If you have recently ventured into heavy construction, you will quickly learn that a crane is an invaluable piece of equipment. As long as you need to lift heavy loads, it is mandatory to have this machinery on site. Considering that it can be challenging to come up with the funds for this equipment upfront, more so when you're just starting your business, a great solution would be opting for crane hire until you have established your business.

Crane hire also gives you time to accustom yourself to this machinery so that you can discern what features you need when you finally purchase your own outright. To help with this process of familiarising yourself with cranes, here is a summary on a couple of the various components that this type of heavy construction equipment comprises.

1. The boom

Indubitably distinctly associated with cranes, the boom refers to the protruding arm that extends from the operator's cab. Its primary function is carrying the loads that require transporting, whether this means lifting them upward or across the site. When leasing a crane, you need to establish what type of boom would be ideal for your particular project.

First, you have the lattice booms, which are characterised by a welded steel pattern. Lattice booms are designed for enhanced load-carrying capabilities without dramatically increasing the overall weight of the crane. Second, you can consider a hydraulic boom, which is outfitted with telescopic sections for easy extension. Hence, the telescopic variety is better suited when your project requires the crane to reach sweeping heights.

2. The counterweights

As suggested by their name, these components have the primary function of ensuring the crane remains stable when it is in use. The counterweights are anchored close to the operator's cab. When the boom starts to handle heavy loads the counterweights come into play, as they help with preventing the entire equipment from losing balance and falling over. 

If you will be employing the crane at different locations on your construction site, you should consider detachable counterweights. These can be removed each time you want to move the equipment. Moreover, the detachable counterweights are adjustable, so you can anchor them to the crane per your preference.

Additional components that you should accustom yourself with when deliberating on hiring a crane for the first time include the operator's cab, the Rotex gear, the jib, the outriggers and so on. To learn more, contact crane companies. 

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