When planning a successful lift, the crane selected can have a significant impact on efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness. The correct machine supports smooth operations, while an unsuitable choice may cause delays or complications. At Emerson Cranes, the fleet spans mobile tower, mobile, telescopic crawler and spider cranes, providing solutions for a wide range of projects, including commercial builds, rail upgrades and complex utilities installations.
This guide outlines each crane type, its typical applications and examples from the Emerson fleet.
Key Factors for Crane Selection
Several factors are typically considered when selecting a crane:
- Load capacity: The maximum weight that can be lifted safely
- Reach and height: Vertical and horizontal distances over which the lift must be executed
- Terrain adaptability: Suitability for uneven ground, confined sites or paved areas
- Transport and set-up: The speed and complexity of crane delivery, rigging and movement on site
Mobile Tower Cranes
Mobile tower cranes provide the height and reach of a traditional tower crane combined with the mobility of a self-contained unit. They are usually mounted on a truck chassis and can be erected quickly using hydraulic systems. Their design allows long-radius lifts from a single standing position and repeated handling of loads without the need for a permanent foundation.
- Applications: Urban high-rise construction, commercial rooftops, MEP and HVAC installations where space is constrained
- Example: The Spierings SK1265-AT6 Mobile Tower Crane offers up to 60 m of reach and high load capacity, making it suitable for city-centre residential and office developments
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are truck-mounted cranes with telescopic booms, designed to combine lifting power with road mobility. They can travel directly to a site and be rigged quickly, offering flexibility for projects with multiple lift points or tight schedules. Many models carry useful counterweights onboard, reducing the need for additional transport and allowing efficient setup.
- Applications: General construction, steelwork, precast components and rooftop MEP and HVAC installations
- Example: The Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 has a 90 t capacity and 60 m telescopic boom, combining substantial lifting ability with rapid mobilisation
Telescopic Crawler Cranes
Telescopic crawler cranes combine the off-road capabilities of crawler cranes with the versatility of telescopic booms. Built on a robust crawler chassis, these cranes offer exceptional stability on uneven terrain and can navigate challenging environments with ease. Their design allows for quick setup and precise lifting, making them ideal for projects where mobility and power are essential.
- Applications: Rail upgrades, utility installations, wind turbine assembly and infrastructure projects requiring heavy lifting in difficult terrains
- Examples:
- Liebherr LTR1100: A 100-ton telescopic crawler crane that combines the advantages of both a telescopic crane and a crawler crane. The crawler chassis provides outstanding off-road capabilities and manoeuvrability, making challenging projects more manageable.
- Maeda LC1385: A 6-ton mini crawler crane boasting a 16.26m boom, suitable for tight spaces and urban environments where larger cranes cannot operate.
- Liebherr LTR1100: A 100-ton telescopic crawler crane that combines the advantages of both a telescopic crane and a crawler crane. The crawler chassis provides outstanding off-road capabilities and manoeuvrability, making challenging projects more manageable.
All-Terrain Cranes
All-terrain cranes are designed to combine heavy lifting capacity with both on-road travel and off-road capability. Equipped with multiple axles, telescopic booms and advanced suspension, they are capable of handling challenging site conditions while maintaining high stability. These cranes are suitable for projects that require both reach and large lifting capacity.
- Applications: Bridges, stadiums, industrial buildings, ports, airports and tall commercial façades
- Example: The Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 All-Terrain Crane features an 85 m telescopic boom and 450 t capacity, making it ideal for major infrastructure projects such as the Gallows Corner flyover
Spider Cranes
Spider cranes are small, tracked cranes with extendable stabiliser legs that allow lifts in confined or indoor spaces. Their compact footprint and low ground pressure make them suitable for precise work in locations where larger cranes cannot operate. They are also available in electric and LPG versions for indoor use where emissions or noise are a concern.
- Applications: Indoor plant installations, atriums, warehouses and other locations with limited access
- Example: The UNIC URW-706 Spider Crane can lift up to 6 t in tight spaces, making it suitable for indoor MEP and HVAC installations
Selection Guidance
The choice of crane is generally influenced by site conditions and project requirements:
- Long reach in restricted space is typically addressed with a mobile tower crane such as the Spierings SK1265-AT6
- Versatile, day-to-day lifting is achieved using a mobile crane such as the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2
- Heavy lifts on challenging terrain are best suited to an all-terrain crane such as the Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1
- Indoor or confined lifts are generally undertaken with a spider crane such as the UNIC URW-706
- Projects requiring off-road mobility and heavy lifting in difficult terrains are ideal for an all-terrain crawler crane such as the Liebherr LTR1100
Long-Term Hire and Contract Lifting
For complex projects, Emerson offers long-term crane hire and contract lifting services. Planning, supervision and risk management are included, ensuring safe and efficient lifts.
Emerson Cranes Expertise
Emerson Cranes provides:
- Industry experience: Construction, rail, utilities, MEP and HVAC projects
- Fleet versatility: Cranes suitable for a variety of environments, from spider to all-terrain
- Proven performance: Case studies demonstrating reliability in challenging lifts
- Professional service: Experienced teams overseeing planning and execution
Speak to Emerson for Tailored Crane Hire Solutions
Project requirements vary and the correct crane significantly affects efficiency, safety and outcomes. Emerson Cranes delivers the equipment, expertise and operational support necessary for safe and timely project completion.Contact Emerson Cranes for further information or to discuss project requirements.
