EVOLUTION OF CRANE CONTROLS

Blog

August 10, 2023

The existence of cranes has played a pivotal role in shaping our modern world. Cranes are versatile pieces of equipment that find application on various construction sites, capable of lifting substantial loads such as concrete slabs, pipes, grains, steel, and more.

The origins of cranes date back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE when they were initially utilized as irrigation tools. Progressing through history, the Greeks in the 6th century made the earliest documented improvements to cranes by incorporating pulley systems. A significant milestone occurred in 1838 when William Armstrong invented the world’s first hydraulic crane. These advancements in crane technology have had a profound impact on construction and various industries, enabling the efficient handling of heavy materials and contributing to the development of our modern world.

Mechanical Crane Control

Mechanical crane systems are known for their straightforward operation. To operate a mechanical crane, you manipulate one of the four levers, each dedicated to a specific crane function, by either pushing it forward or pulling it backward.

Hydraulic Crane Control

In the hydraulic crane system, the power required for lifting heavy materials is generated through the use of oil. A network of hoses and pipes delivers the oil to the crane’s various components. In cranes operated by pilots, there are two distinct systems in place: a low-pressure system for controlling the crane and a high-pressure system for executing the lifting operations.

Modern Electric Crane Control

Modern-day cranes are predominantly operated using electricity, and experienced operators often favor this system due to its greater adjustability. Electric crane systems have been in use for a considerable period, allowing for customization that mechanical controls lack. Mechanical controls offer a limited ability to tailor the operator’s experience, requiring them to master the use of levers and throttles for smooth crane operation. Adjusting hydraulic pilot controls is possible but necessitates the involvement of a service technician.

Electric systems offer three key advantages over hydraulic ones: the ability to fully customize controls to suit the operator’s preferences, more precise control over valves, and the capability for the crane control system to respond to inputs from the operator, the crane itself, and the rated capacity limiter.

INDUSTRIES SYNDICATE provides various methods of speed control for cranes, including Resistance Control and built-in drives within INDUSTRIES SYNDICATE’s Panel, enhancing the versatility and precision of crane operations.

Conclusion

Modern electric, hydraulic, and mechanical crane control methods each have their own accomplishments and benefits. Although mechanical controls are simple, they cannot be customized. For heavy lifting, hydraulic systems use the power of oil. Modern electric crane controls, however, are a popular option among seasoned operators due to their increased flexibility, accurate valve control, and capacity to react to diverse inputs.

With cutting-edge speed control techniques, INDUSTRIES SYNDICATE further improves crane operations and ensures adaptability and accuracy in the cutting-edge world of crane technology.