A crane is a type of machinery that is used in the construction industry to load and unload heavy materials. Crane parts are made up of a boom, jib (which resembles a human knuckle), rotex gear, outriggers, counterweights, reinforced-steel cable, and a hook. Listed below are 5 interesting facts about cranes.
Bird Structure Resemblance
Due to the similar physical resemblance, the machinery was named a crane due to the crane bird. The crane bird has long legs and neck and a high reach. The crane machinery is also of a tall structure and can extend its long build.
Greek Invention
The crane was an invention of the Greeks. The first man-made crane, in result, was constructed by the Greeks which could be quite surprising due to the size and complexity of the cranes structure. The Greeks, however, were able to create such machinery and be the first to use it to pick up and drop items in the places they needed to go. The Greeks created this invention around the 6th century BC.
Earliest Crane History
The earliest cranes were not electronically machine operated. They were operated by animals and people. With that being said, operating cranes in early times was that much more hard work because people and animals had to lift and drop heavy items with their own muscles working the crane.
The early cranes were mostly made with wheels attached to wood. Simple, but also effective. Internal combustion engines and steam engines were implemented as time went on which made it easier on humans and animals being that they did not have to lift items anymore, but instead leave it to the machine. Cranes went from being constructed with wood to being constructed with steel. Steel is more durable and trustworthy when dealing with loading and unloading heavy products.
Present Day Cranes
Present day cranes can be seen all over the world. They are helpful machinery and are a go-to construction equipment when the transportation of heavy products is involved. A crane is operated by pressing buttons to direct the crane to do what is instructed by the operator. There are different types of cranes; including tower cranes, rough terrain cranes, mobile cranes, and truck mounted cranes.
The type of crane used depends on what the operator is trying to load and unload and where they are trying to put the materials. What is interesting is that cranes are able to assemble themselves. This is able to be possible because a crane uses its own functions to attach its structure together. This makes it easier on builders, especially since cranes are of a tall height. A crane has a wide range of movement and can be directed to load and unload items in tight places if needed as well.
Hazardous Warning
Cranes have a hazard warning because they can be potentially dangerous. They are a large and heavy machinery and can cause injury if not operated correctly and carefully. Not only can someone operating the crane damage materials that are being loaded and unloaded, but someone can also damage surrounding buildings and or items that get in the cranes way. Someone could also drop products because they are not secure in the cranes grip.
Cranes have the potential to have machine failure as well because it is relying on the success of the machine to work. Those who operate cranes commonly have to complete a training program so they can be knowledgeable about what they are doing and what to avoid doing. State certification and or a license is often required to operate such crane parts and machinery.