How Are Cranes Used?
The ancient Greeks used men and animals to power the first hoists and pulleys. The Romans undoubtedly found this system necessary for moving materials to erect enormous structures. These mechanisms served as a model for modern cranes.
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Uses
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The construction, transportation and manufacturing industries use cranes to move heavy equipment and material. Auto mechanics often use a small crane to lift engines from automobiles. Cranes use a belt, rope, cable or chain and a winder to hoist material.
Types
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A mobile crane, such as a truck crane, can travel to and from a work site; it drives the crane to the site and serves as an anchor during its use. Aerial cranes are used by helicopters to lift and carry loads.
Fixed cranes usually attach to a concrete slab. These include tower cranes, used in the construction of skyscrapers, and suspended overhead cranes, in which only the hoist moves across beams. An operator guides a crane with a push-button pendant or with an infrared or radio control.
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Safety
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A crane operator's knowledge of his machine and its safe operation protects his safety and that of other workers. If he overloads the crane, raises it too high, allows people to walk underneath or fails to perform daily inspections of the equipment, serious injury or death can result.
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