FACT - 90% of all accidents are caused by improper set

up of mobile cranes.
FACT - Tower crane efficiency is greatly affected by
proper planning in the preliminary construction
project stage.
Question:
What Tower Crane is right for my job?
Typical Answer:
200 ft of boom with a capacity of 6,000 lbs at the maximum
radius and the height of my building is 150 ft.
Comment:
Most planning supervisors rely on their crane suppliers to come up
with suggestions to supply equipment and sometimes the renters
offer equipment they have rather than what equipment is best for the
job. This is like putting the cart before the horse. Do your planning
early.
A typical tower crane has the following specifications:
Maximum unsupported height - 265 feet (80 meters) The crane can have a
total height much greater than 265 feet if it is tied into the building as the
building rises around the crane.
Maximum reach - 230 feet (70 meters)
Maximum lifting power - 19.8 tons (18 metric tons), 300 tonne-meters
(metric ton = tonne)
Counterweights - 20 tons (16.3 metric tons)
The maximum load that the crane can lift is 18 metric tons (39,690 pounds), but
the crane cannot lift that much weight if the load is positioned at the end of the jib.

The closer the load is positioned to the mast, the more weight the crane can lift
safely. The 300 tonne-meter rating tells you the relationship. For example, if the
operator positions the load 30 meters (100 feet) from the mast, the crane can lift a
maximum of 10.1 tonnes.
The crane uses two limit switches to make sure that the operator does not overload
the crane:
The maximum load switch monitors the pull on the cable and makes sure
that the load does not exceed 18 tonnes.
The load moment switch makes sure that the operator does not exceed the
tonne-meter rating of the crane as the load moves out on the jib. A cat head
assembly in the slewing unit can measure the amount of collapse in the jib
and sense when an overload condition occurs.
Now, it would be a pretty big problem if one of these things fell over on a job site.
Let's find out what keeps these massive structures standing upright.
1 - Choose a location to position the tower crane.
Things to Consider
Will this position allow sufficient crane capacity at project perimeters?
Will this position create air rights / over flying problems with
neighboring structures?
Will this position interfere with the project structure or related
systems?
Will this position interfere with access into the construction project?
Will this position make the erection & dismantle process easier and
save costs?
Is this the best position for construction material unloading?
Is this the best position for ease of storage?

 How will this position effect high wind situations. Are we able to work
downwind?
2 -What hook height is required?
Things to Consider
Can we freestand this crane to the required height?
How much will the crane tower move when freestanding?
Will freestanding the cranes impact our production efficiency?
Will this height allow for rigging of all of the loads?
Will this height allow the loads to safely clear all obstruction and
personnel?
Will we have to climb the tower crane above the initial erection
height?
When climbing, what cranes to building support systems are
available?
What is the jib tip height with maximum load?
Does the boom deflect below 0 degrees?
How does the height of this crane impact other cranes working on
site?
3 - What working radius is required to access all areas of the project?
Things to Consider
Where is the center of gravity of all loads in relation to the maximum
reach of the tower crane?
What is the dimension of all loads in relation to the maximum reach of
the tower crane?

 What is the weight of the loads as it relates to the crane capacity

chart?
4 -What lifting capacity is required at the maximum radius?
Things to Consider
What lifting capacity is required for the heaviest load and at what
distance?
What effects will wind have on our capacities?
What effects will operator control have on our capacities?
5 - What type of tower crane foundation suites the project?
Things to Consider
Should we use a concrete base type foundation with it recessed?
Should we use a concrete base type foundation with is raised?
Should we use a static base type foundation which uses central
ballast?
Should we use a static base type foundation which uses concrete
anchorage?
Should we use a rail travel base type foundation with central ballast?
What types of anchorage systems are available for the selected tower
crane type?
How do these tower crane support system costs compare for this
project?
How these tower crane support system do compare for this and
future projects?
How does the area wind zone affect the tower crane foundation?

6 - Tower Crane Climbing / Dismantle

Things to Consider
Do we have sufficient clearances to climb the tower crane?
Is the tower orientated in the correct position for top climbing?
What mobile cranes are available for the dismantle process?
Do we require a special derrick crane for the dismantle process?
How will the area wind conditions effect climbing of the tower crane?
7. What does the rental / sale include?
Things to Consider
Parts? Does the supplier have a stock of parts available?
Service? What service personnel are available in our area?
Parts and Service Contract will cover what? What is additional?
What value of the equipment is stated for insurance purposes?
What is the cost of the foundation anchors?
Is the foundation anchorage system per the manufacturer?
Engineering? What engineering services are available for this type of
equipment?
Climbing support systems?
Top climber included?
Building tie-in arms or braces?
Building connection plates?

 What are the payment terms of the equipment rental?

Does the rental include re-torqueing of the tower?
Who supplies the lubrication materials for the crane?
What length of power cable is supplied?
What length of hoist rope is supplied?
What tower crane operators are available?
What if the tower crane operator gets sick? Who is available to
replace the operator?
Is the operator experienced with this type of tower crane?
Who supplies the crane log book?
When can we get a copy of the crane manual?
How often do we need to inspect the tower crane?
What is the maintenance schedule?
What is required of our site personnel to ensure the crane is
maintained?