Parts of a Tower Crane
Tower cranes enable the construction industry to build various amazing structures. These cranes have been used to reach ever-increasing heights. Tower cranes provide the means to raise and transport tools, building parts and materials all around a construction location. There are a few different parts that assemble a tower crane once they are put together. Putting a tower crane together utilizes different pieces of construction equipment.
Base
Normally, the tower crane base is made from a steel unit. The base is connected to a concrete pad that is custom-designed. This set-up gives the structure stability. Generally, the construction should be well engineered and constructed in order to operate at optimum safety.
Mast
The tower crane's mast provides the machine with its overall height. The mast is constructed out of individual steel parts that are attached together. The amount of parts determines the height of the crane. Typically, a tower crane has a design which allows the mast to grow during construction by adding further sections as the building process continues. This way the height of the crane can be specified, ensuring it has sufficient height to carry out the required work efficiently and safely.
Slewing Unit/Top Climber
A slewing unit is situated over the mast. This unit houses the machinery and the motor which allows the crane to rotate. A top climber is the piece of equipment that allows the mast to grow. The top climber sits just below the slewing unit. Hydraulic rams in the top climber allow the slewing unit to be detached from the mast by raising it higher.
Boom
"Boom" is a term which specifically refers to the working arm of a tower crane. The boom is made of steel sections attached together, which extend out from the top of the slewing unit, parallel to the ground. There is a trolley connected to the underside which could run the length of the boom. This particular trolley holds the hoisting mechanism.