Crane Types & Major Components
Mobile crane classifications, telescopic and lattice boom types, major structural and mechanical components, and safety devices.
- Identify the major types of mobile cranes and their typical applications
- Describe the key structural components of a mobile crane
- Explain the function of critical safety devices including A2B, LMI, and boom stops
- Understand the purpose and operation of crane brakes and controls
Leçon 1
Telescopic, Lattice & All-Terrain Crane Types
Mobile Crane Classifications
Mobile cranes are lifting machines designed to travel to job sites under their own power or on a transport vehicle. They are classified by their boom type, carrier, and mobility characteristics. Understanding the differences is essential for selecting the right crane for each job and for interpreting load charts correctly.
Telescopic Boom Cranes
Boom type: Hydraulic telescoping sections
Setup speed: Fast - extend boom hydraulically
Transport: Self-propelled on highways
Capacity: Typically 15-600 tons
Best for: Quick setup, moderate lifts
Lattice Boom Cranes
Boom type: Pinned lattice sections
Setup speed: Slow - assemble sections on site
Transport: Disassembled on trucks
Capacity: Up to 2,500+ tons
Best for: Heavy lifts, long reach
Common Mobile Crane Types
| Crane Type | Carrier | Boom Type | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Truck Crane | On-highway truck | Telescopic | 30-600 tons |
| Rough Terrain (RT) | Off-road carrier | Telescopic | 15-165 tons |
| All-Terrain (AT) | Multi-axle carrier | Telescopic | 30-1,200 tons |
| Crawler Crane | Tracked undercarriage | Lattice | 50-2,500+ tons |
| Carry Deck | Compact 4-wheel | Telescopic | 8-25 tons |
Rough Terrain vs All-Terrain
Rough terrain cranes have a single cab for both driving and operating, ride on large off-road tires, and are designed for unpaved job sites. All-terrain cranes have two cabs - one for road travel and one for crane operations - with multi-axle suspension systems that allow highway travel at speed while maintaining off-road capability.
Exam Tip
Crawler cranes on tracks have unique backward stability concerns. A light load at short radius with the boom at a steep angle can cause the crane to tip rearward over the counterweight. Always check the load chart minimum radius for the configuration.
Mobile cranes are classified by boom type (telescopic or lattice) and carrier type. Telescopic cranes offer fast setup while lattice cranes provide maximum capacity and reach. Each type has specific load chart requirements based on its configuration.