How to choose the right tower crane for the Job Site

• FACT – 90% of all accident are caused by improper setup of mobile cranes or during lifting
• FACT – Tower crane efficiency is greatly affected by proper planning in the preliminary construction project stage.

Today the major challenge is to find which tower crane is right for my job? And the Typical answer is, “50 mtr boom, 40 mtr height, 1300kg tip load and max load 5000kg.

Comment – most planning supervisors or purchaser rely on their crane supplier to come up with suggestions to supply equipment and sometimes the renters offer equipment they have rather than what equipment is best for the job. This is like putting the cart before the horse. Do your planning earlier.

Few steps and guidelines for selecting the right tower crane :

1.     First, choose a location to position the tower crane and consider the following point for location selection :

a.     Will this position allow sufficient crane capacity at project perimeters?

b.     Will this position create air rights / over flying problems with neighboring structures?

c.      Will this position interfere with the project structure or related systems?

d.     Will this position interfere with access into the construction project?

e.     Will this position make the erection and dismantling process easier and save costs?

f.      Is this the best position for construction material unloading?

g.     Is this the best position for ease of storage?

h.     How will this position affect high wind situation? Are we able to work downwind?

2.     How to decide Height Under Hook.

a.     Can we freestand this crane to the required height?

b.     How much will the crane tower move when freestanding?

c.      Will freestanding the crane impact our production efficiency?

d.     Will this height allow for rigging of all of the loads?

e.     Will this height allow the load to safety clear all obstruction and personnel?

f.      Will we have to climb the tower crane above the initial erection height?

g.     When climbing, what crane to building support system are available?

h.     What is the jib tip height with the maximum load?

i.       Does the boom deflect below 0 degrees?

j.       How does the height of the crane impact other crane working on the site?

3.     How to decide working radius so that it covers almost all area of the project?

a.     Where is the center of gravity of all loads in relation to the maximum reach of the tower crane?

b.     What’s the dimension of all loads in relation to the maximum reach of the tower crane?

c.      What is the weight of the loads as it relates to the crane capacity chart?

4.     How to decide the lifting capacity at maximum radius.

a.     What lifting capacity is require for the heaviest load and at what distance?

b.     What effects will wind have on our capacities?

c.      What effects will operator control have on our capacities?

5.     What type of tower crane foundation suited the project?

a.     Should we use a concrete base type foundation with it recessed or raised?

b.     Should we use a static base type foundation which uses central ballast or concrete anchorage?

c.      Should we use a rail travel base type foundation with central ballast?

d.     What type of anchorage system are available for the selected tower crane type?

e.     How do these tower crane support system costs compare for the particular project?

f.      How these tower crane support system to compare for this and future projects?

g.     How does the area wind zone affect the tower crane foundation?

6.     Tower crane Climbing / Dismantling

a.     Do we have sufficient clearance to climb the tower crane?

b.      Is the tower orientated in the correct position for top climbing?

c.      What mobile crane are available for the dismantle process?

d.     Do we require a special derrick crane for the dismantle process?

e.     How will the area wind conditions affect climbing of the tower crane?

7.     What does the rental / sale include?

a.     Uptime history of the supplier / hirer during the breakdown.

b.     Willingness to support / assists rather than sell.

c.      Parts? Does the supplier have a stock of parts available?

d.     Easy breaking parts & consumable list.

e.     Service? What service personnel are available in our area?

f.      Parts and services contract will cover what? What is additional?

g.     What value of the equipment is stated for insurance purpose?

h.     What is the cost of foundation anchors?

i.       Is the foundation anchorage system as per the manufacturer?

j.       Engineering? What engineering services are available for this type of equipment?

k.     Climbing support system?

l.       Top climber included?

m.   Building tie-in arms or braces?

n.     Building connection plates?

o.     Who supplies the lubrication and consumable material for the crane?

p.     What length of the power cable is supplied?

q.     What length of hoist rope is supplied?

r.      Tower crane operator availability?

s.      What if the tower crane operator gets sick? Who is available to replace the operator?

t.      Is the operator experienced with this type of tower crane?

u.     Who supplies the crane log book?

v.     When can we get a copy of the crane manual?

w.    How often do we need to inspect the tower crane?

x.     What is maintenance schedule?

y.     What is required of our site personnel to ensure the crane is maintained?