Interesting Crane Facts

At Complete Lifting Services, we know a thing or two about cranes; you could say we are experts. We’re proud that we know everything about them.

Do you want to learn more about cranes? We’ve put together 10 interesting things about cranes that you may or may not already know.

The Greeks built the first cranes

Around 500 BC, the Ancient Greeks made the first crane that was made by people. It didn’t look at all like the cranes we have now. Instead of steel or metal, it was made of wood. Heavy things were pulled up by people or animals, but these early designs of cranes helped build some of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the ancient world.

In the Middle Ages, the crane arm (JIB) was added

During the Middle Ages, the “jib,” or crane arm, could move both side to side and up and down. This was mostly because it was used to unload ships in a harbour.

In the 1800s, steam engine technology was added to cranes

In the 19th century, when the steam engine was invented, it was also used to power cranes. This meant that people and animals no longer had to be used as a source of power.

The first crane that could move around was made in the 1950s

During the 1950s, there was a big change in the materials that were used to make cranes. Mobile cranes were made possible by using strong steel and putting it on the back of trucks. Cranes now get their power from gasoline, diesel, or electricity.

Around the world, there may be as many as 200,000 cranes in use

There are more than 200,000 cranes in use around the world. Of these, 125,000 are used in the construction industry, and between 80,000 and 100,000 are used in general and maritime industries.

A Liebherr type 357 HC-L is the world’s tallest crane.

The world’s tallest crane can move at 44 metres per minute and lift up to 18 tonnes. This crane was used to build Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is the tallest building in the world. From 2013 to 2019, it took six years to build. The Liebherr type 357 HC-L can move 44 metres per minute and lift 18 tonnes.

Cranes build themselves

You read that right: cranes often build themselves. Only other cranes are big enough and strong enough to be used to build new ones. Operators use the crane to hook up important pieces of equipment with the help of workers. When the control panel is up and running, cranes will sometimes build themselves by putting pieces on top of each other.

Only 11% of crane accidents are the result of mechanical failure

Only 11% of crane-related accidents on construction sites are caused by mechanical failure. If these problems are detected early, more harm can be avoided, which is why cranes are inspected on a daily and monthly basis.

There are over 20 different types of cranes

Like a lot of other products and pieces of machinery, there are a lot of different kinds that can be used for different things or projects. Tower cranes, mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and rough terrain cranes are some of the main types of cranes.