Excavators, both the mini variety as the standard sized options, are some of the most versatile types of heavy construction equipment you can use for your residential project. And whether you have chosen to invest in this machinery and buy it outright or are looking to lease one from an equipment provider, the first decision you need to make is the type of bucket you should utilise. While this is dependent on your project, there are several considerations to be had in mind.
As an avid DIYer, I have spent a lot of time researching excavators, buckets and other accessories. In this blog, I have compiled information such as the differences between general-purpose and v-shaped buckets, how soil type will affect your choice of excavator bucket, various applications for the excavator buckets and so on.
Mobile Cranes Can Move on Wheels or Tracks, But Which One Is Right for You?
Mobile cranes are ubiquitous on construction sites. These crane types are highly revered for their easy mobility, which comes in handy when there is a need to move a crane easily around a worksite and between different locations.
If you're looking to hire a mobile crane for a construction project, there is a variety of machine models available for you to choose from. Each specific machine is designed and built with specific needs in mind, so it's important to ensure you choose the right one for your job.
In terms of how they move around, all mobile cranes fall under one of two main categories: wheeled and tracked. Here's what to know about each mobile crane model in order to make the right choice for your job.
Wheeled Cranes
As their name says, these mobile cranes move on wheels and tyres. As a result, it's not uncommon to see them on public roads and highways. In applications where there is a need to move a wheeled crane to a remote job site location with challenging terrains, a machine with off-roading capabilities is essential.
There are different types of wheeled mobile cranes depending on the terrain that they can travel on and how they are moved.
Cranes that are mounted onto trucks are called truck-mounted cranes, usually referred to simply as truck cranes. Cranes that are permanently mounted on a flatbed truck are called sidelifter cranes. Cranes that come with all-wheel drive capabilities are called all-terrain or rough terrain cranes, depending on the terrain on which they are designed to operate.
Aside from not requiring separate transport arrangements, wheeled cranes require minimal set-up time, as almost the entire lifting equipment is conveniently transported with the vehicle. The major drawback of cranes that travel on wheels is that they don't provide the best stability; thus, they can easily tip if outriggers aren't set up to maximise machine stability.
Tracked Cranes
Popularly referred to as crawler cranes, these cranes move on a set of tracks rather than wheels. Their main upsides are their ability to handle heavier loads than their wheeled cousins and how they have better stability on soft ground.
Tracked cranes aren't designed to travel on paved roads and therefore require heavy haulage transportation to move to a work site. Because of their large size, these cranes usually have to be disassembled before they can be transported to the job site. This increases the set-up time once the machine is delivered to the worksite.
When it comes to choosing between wheeled and tracked cranes, there is no best choice for all jobs. The right machine for every job depends on the specific requirements of the job. Do you need professional assistance with selecting the best mobile crane for your job? Feel free to consult the staff at a mobile crane hire company near you.