Parts of a Tower Crane
Tower cranes allow the construction industry to build various incredible structures. These cranes have been used to reach ever-increasing heights. Tower cranes offer the way to lift and transport supplies, tools and building parts around a construction site. There are various parts that assemble a tower crane once they are put together. Putting a tower crane together uses different pieces of construction machinery.
Base
The base of a tower crane is usually made from a steel unit. The units' base connects to a custom pad made of concrete. This set-up provides the structure with stability. Generally, the construction has to be engineered and built well in order to operate at optimum safety.
Mast
The tower crane's mast provides the machinery with its overall height. The mast is constructed out of separate steel parts which are connected together. The amount of sections determines the height of the crane. Usually, a tower crane has a design which allows the mast to grow during construction by adding further parts as the building process continues. This way the crane's height can be specified, ensuring it has enough height to efficiently and safely perform the required work.
Slewing Unit/Top Climber
Over the mast is the slewing unit. It houses the motor and machines that enables the crane to rotate. A top climber is the piece of machinery which allows the mast to grow. The top climber sits just underneath the slewing unit. Hydraulic rams in the top climber allow the slewing unit to be disconnected from the mast by raising it higher.
Boom
The term "boom", refers to the tower crane's working arm. The boom is made up of individual steel parts which are attached together, extending out from the top of the slewing unit and parallel to the ground. There is a trolley connected to the base which could extend the length of the boom. This particular trolley has the hoisting device.