Mini crane – what parameters should you pay attention to before purchasing?

Most people associate the words "crane" or "crane" with large structures that help build even very tall buildings. However, their smaller versions - mini cranes - are also used in this industry. What are their characteristics and what are their most important features? Find out what to check before purchasing.

What is a mini crane?

A mini crane is a machine increasingly seen on construction sites. This is a device that, true to its name, resembles a standard construction crane, but has much smaller dimensions. However, it is distinguished by high functionality and load capacity, which is why it is used primarily for the installation of large-sized glass and windows. The possibilities of its use are wide - the machine works well on various terrains.

The mini crane can be equipped with a combustion or electric engine, so you can work with it both outdoors and indoors. The smallest machines of this type are able to pass through standard doors or fit into a freight elevator, which significantly increases the possibilities of their use. Thanks to this, mini cranes do not pose any major problems during transport.

 

Mini cranes often work on the upper floors of newly constructed buildings, helping, for example, in the installation of heavy elements.

 

How to choose the right mini crane for the job?

The type of mini construction crane should be matched primarily to the application. This type of machine can be used in many ways - specific parameters determine in which work it will work best. However, the device should be selected not only for the type of activities performed, but also for the conditions in which it is to operate.

If you need to work inside buildings, on ceilings and roofs, they will work best the smallest mini cranes, powered by emission-free electric motors. Many of them can easily reach every corner of the building, regardless of the floor.

If you need to carry heavy loads over obstacles and maneuver more freely, it will come in handy variant with hydraulic boom.

In turn, if you need to perform frequent field work, the only right choice is mini crane on crawlers enabling the machine to move freely on virtually any surface.

The most important parameters of the mini crane

When choosing a mini crane, you should pay attention to several parameters that determine the possibilities of using the equipment. The most important of them are reach and lifting capacity. The crane's own weight may also be important. Also, it's worth checking out effective lifting heighta.

The effective lifting height (expressed in meters [m]) means the distance measured from the ground level to the level of the hook axis at the highest point. It therefore determines the equipment's capabilities in lifting loads to a specific height. Importantly, some models can also lower loads below the level on which they are standing. Then, the crane description includes information about the maximum lifting height below ground level.

The reach of a mini crane

The radius (expressed in meters [m]) is also called working radius of a mini crane. Means the maximum distance between the crane's rotation axis and the hook (measured horizontally). This is the basic parameter of all cranes, which largely determines what work they can be used for.

Mini crane lifting capacity

Lifting capacity (expressed in tonnes [t]) means maximum load weightthat a specific crane model can lift or move in a diffelease plane without the risk of damaging it. You should pay close attention to its value, both when choosing equipment for specific tasks and during work.

Weight of the mini crane

The own weight of a mini crane may also be very important, especially when moving on surfaces of certain strength or during transport (both by vehicles and, for example, freight elevators with a certain capacity). The lower weight makes it easier for the device to work in all conditions. It is also important for off-road machines, because lighter ones operate much more easily on uneven and muddy ground.

What additional equipment can a mini crane have?

A mini crane is usually equipped with a lifting hook attached directly to the end of the boom or a winch with a rope ending in a crane block. Suction cups are also a very common accessory for this equipment, which enable precise and safe transfer and installation of glass or entire windows.

In addition, a special boom extension can be used to obtain an increased lifting height. It is worth paying attention to the drive - some devices use double engines (diesel and electric), which allows you to select the optimal operating mode for each application.

What determines the price of a mini crane?

How much does a mini crane cost? Price certainly should not be the only selection criterion, but it cannot be denied that it is very important for many investors. Which determines?

First of all, on the capabilities, equipment and advancement of the solutions used. However, the manufacturer's reputation is also important. Remember that if you want to minimize costs, a used mini crane rather than a new one may be a better option. It is often a good idea, not only for economic reasons, to use short- or long-term leaseal services.