The shipping industry is a huge player for businesses around the world. The ports load and unload thousands of containers daily with the help of different machinery and equipment one of which is cranes. But there are several different types of cranes working together to ensure the tasks are completed. If you are out there looking to rent a crane from crane services for your shipping and cargo needs, you will need to become familiar with them. To help you out, we will discuss each type in detail.
Panamax Cranes
The term Panamax was given to ships that pass through the Panama Canal. You might have seen these cranes at ports installed on automatic docks, extending up to 30 m and reaching a lifting height of up to 36-38 meters. Panamax cranes are hardcore machines that are specifically designed to handle and manage containers that weigh in tons.
These machines can lift containers ranging between 40-50 tons with a single lift while being able to lift up to 65 tons with a double lift. Plus, Panamax cranes tend to have a lifting speed ranging between 50-125 meters per minute. Panamax cranes are usually employed for loading unloading containers.
The thing with Panamax cranes is that they are mostly installed for permanent reasons. On one hand, they take quite a bit of time to install and can take even more time to uninstall if the crane needs to be shifted. This is why shipping ports and docks have to leave out a sufficient amount of space for Panamax cranes to be installed and function freely.
Moreover, these cranes are installed in multiple numbers depending on the port traffic. This helps load and unload the containers to and from the ports and ships in a relatively short amount of time.
Post Panamax
Post Panamax cranes tend to be a lot bigger than the simple Panamax cranes. The difference in size means these cranes can lift heavier containers or loads and unload them at the same time. These machines can take 16 containers at once.
Plus, they have a lifting height of 35 meters and can reach up to 45 meters. But these cranes tend to be similar to Panamax cranes when it comes to lifting capacity. They can take 40 to 50 tons in one lift. But not just that, this number increases to 65 tons for a double lift.
The lifting speed of these heavy-lifting cranes is 60 to 150 m/m. Plus, their carriage speed is 180 to 210 m/m. The primary purpose of these cranes is to lift the same weights as the simple Panamax cranes but relatively faster. These cranes are used at ports that are extremely busy and are dealing with containers every single second.
Super Post Panamax
Super Post Panamax cranes are the biggest of the Panamax cranes. These cranes are getting popular each passing day and for the right reasons. Their spreader can tackle up to 65 tons when it’s a double lift. On the other hand, a single lift can do 110 tons.
Because Super Post Panamax containers are enormous and being installed at ports around the world, this also means that they need a relatively bigger space for them to move around as well. This may be a bit of a drawback of these cranes because they are effective but may not be the right choice if the space is not big enough.
However, these cranes are modern and loaded with a combination of features requiring a specialized operator to operate them.
Floating Cranes
Floating cranes are identified by their winches. These cranes are mostly used in the construction of bridges and harbors. But floating cranes are also being used at ports to handle container-related tasks. Not only that, these machines are versatile, which means they can lift loads other than containers as well. However, to lift other types of loads, floating cranes might need attachments.
Moreover, floating cranes are also used to recover sunken ships using the crane hook. Plus, another noteworthy feature of these cranes is that they can move from one place to another. You will have to find crane and rigging services VA companies that provide floating cranes because not every company does.
Bulk-Handling Cranes
When it comes to handling numerous loads daily, the most efficient and reliable method is by using grabbing hoists, which are operated through riggings. Bulk-handling cranes tend to be a safe and effective option when lifting materials such as coal, and gravel and foodstuffs like grain.
These loads as compared to others are slightly heavy and tricky to handle. Bulk-handling cranes are available as both fixed and mobile devices. Plus, as the term suggests, these cranes are mostly used for items that arrive in bulk. Depending on the task, these cranes may or may not be used for loading and unloading containers.
Gantry Cranes
Gantry cranes are amongst the most popular cranes out there. These cranes come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, features, and specifications depending on the type of loads that need to be handled or managed. These cranes are very effective and versatile, which makes them a good option to be used at ports as well as to load and unload containers.
The smaller versions of gantry cranes are used to move heavy objects in the construction industry while the larger versions are used at places like ports to move containers.
Hammerhead Cranes
Hammerhead cranes are another popular type found in both the construction and shipping industry. These cranes are also known as a giant cantilever due to having a cantilever fitted with a lifting trolley with a crane hook. Plus, hammerhead cranes are identified by their tall steel tower with a jib that extends backward.
A noteworthy feature of these cranes is that they can be built based on the specific needs and preferences of the customer. If needed, these cranes can lift to 350 tons.
Do Cranes Need Maintenance?
Now that you are familiar with the most common types of cranes used to handle containers, it is equally important that you consider maintenance and the crane’s condition when renting as it ensures safe and efficient lifting. Even though cranes tend to be heavy-duty machines, handling extremely heavy weights on a daily basis, this means they need maintenance more than anything.
With time, the components may leak, crack, or damage needing immediate attention and fixing. Since you are out there looking to rent a crane, you will need to go through the maintenance log of each crane. This will help you filter out the options and ensure the crane you choose is in perfect shape.
Some states have strict regulations pertaining to crane maintenance that need to be followed by every supplier and contractor, etc. Otherwise, it could lead to serious issues down the road with the legal department.
Conclusion
Although, the information mentioned above will help you make an informed decision, but you should discuss it with your team for the exact requirements of your project and also consult an expert as well. Moreover, choose a reputable crane rental MD company that offers well-maintained cranes that are safe and effective at their tasks. It takes a lot of effort and money to transport and move the cranes. This means, your investment should be worth it at the end of the day.