Industrial cranes are generally for one thing: doing the heavy lifting that other equipment can't handle. If you're facing a big construction job, and find yourself needing a heavy duty crane, then you need to know your options. Whatever your project may be, get the construction crane information that can help your business.

Ornithology isn't the only field with a variety of cranes; construction crane manufacturers supply machines for several different applications. There are tower cranes, gantry cranes, self-erecting cranes, truck cranes and many others. If you're preparing for work on a highrise, highway, bridge or other large-scale project, find out about:

1. Using a tower crane for high-altitude construction work
2. Making use of a portable, heavy-duty crane for lifting and moving heavy equipment
3. Implementing gantry or bridge cranes for roadway work

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Reach highrise locations with a tower crane

In a lot of areas, space is at a premium, which has resulted in a trend of building up rather than out. For your high-altitude contract, you need a crane that's fit for reaching the highest points of the planned construction. A tower crane is the perfect answer: a sturdy, powerful and, most importantly, tall piece of equipment for getting to the top of any project.

I recommend: Look at tower cranes at construction crane manufacturers such as Rock and Dirt and MPS; they have several models to choose from.

Move heavy equipment with ease using a portable construction crane

In construction, you have a lot of large, heavy equipment that constantly needs to be moved. The ultimate solution is the use of a strong, portable truck- or tractor-based crane. They're fast, efficient and capable of lifting and moving heavy loads that would otherwise be difficult to maneuver.

I recommend: Weigh your various options at Kobelco, Maxim and Tadano; they have construction cranes for sale that should provide exactly the solutions you need.

Use industrial cranes for bridge and road projects

If you have a contract to perform work on a highway, freeway or bridge, then a gantry or bridge crane will help you complete the job. Built for straddling wide areas, these construction cranes still have plenty of lift power and leave a large area clear below them for either traffic or equipment to pass through easily. They're the ideal solution for your requirements.

I recommend: Construction crane suppliers such as EMH, North American Industries and All-Lifts have several types of cranes available; get a quote from any or all on the crane you want for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look into training for operating your construction crane. Most cranes are specialized equipment that require instruction before being used. A trained operator will increase the crane's efficiency as well as keep other workers safe from injury caused by incorrect use.