Hydraulic vs. Crawler Cranes

May 22, 2023

Cranes are essential tools in construction, mining, and various heavy-duty industries, used to lift and move equipment and materials. Two common types of cranes are hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes. While both are designed to perform similar tasks, they differ significantly in their design, capabilities, and applications.

Hydraulic cranes are usually truck-mounted on rubber wheels and are considered to be more agile and mobile. They are made up of a hydraulic system, which comprises a pump, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and hydraulic fluid. The pump generates pressure, which is transmitted to the hydraulic cylinders through the hoses. The hydraulic cylinders, in turn, convert the fluid pressure into mechanical force, which is used to raise and lower the boom. Hydraulic cranes come in various sizes, With a wide range of boom lengths and capacities.

Crawler cranes, also known as lattice boom cranes, are a type of crane that uses a crawler track system to move around the project site. The crawler track system consists of a set of tracks, which are driven by a large engine. Crawler cranes are known to be more powerful and heavy-duty. Crawler cranes use a combination of winches, cables, and hooks to lift and move their loads.

The main difference between hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes is their mobility. Hydraulic cranes are typically designed to be mobile and can be easily transported from one job site to another under their own power. They are ideal for use in urban areas, where space is limited, and the crane needs to be set up quickly. Hydraulic cranes are also useful in situations where a crane needs to be set up and dismantled frequently or only used for a brief period of time.

Crawler cranes, on the other hand, are designed to operate in rough terrain or on uneven surfaces. They are less mobile than hydraulic cranes and must be transported in pieces by trailer from site to site. They typically self-assemble or require as assist mobile crane to assemble. They are considered to be more stable, making them ideal for use in larger or heavier picks as well as when longer boom lengths are necessary than hydraulic cranes. Crawler cranes can also be used in areas with poor soil conditions, due to the weight being better distributed with tracks, but still often requires dunnage mats.

Another key difference between hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes is their lifting capabilities. Hydraulic cranes are typically smaller than crawler cranes and have a lower lifting capacity. Crawler cranes, on the other hand, are typically larger and have a higher lifting capacity. They do offer the ability to pick and carry, although not frequently used.

Both hydraulic cranes and crawler cranes have their advantages and disadvantages. Hydraulic cranes are more versatile and mobile, while crawler cranes are more stable and have a higher lifting capacity. The choice between the two will depend on the specific application and the conditions in which the crane will be used. It is essential to consider factors such as terrain, lifting capacity, mobility, and safety when selecting a crane for a particular job.