You might have come across several heavy equipment and tools at construction sites employed by rigging companies. While you may be familiar with some, others are hard to identify. In fact, even a seasoned pro might not have heard about a particular type of crane such as the luffing crane. Let’s dig a bit deeper and discuss what is a luffing crane along with its advantages and disadvantages.
What Is A Level Luffing Crane?
A level luffing crane or simply luffing crane features a hook that stays at the same level or height when luffing. The jib is designed to move up and down to drive the hook inwards and outwards with relation to the base. Level-luffing is important when it comes to controlling the load near the ground in the construction or shipbuilding industry. The reason is that operators have to be very careful with their movements and nothing outclasses level luffing cranes in this respect.
In addition to that, a level luffing crane is suitable at a site with limited space and the need for safety. Additionally, it also operates comparatively differently than other types of cranes. To pass the load, the horse-head jib pivots work together and then flex up and in, or out and down. To keep the hook at the same position, the crane luffs horizontally rather vertically.
Features Of A Level Luffing Crane
Luffing cranes come with a wide variety of features. To begin with, these cranes feature intelligent and modular designs with easier erection, transportation, and disassembly for worksite productivity and cost savings. In addition to that, the luffing cranes also come with overspeed safety and a load measurement device that lets the operator know if the load is exceeding the maximum limit.
Furthermore, to keep everyone safe and secure on the ground, these machines include modern crane safety features such as anti-collision, zoning systems, and CCTV cameras. At the same time, the operator cabs are comfortable and simple to use with flexible seating, climate control, and easy-to-read displays. This allows the operator to operate the machine with an open view and less fatigue.
Advantages Of Luffing Crane
Luffing cranes have solved most inner-city construction problems in countries with narrow and congested streets. It is not possible to block the roads each time when a construction process is taking place. As a result, engineers have worked hard to continuously revolve luffing cranes.
The design of these cranes is such that they can vertically stand in the air from the mass section at a minimum radius of 5m. This is quite opposite of the flat-top crane, which operates with a jib at a fixed radius, already predetermined.
Apart from the inner-city construction problems, luffing cranes have also managed to fix oversailing rights issues that are difficult to achieve in most cities around the world. These rights are not provided if the crane needs to be brought over the top of neighboring government and public buildings. There is simply too much risk involved. In that respect, the luffing crane allows contractors to carry out construction tasks while remaining within the boundaries while ensuring public safety.
Disadvantages Of Luffing Crane
Even though luffing cranes tend to be lifesavers when it comes to inner-city projects and cost savings, but there is a downside to them as well. The first is the amount of time these machines take to perform necessary movements to lift an object from point A to point B.
The luffing crane performs movements mechanically in order to raise the object to the desired height and radius. Furthermore, a luffing crane does not have a trolley like a flat top crane to quickly move down a track. You need to use an ‘A’ frame positioned at the rear of the crane top to move it up and down until the desired radius is reached. At the same time, the ropes are reeled in to gain appropriate height for the load. Overall, it takes a lot of time for these machines to make the required movements.
Final Word
Luffing cranes like flat-top cranes share several pros and cons. Even though they are your best option for tight and narrow construction sites, but your needs and preferences should be of utmost importance when going to crane services DC for renting a crane. Ending up with the wrong option can lead to wasting a lot of time and money.