To the general public, it is easy to assume that a crane and a hoist do the same job, but we are here to tell you that these two machines are actually quite different. A hoist uses a pulley system to lift loads up and down while they are secured to a hook. Depending on your needs, a hoist may use chain, cable, wire ropes or plain rope as its line material. You can choose your line material based on the weight of your load, but always make sure to choose a material with a lifting capacity that exceeds your heaviest load to be safe. Hoists are less versatile than cranes in that they are only able to move cargo in one direction; up and down. These machines are also limited by the fact that they are fixed at one point.
All About Cranes
Cranes, on the other hand, are a diverse group of machinery. They can be stationary or mobile, and some are even able to be driven on the highway to their destination. Stationary cranes are great for heavy duty lifting on more serious sites, while a mobile crane is more flexible. Mobile cranes can be used for domestic purposes like moving large furniture pieces or storage containers, or they can be used on construction sites to transport equipment and building materials.
Choosing the right crane type for your job is based on multiple factors. It is important to factor in the terrain type that you will be working on as well, as certain crane types cannot be safely operated on uneven terrain. A standard truck mounted crane is great for even ground or more urban projects where the crane will be driving on paved areas. If a crane is needed for a new development on rocky or uneven ground, it is a good idea to rent a rough terrain crane or crawler crane that has increased stability when compared to more traditional crane types.
Another benefit afforded with cranes is that they are able to move loads in multiple directions. A crane can lift cargo up, down, side to side, and diagonally. If you need your equipment to move more dynamically than the vertical restriction of a hoist, it is probably a good idea to start researching crane types. Oftentimes, you can rent compact versions of these mobile cranes to navigate hard to reach spaces or maneuver around cities where space may be limited. Even compact cranes have high weight lifting capacities of up to 10 tons!
Don’t Be Shy!
If you are about to embark on a construction project and need more information on whether a hoist or a crane is a better fit for your job, please contact B&M Crane Rental to speak to one of our specialists today. Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the right equipment for your project and to provide you with the background knowledge needed to keep your employees safe and confident while operating heavy machinery.
