What Are Pick And Carry Cranes? Why Are They Popular?
Pick and carry cranes are one of the most popular types of cranes utilized by the transportation and construction industry. These cranes can lift heavy weights and carry them around the site where needed. However, not many people are fully aware or familiar with the concept. So, if you are looking for the best crane for rent to use for your next project or task, you should give this crane a try. Let’s know what these cranes are and why you should opt for one.
How Much Weight Can A Pick And Carry Crane Handle?
The maximum amount of weight a pick and carry crane can handle depends on its type, size, and other specifications. Plus, the weight lifting capacity also depends on the needs and preferences. Cranes working at construction sites tend to be a lot heavier as they have to lift and carry steel, concrete, and other materials.
Meanwhile, cranes used in the transportation industry do not have to lift extremely heavy weights throughout the day. Generally, pick and carry cranes can lift between 2.5 metric tons to 60 metric tons. However, in most cases, the cranes usually lift around 10 to 25 metric tons.
Furthermore, the lifting capacity also relies on the boom extension and the jib angle. This means that not every pick and carry crane is the same when it comes to reaching particular heights. Therefore, if you wish to rent a pick and carry crane for a task that requires reaching heights, you will need to consider its lifting specifications.
Are Pick And Carry Cranes And Mobile Cranes The Same?
It is a common misconception that pick and carry cranes and mobile cranes tend to be similar. Although, there are certain similar features, but both types are completely different. Mobile cranes as the term suggests are cranes that are only mobile as long as they are not lifting weights. They are the most popular types of cranes offered by small crane rentals DC.
Whereas, pick and carry cranes are cranes that can move even under full load. Typically, pick and carry cranes when compared to mobile cranes are smaller in size, which makes them suitable for multiple tasks. Production and other tight areas make it difficult for cranes to access.
Pick and Carry cranes are easy to operate and assemble combined with excellent weight lifting capacity that helps save time and produce effective results at the end of the day.
Furthermore, some pick & carry cranes are also available with electric powertrains that neither use gasoline nor produce toxic gasses allowing them to be used inside production areas as well. While there are some benefits of these types of cranes, there are drawbacks as well.
For instance, pick and carry cranes come with a fixed boom. The boom can’t be rotated independently. The crane has to move with the boom for the boom to rotate. To cater to this issue, some manufacturers are gradually coming up with clever designs allowing the crane to rotate around its center axis.
Finally, pick and carry cranes depending on the region may have to follow certification requirements. You will need to acquire a license to be able to import such machines. This means that if you wish to hire a pick and carry crane, you should know whom to contact and whether it’s available in your region.
Do Pick And Carry Cranes Come With Accessories?
Yes, pick and carry cranes do come with accessories based on the needs and requirements of the job. To begin with, you can attach attachments to the head of the lifting beam that turns the crane into a telehandler. Typically, such attachments come with smart electronic features that automatically level the forks while the boom is tilting.
Furthermore, pick and carry cranes are also compatible with hydraulic/manual jibs. Attaching a jib gives the crane an extended ability to lift and shift the loads. If the jib happens to be hydraulic, the operator can operate it using a button in the cabin.
This is very helpful in extremely tight places or where surroundings are severely packed. A jib allows an operator to be precise and accurate with the movements. And, perhaps the best thing about pick and carry cranes is that they can also be programmed to be used via remote control.
This is a great feature if the operator does not have clear vision sitting inside the crane. Therefore, they can stand outside and control the machine using the remote. This is a much better idea in terms of safety because they can keep an eye on the surroundings.
Top Benefits Of Using A Pick And Carry Crane
Pick and carry cranes have a lot of advantages to offer. To begin with, pick and carry cranes are mobile. So, they can move around the worksite making weight lifting and shifting simpler and easier. Moreover, you don’t need to set up outriggers for these cranes. This is something you have to do for many types of mobile cranes, but pick and carry cranes don’t need this.
Additionally, pick and carry cranes are quite versatile. As mentioned earlier, these cranes are not only used for construction purposes but also transportation and other uses. Plus, considering the attachments, pick and carry cranes can be used to lift a variety of weights without having to use any other machine.
Finally, pick and carry cranes showcase a splendid weight-lifting capacity. Considering their size, other crane types are not able to perform the same type of tasks so effortlessly. While some cranes can lift heavy weights without being able to move, pick and carry cranes offer the best of both worlds by being able to move and lift heavy weights around the area.
Do Pick And Carry Cranes Require Maintenance?
Pick and carry cranes like other mechanical appliances, machines or items rely on maintenance for efficient and smooth running. With time, due to lifting and shifting heavy weights, the components experience stress and undergo wear and tear. This is normal but should not be ignored.
Although modern cranes tend to be very safe when compared to the older models, that does not mean you ignore the basic issues. For instance, cranes sometimes tend to produce unusual noises and sounds indicating a problem. Contractors or owners in return wait for the noise to go away on its own.
This could be a very dangerous situation as the boom, hydraulics or any other component could fail while the crane is lifting weights. This is why the operator and related staff need to perform regular inspections and maintenance on the crane.
You might have to record and follow a maintenance schedule by law as well. This means an individual hired by the state will keep an eye on the maintenance to ensure the law is being followed.
Conclusion
Make sure that you define your needs and preferences and consult an expert before making your final decision. Renting cranes is not a cheap process. Therefore, do your research first. If you’re renting it for your construction or any other project, consult your team and also refer to the plan. Moreover, you can also find crane rental services VA who can help you with the decision.