Mobile Crane Parts and Functions

6 Feb 2020 Mobile Cranes

If you are going to be using a mobile crane on your next job, it is useful to be aware of all of the different mobile crane parts and functions so that you can know how to make the most use of your equipment. At Eagle West Crane and Rigging, we provide crane rentals to all kinds of industries. Our experienced team members in our technical service centre can help you to understand anything you need to know about the cranes that will be used on your job and the work those cranes are capable of. Our mobile crane rentals also come with experienced operators that can keep you informed about the equipment being used while on the job.

The Various Functions of Mobile Crane Parts

Although there is a lot of variety in the structure and capabilities of different mobile cranes, there are a couple of main components that most mobile cranes consist of. Some of these parts and their functions include:

The Driving Components

In any mobile crane, one of the common components will be the driving system used to make it mobile. For some cranes, such as picker trucks, this will be an engine, cab, and deck similar to those found on a large truck. On other mobile cranes, such as a crawler crane, the driving system consists of treads and a driving cab that is combined with the crane operator’s cabin. These parts are what give a mobile crane its ability to drive on roads or rough terrain.

The Operator’s Cabin

The operator’s cabin houses all of the crane’s controls. It can often be combined with the driver’s cab and it usually has excellent visibility of the crane’s range of motion. Many operator’s cabins will be set on a rotex gear that allows the cabin to swivel left and right.

The Boom

The boom of a crane is the long arm that lifts and moves the load. Booms can be one solid piece, or they can telescope or fold to extend and offer the crane better reach. Many booms will also have a jib that extends even further.

Hoist and Hook

Most cranes consist of a hoist at the base of the boom that runs a cable to the top of the crane, which holds the hook. This allows a load to be raised and lowered in place without moving the boom.

Hydraulic Pump

Many various parts of the mobile crane use hydraulic pressure in order to move and lift heavy loads. The hydraulic pump is what provides pressure to those systems.

Outriggers and Counterweights

Both outriggers and counterweights are used to offset a load and provide stability to a hoisting operation. Outriggers are located at strategic places along the sides of the mobile crane and help to distribute weight more evenly, while counterweights place weight on the opposite side of the load.

If you would like to learn more about the various mobile crane parts and functions, or if you are interested in any of our products, rentals, or services, please contact Eagle West Crane and Rigging at the location nearest you or fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.