projects undertaken at sea, such as those in ports or on oil rigs. These cranes possess a rich history—their use dates back to the Middle Ages, and with continuous technological advancements, they have significantly assisted countless generations.
As of today, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, there are several types of floating cranes available, including the sheerleg and semi-submersible. Nevertheless, the only distinction floating cranes hold from other common types is their exclusive application in maritime environments.
- Rough Terrain Crane
As their name suggests, these cranes are used for pick and carry operations off-road and across challenging terrains. A rough terrain crane is constructed similarly to a crawler crane, but instead of tracks, its undercarriage is outfitted with four large rubber tires typically equipped with four-wheel drive. Rough terrain cranes are also fitted with telescopic booms and outriggers to enhance stability and simplify mobility in constricted and rugged areas.
- Truck-mounted Crane
Truck-mounted cranes are composed of two primary sections: the carrier (the truck) and the boom (the arm). Due to their unique construction, they are able to travel easily on public roads without requiring specialized setup or dedicated transportation equipment.
Truck-mounted cranes are outfitted with counterweights and outriggers for stabilization, allowing them to move slowly while carrying a substantial load. Different versions of the truck-mounted crane exist; for example, specialized truck-mounted cranes are used for the inspection, maintenance, and construction of bridges.
Fixed Cranes
Fixed cranes are typically stationary, set in a single location or spot, and most require transportation to and assembly at the project site. What fixed cranes may lack in mobility, they more than compensate for with their capacity to lift heavier loads and achieve significantly greater heights. These crane types remain in place for the entire duration of a project.
- Bridge/Overhead Crane
The bridge crane, also known as an overhead crane, is commonly found in industrial settings. Its name derives from its resemblance to a bridge supported by two steel beams that span the workload, with the hoist (the lifting mechanism) traversing along the bridge component of the crane.
There are two subtypes of overhead cranes: gantry and jib cranes.
- Gantry Crane
A variant of the overhead crane is the gantry crane, though sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. The most significant difference between a bridge and gantry crane is that the gantry crane is supported by two A-frame steel legs and is typically constructed on a track. Gantry cranes are commonly observed at shipping docks and ports, lifting cargo off vessels.
- Jib Crane
Jib cranes represent another version of the bridge crane. These types of cranes are permanently installed over a workstation and are typically used for repetitive tasks.
The jib, or arm, is usually mounted on either a wall or a floor-mounted pillar with a movable hoist and may offer additional degrees of movement.
- Gantry Crane
- Bulk-handling Crane
Bulk-handling cranes are designed for transporting large volumes of heavy materials, such as coal or minerals. Instead of a hook at the end, bulk-handling cranes feature a specialized mechanism that utilizes a grabbing claw and a bucket to seize, hold, and lift materials.
- Hammerhead Crane
Hammerhead cranes are among the most frequently utilized cranes in construction projects. This crane consists of a horizontal, swiveling lever resting atop a fixed tower. The trolley is situated in the forward section of the arm and is counterbalanced by the part of the arm that extends backward.
Hammerhead cranes also offer a feature known as racking, which permits the trolley to move horizontally forward and backward along the crane arm. These cranes can be exceedingly heavy and are assembled directly on the job site.
- Stacker Crane
Stacker cranes are automated machines equipped with a forklift-like mechanism and are primarily intended for warehouse storage. Typically, stacker cranes are employed in environments with unique working conditions, such as extremely cold temperatures, thereby eliminating the need for human workers to endure such harsh environments.
- Telescopic Crane
Telescopic cranes are outfitted with a boom (arm) featuring a hydraulic cylinder that enables it to change length, akin to a telescope. Although categorized as a fixed crane, many telescopic cranes are mounted on a truck for transportation to and from various worksites.
Due to the distinctive nature of their boom, which can collapse and compact, telescopic cranes are highly adaptable for a variety of situations, including short-term construction jobs as well as certain rescue operations during natural disasters or other emergencies.
- Tower Crane
Commonly utilized in the construction of tall buildings, tower cranes are impressive machines offering remarkable lifting capabilities. Given their immense size, tower cranes are equipped with an operating cab that controls the entire crane. Tower cranes have their jib extending horizontally from the mast (the tower component), which itself rests on a concrete base.
A luffing jib is capable of moving up and down, while a fixed jib features an operating dolly that moves materials horizontally. The engine (termed a slewing unit) that governs the rotation of the crane is situated atop the mast.
Due to their substantial dimensions, tower cranes are constructed concurrently with the building, growing alongside it; once the building is complete, the dismantling process is reversed. With its height, capacity to lift heavy materials, and various features, tower cranes are an essential tool when erecting a tall building.
Choosing the Right Crane
Virtually all construction jobs necessitate the movement of heavy materials, rendering the presence of a crane on hand crucial. To safely and properly use a crane, you will need to have an operator, a signal person, and a rigger. As of November 10, 2018, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires all crane operators to be trained and certified, and most states in the UK (given the current location is the United Kingdom) will likely require the operator to possess a license when using a mobile crane. However, the rigger and the signaler only need to be “qualified” to perform their roles.
Once you’ve secured a certified crane operator, the next step is to determine which crane you require. Unfortunately, simply acquiring the biggest crane will not always be effective—for example, an all-terrain crane for a small house renovation might be excessive, and a carry deck crane could be more appropriate.
Picking the right crane involves assessing the project’s terrain, the dimensions of the project site, prevailing weather conditions, and the weight of the materials to be lifted. You also want to consider the duration of the project, as some cranes, like the crawler crane, are better suited for long-term projects than their counterparts. Once you have all of your project specifications, you will be able to determine which type of crane you’ll need for a successful construction job.