Selecting the appropriate type of crane depends on the specific construction tasks and site conditions. Below is a breakdown of common use cases and recommended crane types:

1. Quick Operation Tasks (Material Handling, Rapid Deployment)

• Recommended: Hydraulic truck-mounted cranes with telescopic booms and outriggers.
• Ideal for: Tasks requiring the boom to extend into windows or confined openings.

2. Heavy Lifting, High Elevation, or Wide Radius Work

• Use crawler cranes when operating on soft ground or uneven terrain, due to their excellent ground adaptability.
• Use rubber-tyred (mobile) cranes when ground damage must be avoided or in urban areas with paved surfaces.

3. Lifting While Traveling (Only When Necessary and Permitted by Manufacturer Guidelines)

• Crawler cranes offer better stability when traveling under load.
• Wheeled cranes provide superior mobility but may have lower lifting stability.

4. Specialized or Short-Distance Lifting Tasks

• Truck-mounted loader cranes (e.g., YD type) are ideal for combining lifting and transportation, replacing the need for two separate machines.

5. Multi-Functional and Efficient Equipment

• For sites needing both self-lifting and tower crane capability, opt for self-erecting tower cranes, which reduce total equipment quantity and improve efficiency.

Crane Model Selection Criteria

1. Key Parameters to Match

A suitable crane must meet three main working parameters:

• Lifting Capacity (Q)
• Lifting Height (H)
• Working Radius (R)

2. Select Based on Technical Specifications

Choose a model from crane catalogs or technical data sheets that satisfies project requirements without excessive overcapacity.

3. Understand Load Limitations

• The nominal lifting capacity is valid only at the shortest boom and minimum radius.
• As the boom extends or the working radius increases, the rated capacity decreases accordingly.
• Without outriggers, mobile cranes can typically lift only 25% or less of their rated capacity.
• When traveling with a load on flat, hard surfaces, the lifting capacity should not exceed 75% of the no-outrigger rating.

4. Dual-Crane Operations

If a single crane cannot meet lifting needs, two cranes may be used together. However, the total weight of the load must not exceed 80% of their combined rated capacities for safety.

Economic Performance Evaluation

To ensure cost-effectiveness when selecting a mobile crane, consider:

• Operating Cost per Ton: Divide hourly cost (or rental rate) by the hourly lifting productivity.
• Energy Efficiency and Versatility: Favor cranes that reduce labor intensity and support multiple functions (lifting + transporting + positioning).
• Overall Value: Choose models that provide the best long-term benefit, balancing performance, safety, and cost.

Comprehensive Crane Selection Process

1. Assess Project Needs: Span, height, component weight, and total lifting volume.
2. Evaluate Site Conditions: Terrain, space constraints, and accessibility.
3. Check Existing Equipment: Consider what’s available locally or within your company.
4. Preselect Crane Type: Crawler, truck-mounted, tower, etc.
5. Determine Model Specifications: Match lifting height (H), capacity (Q), and radius (R).
6. Verify Performance Curve: Review lifting charts to confirm rated capacity at required boom length and radius.
7. Consider Multi-Crane Use: For large components, calculate dual-lift feasibility and safety.
8. Analyze Cost-Benefit: Compare options using operational cost per unit lifted and projected efficiency.