What are some common issues with construction cranes? There are several issues you might encounter. Alignment and Crane Skew Issues First, consider alignment and crane skew issues. Basically, the crane is supposed to track properly but it doesn’t and this could be due to stress or damage. When this happens, expect accidents, derailments, crane failures,… Read more »
Category: Cranes
Making Sure a Construction Crane is Safe to Use
Cranes are machines that have the power to kill people if used improperly. They can also destroy property, and if a crane isn’t safe to use, it shouldn’t be used. That said, sometimes crane operators make mistakes and their cranes are not safe– and that can cost companies millions of dollars to make up for… Read more »
Cranes vs Derricks
Most people have heard of cranes but not too many people are familiar with derricks. Both are used to lift and move heavy items, and while they’re similar, they’re also different. An Overview of Cranes and Derricks So what’s a good definition of both a crane and a derrick in order to differentiate between the… Read more »
The Evolution of Construction Cranes
Most tall buildings built today have cranes to thank! Construction cranes allow city skylines to grow taller. If we didn’t have cranes, New York City, for instance, would look a lot different– a lot “lower to the ground,” for sure. In many ways, cranes are the backbone of the construction world. Advances in Construction Crane… Read more »
Precautions to Take When Operating a Construction Crane
Operating a crane is a big deal– if it’s not done properly and safely, it could result in someone losing their life. It could also result in expensive damages to whatever is around it. Think about this: a crane has the ability to lift an item that weighs thousands of pounds– thousands! And it lifts… Read more »
Using Construction Cranes in Bad Weather
Have you heard of the term “weathervaning” as it relates to cranes? If you were in a major city where a tower crane was spinning around thanks to powerful winds, that’s weathervaning. Now most people would assume that a tall crane like that, spinning around in the wind, wouldn’t be safe or normal, but it… Read more »
How to Maintain a Crane’s Chain Hoist
If and when you rent a crane from Astro Crane, you might be dealing with a chain hoist. What are some safety tips for a crane’s chain hoist? Routine Maintenance For starters, perform routine maintenance on the crane’s hardware to make sure it’s operating efficiently. Astro Crane does this, and if/when you are in possession… Read more »
How Construction Cranes Are Maintained
Construction cranes need maintenance. How are they maintained? Typically, construction cranes are inspected by experts who know what to look for– any signs of wear and tear, missing parts, etc. OSHA guidelines should be followed, and, of course, safety is paramount. Cranes can experience problems that need fixing… and this could be due to corrosion,… Read more »
How to Maintain Construction Cranes in the Summer Heat
It’s summertime and you know what that means: sunny days and hot temperatures, even in places like Boston, Providence and Hartford. Hot weather isn’t just for Florida! If you’re using or renting a crane in the summer, how can you best take care of it? Cranes Need Shade Too Ideally, when it’s sunny and hot… Read more »
The Types of Engines Used in Tower Cranes
If you see a construction site in a city, you’ll likely see a tower crane there, too. These giant, tall towers rise hundreds of feet in the air, dotting many city skylines. They can lift heavy loads to extreme heights. Since they’re pretty expensive to own, many construction companies look to rent them instead– using… Read more »

