Crawler Crane
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Crawler Crane
Crawler Crane – Introduction
• The crawler crane is basically a tracked vehicle that has a crane
mechanism attached to it.
• This crane has the capability to work on every type of ground surface,
even on the softest grounds, thanks to its specially designed track
properties. The metal tracks make the crawler crane very stable on the
ground and also provide increased maneuverability on the ground.
• The lifting capacity of the crawler crane ranges from 30 to 3000 tons
depending on the model.
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Crawler Crane
Crawler Crane – Introduction
• Crane – Consists of a rotating structure for lifting
and lowering horizontally on crawler treads
• Hoist - Used to lift and lower load.
• Boom – An inclined spar, strut, or other long
member supporting the hoisting tackle
• Jib – Extension attached to the boom point to
provide added boom length for lifting specified
loads.
• Counter weight – Weights used for balancing
loads and the weight of the crane in providing
stability
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Crawler Crane
Crawler Crane – Introduction
• All crawler cranes consist of several parts. The propulsion system and the
tracks are the main parts of the crane. The engine and the control cabin
are placed on top of the tracks.
• A long boom is attached to the cabin and can be raised high above the
control cabin. Cables move through the boom and a hook is attached at
the end of the boom for catching, lifting and moving various kinds of items
and loads from one place to another.
• Some crawler crane models come with additional part known as a jib
which is attached at the end of the boom. The jib allows the crawler crane
to move items even further from its position on the ground. The crawler
crane moves like a crawler tractor, but because of its weight it moves very
slowly on the ground.
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Crawler Crane
Crawler Crane – Introduction
• One main feature which allows the crawler crane to lift and move heavy
loads without losing control is the counterweight. The counterweights are
usually placed at the back of the crane and can weight up to several tons.
The crawler crane is a versatile machine, capable of performing and
completing various lifting tasks on all types of ground surfaces and
weather conditions.
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Crawler Crane
Crawler Crane – Pro & Cons
• The main advantage of the crawler crane is the ability to move and lift
items and other heavy loads around the construction site very easily. In
addition, the tracks of the crawler crane provide support and increased
stability.
• the biggest disadvantage of the crawler crane is the big size and weight.
The crawler crane is not transported fully assembled. They are just too big
for the roads. That’s why they are delivered in manageable pieces and
assemble on site. This can be a project on its own and will involve a team
of professional heavy lift technicians such as riggers & operators. The
configuration of the crane is predetermined in advance by the lift engineer
based on the customer’s project requirement.
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Crawler Crane
Major Causes of Crane Accidents
OSHA identified the major causes of crane accidents to include:
1. Crane buckling or collapsing -
All cranes have weight limits to ensure that
the crane will not tip over. To counterbalance the weight, cranes use
counterweight and out-rigging systems. If the maximum weight is exceeded
the crane will be in danger of either buckling or the boom may collapse.
2. Improper Crane Assembly -
One of the biggest reasons that a boom
collapses is improper assembly. Specifically if the crane does not have the
proper blocking (wood or metal supports) to stabilize the load, the
unbalanced load will move and may lead to the crane collapsing.
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*OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Crawler Crane
Major Causes of Crane Accidents
3. Improper employee training -
Operators who do not have the proper
training in crane operation and safety procedures may lead to crane
accidents.
4. Mechanical Failures -
Routine crane maintenance should be followed to
prevent accidents due to mechanical failure. Crane components should be
oiled on a regular basis and components with excessive wear should be
repaired and replaced right away.
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Crawler Crane
Major Causes of Crane Accidents
5. Contact with overhead power lines -
Electrocution from contact with
overhead power lines is a leading cause of crane related accidents. Both the
crane operator and workers in the crane basket should be aware of the
placement of power lines surrounding the worksite. Before work commences
the current to active power lines should be shut off to prevent electrocution
from accidental contact with live wires.
6. Flawed or Infrequent Inspections -
Timely, consistent inspections by
experienced and well-trained inspectors can wholly prevent tragic accidents.
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Crawler Crane
How Do Accidents Occur?
• Instability – unsecured load, load capacity exceeded
• Ground not level or too soft
• Lack of communication
• Lack of training
• Inadequate maintenance or inspection
• Unguarded swing radius
• Excessive speeds
• Working too close to power lines
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Crawler Crane
Planning Before Start-Up
• Level the crane and ensure support surface is firm and able to support the
load
• Know the basic crane capacities, limitations, and job site restrictions, such
as the location of power lines, unstable soil, or high winds.
• Contact power line owners and determine precautions. Know the location
and voltage of overhead power lines.
• At the beginning , walk-around your crane checking for mechanical,
electrical, structural, and hydraulic issues (MESH).
• Make other personnel aware of hoisting activities.
• Barricade areas within swing radius.
• Ensure proper maintenance and inspections.
• Determine safe areas to store materials and place machinery.
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Crawler Crane
Competent Person
The competent person must inspect all
machinery and equipment prior to each
use, and during use, to make sure it is in
safe operating condition.
If it needs fixing, take it out of service and
don’t use it until it is fixed
Make sure the crane operator can see the: Broken
Track
• Rated Load Capacities
• Operating Speeds
• Special Hazard Warning or Instruction
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Crawler Crane
Summary
• An unstable load, lack of communication, lack of training, and
inadequate maintenance or inspection are major contributors to crane
accidents.
• Operators or others working in the area can be victims to “struck by" and
"caught in" injuries.
• Contact with power lines causes many accidents.
• A competent person must inspect a crane regularly to insure it is in
proper order.
• Planning and training reduces accidents.
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Crawler Crane
References
• http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/23733/
• http://www.craneaccidents.com/2015/09/report/65-deaths-tower-
crane-collapse/
• http://www.osha.gov
• https://www.liebherr.com/en/deu/products/mobile-and-crawler-
cranes/crawler-cranes/lr-crawler-cranes/details/lr11350.html
• http://www.blockotoole.com/blog/2013/02/5-common-causes-of-
crane-accidents.shtml
• Google Image
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Crawler Crane
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