From the skyscrapers that define our city skylines to the intricate assembly of heavy components in manufacturing plants, cranes make possible what human strength alone cannot achieve. An industrial crane is an instrument used to carry loads and bridge the gap if it exists anywhere. Different types of cranes are used in different workspaces.
Cranes have a specialized lifting mechanism and a vertical mast or boom, providing the height and leverage needed to lift objects. Construction cranes come in various sizes and configurations, each designed for specific applications and environments. Whether erecting skyscrapers, building bridges, or managing heavy materials in a factory setting, understanding the various types of cranes available is crucial for project success.
Mobile Cranes vs. Fixed Cranes
Before learning about specific crane types, it’s important to understand the two main categories: mobile cranes and fixed cranes.
Mobile Cranes
- Mounted on crawlers or tires, offering greater flexibility and mobility
- Some can be driven on highways, making them ideal for projects requiring movement between locations
- Popular for various construction projects due to their ability to navigate job sites while carrying substantial loads
Fixed Cranes
- Typically stationary and require assembly at the project site
- Make up for lack of mobility with the ability to lift heavier loads and reach greater heights
- Remain fixed in place for the duration of a project, providing stable and reliable lifting capabilities
6 Different Types of Industrial Cranes
Now, let’s explore the 6 types of cranes commonly used in industrial and construction settings:
1. Explosion Proof Aerial Lifts
Explosion-proof (EX) aerial lifts are specialized work platforms designed to operate safely in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present. These lifts incorporate intrinsically safe technology to prevent ignition risks in explosive atmospheres. Key features include:
- Compliance with strict safety standards, including ANSI A92.20 (current standard)
- Platform load sensing technology that stops functions when overloaded
- Designed according to various safety standards like NFPA 505, UL 583, and FM Class requirements
- Advanced motor switching technology for longer life and reduced maintenance
- Engineered to eliminate potential ignition sources that could trigger explosions
EX Boom Lifts
EX Boom Lifts are explosion-proof aerial work platforms designed to safely operate in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present. These lifts feature advanced technology that meets the latest NFPA/NEC 70 and Factory Mutual requirements, including specialized metal-shielded cabling and anti-spark wheel covers. Bailey’s EX Boom Lifts use modern electric controls instead of hydraulic joysticks, reducing maintenance issues and potential leak points.
Product Line:
- EX Articulating Booms: 5 models (AE30JEX, AE45JEX, A45JEX, A60JEX, A80JEX) with working heights from 36 ft to 86 ft and 500 lb capacity
- EX Telescopic Booms: 5 models (T40EX, T46JEX, T60EX, T66JEX, T80EX) with working heights from 45 ft to 86 ft and capacities from 500 lb to 1,000 lb
- EX Vertical Booms: 2 models (MVL15EX, MVL20EX) with working heights from 20 ft to 25 ft and capacities from 350 lb to 500 lb
EX Scissor Lifts
EX Scissor Lifts are explosion-proof vertical lifting platforms that use a scissor mechanism to raise workers safely in hazardous environments. These lifts comply with the latest NFPA/NEC 70 electrical requirements, featuring special shielded cabling instead of non-approved SOOW rubber cables. Like the boom lifts, they include platform-based battery condition indicators and enhanced motor management systems.
Product Line:
- 12 models (1932EX, 2032EX, 2047EX, 2632EX, 2647EX, 2668EX, 3247EX, 3268EX, 3392EX, 4047EX, 4392EX, 5392EX)
- Working heights ranging from 25 ft to 59 ft
- Lift capacities ranging from 500 lb to 2,750 lb
- Various platform sizes to accommodate different application needs
2. Glass Lifters
Glass lifters are specialized material-handling machines designed for the safe transportation, manipulation, and installation of glass panels and other fragile materials. Bailey Cranes offers a comprehensive line of glass-handling equipment under the Brandon brand that combines versatility, precision control, and maneuverability.
What distinguishes the Brandon series is their interchangeable attachment system, allowing quick configuration for various lifting challenges. Many models feature proportional controls for precise rotational movements and side shifting.
Product Line:
- Brandon 2000: Capacity of 2,000 lbs
- Cantilever Glass Lifter: Capacity of 3,000 lbs
- 2863 Glass Handler Lifter: Capacity of 2,800 lbs
- Brandon 6: Telehandler with glass suction cup attachment and 3-axis manipulator
- Brandon Trax Glass Lifter: Track-mounted option for enhanced stability
- Junior Mini Crane Glass Lifter: Compact telehandler with glass-handling capabilities
- Brandon Omni Glass Lifter: Features omnidirectional steering for precise positioning
- Brandon Omni 10 Glass Lifter: Enhanced version of the Omni model
- Brandon Mini Crane: Telehandler providing extensive glass lifting capability
- Flipper Mini Crane: Unique design that can place glass panels on tables for easier processing
3. Mini Cranes
Mini crane telehandlers are versatile lifting machines designed to handle a wide range of materials and tasks while maintaining exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces.
The Brandon mini cranes combine advanced technology, engineering, and innovation to create highly adaptable lifting solutions. In their most basic configuration, they function as hoist trucks capable of lifting materials up to 6,000 pounds. Their compact design (34½” wide) allows them to fit through standard doorways, providing access to restricted areas.
Product Line:
- The Brandon 6: Standard telehandler with extensive lifting capabilities
- The Brandon 6E: Electric version of the Brandon 6 telehandler
- The Flipper: A specialized model that can place glass panels on tables for easy processing
- Brandon Mini: Compact telehandler with glass lifting capabilities
- Brandon 10 Omni: 10,000 lb capacity telehandler with multi-directional steering
- Brandon Omni Mini Crane: Standard-sized model with omnidirectional steering
- The Junior Mini Crane: Smaller version providing glass lifting capability
- Brandon Trax: Track-mounted telehandler designed for outdoor and uneven surfaces
- The Brandon Electric: Electric-powered telehandler for environmentally sensitive operations
4. Collision Avoidance Systems
Collision Avoidance Systems are safety technology solutions designed to prevent accidents and collisions in aerial work platforms. Bailey Cranes offers these systems for both scissor lifts and boom lifts to enhance operator safety and protect equipment from damage.
System Options:
- Basic System for Scissor Lifts: Provides scanning on both sides of the platform, with scanners that move with the extension deck to maintain protection at the front of the platform.
- Advanced System for Scissor Lifts: Offers full scanning coverage from platform to chassis on both sides, with zones that automatically adjust based on height and platform extension.
- System for Boom Lifts: This advanced system creates protective zones around the equipment and operator, automatically responding to potential collisions before physical contact occurs.
5. Aerial Work Platforms
Aerial Work Platforms from Bailey Cranes are specialized lifting equipment designed for various access needs across multiple industries. The company leverages its expertise to develop custom solutions for unique workplace challenges. Their aerial work platforms are engineered to meet specific access requirements while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.
Product Line:
- Collision Avoidance Systems: Laser-controlled safety systems for boom and scissor lifts that scan specific areas and alert or stop operation when objects enter protected zones
- Omni-Directional Scissors: Unique drive modes that allow movement in all directions for optimal positioning, with options for two-wheel drive for longer distances and four-wheel drive for tighter turning
- Pedestal Mounted Boom Lift: Fixed-position boom lifts mounted on pedestals for specific workspace applications
- Battery-Powered Boom Lifts: Electric boom lifts for environments where emissions must be minimized
- Air-Powered Scissor Lifts: Compressed air-powered lifts for specialized applications
- Hazardous Environment Lifts: Equipment designed for use in potentially explosive or hazardous conditions
- Magnetically Shielded Lifts: Specialized lifts for environments sensitive to electromagnetic interference
- Electrically Insulated Booms: Booms designed to protect workers from electrical hazards
- Custom Aerial Work Platforms: Tailored lifting solutions for specific industry needs
- High Capacity Boom Lifts: Enhanced lifting capacity boom lifts for heavier loads
- Coal Mining Boom Lifts: Specialized boom lifts designed for coal mining operations
- Clean Room Man Lifts: Lifts designed for sterile or controlled environments
- Low Height Scissor Platforms: Compact scissor lifts with minimal collapsed height
6. Clean Room Man Lifts
Clean Room Man Lifts are specialized aerial work platforms designed specifically for use in controlled environments where contamination control is critical. Bailey Cranes offers a range of these lifts to provide safe and reliable access solutions for clean room applications.
These lifts are engineered to meet the stringent requirements of controlled environments such as semiconductor manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical production areas, aerospace assembly plants, and other settings where particulate control is essential. The equipment is designed to minimize particulate generation and maintain the integrity of cleanroom classifications.
Product Line:
- A65CR: Articulating boom lift designed for clean room environments
- A80JCR: Articulating jib boom lift with approximately 80 ft working height
- A125JCR: Larger articulating jib boom lift with approximately 125 ft working height
- T66CR: Telescopic boom lift with approximately 66 ft working height
- T100CR: Telescopic boom lift with approximately 100 ft working height
- T135CR: Extended-reach telescopic boom lift with approximately 135 ft working height
- TL65CR: Telescopic lift with approximately 65 ft working height
- T86JCR: Telescopic jib boom lift with approximately 86 ft working height
- T120JCR: Extended-reach telescopic jib boom lift with approximately 120 ft working height
- 4188CR: Scissor lift model designed for clean room applications
Choosing the Right Crane for Your Project
Selecting the appropriate type of crane for your specific project requirements is crucial for efficiency, safety, and budget management. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Project terrain: Different cranes are designed for specific ground conditions, from track-based crawler cranes for soft ground to rough terrain cranes for uneven surfaces.
- Site size and accessibility: In confined spaces, compact options might be more suitable than larger alternatives.
- Weather conditions: Environmental factors can significantly impact crane operations and safety.
- Material weight: Understanding the weight of the materials you’ll be lifting is essential for selecting a crane with appropriate load capacity.
- Project duration: Some cranes are better suited for long-term projects due to their complex setup and dismantling processes.
Need Expert Guidance on Crane Selection?
If you’re looking for specialized lifting solutions for your unique project needs, Bailey Specialty Cranes & Aerials (BSCA) offers expert guidance and custom-engineered solutions. As a minority-owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we specialize in designing and manufacturing Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and custom cranes for markets.Contact us today at 262-710-4028 or sales@baileycranes.com to discuss your specific crane requirements and discover how our expertise can elevate your next project.
