Services
Relocation of Cranes
Relocation of Cranes involves moving a crane from one location to another, whether it’s within the same site or to a completely different location. Crane relocation is a complex process that requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise to ensure that the equipment is transported safely, set up correctly at the new site, and ready for operation without compromising safety or performance. Whether the crane is a mobile crane, tower crane, or crawler crane, relocation demands careful attention to mechanical, structural, and logistical considerations.
Types of Crane Relocation
Cranes vary in design, and the relocation process differs depending on the type of crane involved. The major categories include:
Mobile Cranes: These cranes are designed for mobility, often equipped with wheels or tracks, making relocation easier. However, even mobile cranes may require disassembly or special equipment for transportation, particularly for long distances.
Crawler Cranes: These cranes have tracks rather than wheels, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty lifting on rough or uneven terrain. Moving a crawler crane typically involves disassembling parts, such as the boom, and using specialized equipment like flatbeds or lowboy trailers.
Tower Cranes: These are large, fixed cranes used for construction projects like high-rise buildings. Relocating a tower crane often involves complete disassembly, transportation of parts to the new location, and reassembly.
Overhead Cranes (EOT or Gantry Cranes): These cranes are typically found in factories, warehouses, or ports. Relocating an overhead crane often requires dismantling the crane, lifting it onto flatbed trucks, and re-installing it in a new location.
Initial Assessment and Planning
- Site Assessment: Before relocation begins, a thorough assessment of both the crane’s current location and the destination is required. This includes assessing ground conditions, clearance for transportation routes, and space for setting up the crane at the new site.
- Crane Evaluation: The crane itself needs to be evaluated to determine whether any parts need disassembly or special handling. Considerations include the crane’s load, height, and reach requirements at the new site.
- Logistics and Transport Planning: A transportation plan is crucial. It involves selecting the appropriate trucks, trailers, or transport equipment required to move the crane and its components. For large cranes, special permits may be required to move oversized loads, and the transportation route needs to be checked for obstacles such as bridges, power lines, or road weight limits.
Transporting the Crane
- Using Specialized Equipment: Depending on the crane’s size, transportation may require the use of specialized equipment like flatbed trailers, lowboy trailers, cranes for lifting components, or even heavy-duty trucks for longer distances.
- Safety During Transport: The crane and its components should be securely fastened to prevent shifting or damage during transport. This includes using straps, chains, or custom cradles to ensure stability and safety during transit.
- Route Considerations: The chosen transport route must be planned with care. This may involve checking road conditions, acquiring necessary permits for oversized loads, and notifying local authorities about the relocation.
Reassembly and Setup at New Location
- Reassembly of Components: Once the crane has reached the new site, it needs to be reassembled. The boom, counterweights, and other components must be reattached, and the crane’s systems need to be reconnected.
- Foundation and Stability Checks: Whether the crane is mobile or fixed, it must be set up on a stable surface. This could involve preparing a new foundation for fixed cranes (e.g., tower cranes) or ensuring that the ground conditions are suitable for mobile cranes and their outriggers.
- Outrigger Deployment: For cranes with outriggers (e.g., mobile cranes), the outriggers must be properly deployed and tested to ensure that the crane is stable and ready for operation.
Testing and Calibration
- Operational Testing: After the crane has been reassembled and set up, it must be thoroughly tested before it can be put into operation. This includes testing the lifting mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and safety features to confirm everything is functioning correctly.
- Load Test: A load test, in which the crane is used to lift a test load within its rated capacity, should be conducted to verify that the crane is operating at full capacity and is safe to use.
- Safety Checks: Ensure that all safety systems, such as load moment indicators, limit switches, and emergency brakes, are functioning properly.
Operator Training and Handover
- Operator Familiarization: If the crane is being relocated to a new worksite, operators should be trained or briefed on the specific setup and conditions of the new site. Even though the crane itself may be the same, different environmental conditions or operational requirements could necessitate adjustments to crane operation.
- Handover to Client/Team: Once the crane is tested and certified, it’s handed over to the operators for use. Documentation, such as maintenance records and inspection certifications, should be provided for future reference.
Best Practices for Crane Relocation
To ensure a smooth and safe crane relocation, consider the following best practices:
- Professional Expertise: Relocating a crane is a specialized task that requires experienced riggers, crane operators, and engineers. Ensure that the team handling the relocation has the necessary skills and training.
- Thorough Planning: Proper planning is key to a successful crane relocation. This includes detailed assessments of the crane, the transportation route, and the new site conditions.
- Pre-Relocation Inspection: A full inspection should be carried out before the crane is moved, documenting its condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring all parts are in working order.
- Clear Communication: All parties involved—engineers, riggers, transport teams, and crane operators—should communicate clearly and regularly during the relocation process.
- Permit and Compliance: Ensure that all necessary permits for moving oversized loads are obtained, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations throughout the relocation process.
- Post-Relocation Inspection: After the crane is reassembled, it should undergo a final inspection, including load testing, to ensure everything is working correctly.