Tower Cranes: Efficient Lifting Solution

Tower cranes are one of the most efficient lifting solutions available on construction sites, offering exceptional height, reach, and lifting capacity that few other machines can match. Unlike mobile cranes, they occupy a small footprint while still serving the entire site, making them ideal for congested urban locations. Their ability to lift heavy loads to significant heights speeds up construction timelines, improves site safety by reducing manual handling, and supports the simultaneous movement of materials across multiple levels of the build.

With multiple tower crane options in the Mantis Cranes range, our customers can select a configuration tailored to their site conditions and project scale, making tower cranes a cost-effective and versatile choice for projects of any size.

Tower Cranes – How Do They Work?

Tower cranes are a familiar sight on city skylines around the world, often standing as a visible marker of activity within the construction industry. But how do these towering structures actually work?

The Essential Parts of a Tower Crane

Every tower crane relies on a set of core components working together:

• Base support – Positioned at the bottom of the crane, the base support is anchored to a concrete pad on the ground, providing the stability needed to support the full structure above.
• Tower – The vertical mast of the crane, the tower gives the crane its height and carries the weight of the cab, counterweights, and jib.
• Slewing unit – A gear and motor arrangement that allows the entire crane to rotate, giving it its wide working radius.
• Cab – The operator’s station, fitted with the computer systems, controls, and joysticks used to run the crane.
• Jib – The long working arm of the crane, responsible for supporting and positioning the load as it’s lifted and moved.
• Trolley/hook block – The trolley travels back and forth along the jib, while the hook block works as a pulley system to raise and lower the hook.
• Counter jib and counterweights – Fitted on the opposite end of the jib, these balance the weight of the load being lifted, keeping the crane stable.

Steps in Erecting a Tower Crane

Once the crane arrives on site, work begins with building the tower to the required height, section by section, using a mobile crane. That same mobile crane then lifts the jib, counter jib, and counterweights into position. Next, the slewing ring, or turntable, is fitted on top of the completed tower. Finally, the jib, counter jib, and counterweights are attached, completing the assembly and readying the crane for operation.