Article
Looking to hire a crane and attachments for use in a tunnel? - 25 Dec 2023
When hiring a crane for use in a tunnel, you will need to consider several factors, including the tunnel’s dimensions.
You will also need to consider the weight and size of the materials being lifted, the access points available, and what safety considerations there are. Whatever the demands of your project, we’re always happy to help find the right equipment for your needs. Here are the cranes most commonly used in tunnels:
Mini crawler cranes.
These are small and compact, making them highly suitable for confined spaces like tunnels. They have flexible manoeuvrability and can operate efficiently in restricted areas. Their compact size allows them to manoeuvre within the tunnel’s tight spaces, making them more suitable than larger cranes.
Mini cranes also offer excellent manoeuvrability, which is crucial in navigating through the narrow passages and corners within tunnels. They can reach areas where larger cranes can’t, ensuring more comprehensive coverage during construction.
Our mini cranes are versatile and can be equipped with different attachments and accessories to perform various tasks within the tunnel.
With Lift Minicranes you can hire accessories for lifting heavy materials, positioning segments, or aiding in tunnel boring machine operations.
Since our mini cranes are smaller and more agile, they cause less disruption to ongoing construction activities within the tunnel. They can efficiently operate without interfering significantly with other construction processes.
Another advantage is that our mini cranes are easy to transport.
Mini cranes are often more straightforward to transport to and within the construction site. They can be easily moved in sections or assembled on-site, saving time and effort compared to larger, more cumbersome cranes.
These cranes offer precise control over loads, making them suitable for handling delicate or intricate tasks within the tunnel construction process. Their precision is crucial when working in confined spaces where accuracy is essential.
In short, mini cranes are an ideal choice for tunnel construction due to their adaptability, compactness, manoeuvrability, and ability to perform a range of tasks effectively in tight spaces.
Another option for tunnels is telescopic cranes.
These cranes have adjustable booms that can extend or retract, making them versatile for varying tunnel sizes. They are often used for lifting medium to heavy loads.
In tunnels where space is limited and access can be restricted, the telescopic feature allows the crane to reach over obstacles or work at different heights as needed. Telescopic cranes often come with adjustable outriggers or stabilisers, providing stability in uneven or confined spaces commonly found in tunnel construction sites.
Telescopic cranes can be quickly set up and put into operation, enhancing efficiency on construction sites where time is critical. They’re versatile tools for lifting and moving various materials and equipment during tunnel construction.
Alternatively, you might find overhead cranes are more suitable.
Installed on tracks or beams within the tunnel, these cranes are ideal for repetitive lifting tasks. They’re beneficial for moving materials within specific areas of the tunnel.
Tunnels often have limited space, and using overhead cranes eliminates the need for ground-based machinery that might clutter the limited area inside the tunnel. The crane operates from above, leaving the ground clear for other activities.
Gantry cranes.
Similar to overhead cranes but with legs or supports on both sides, these cranes provide excellent stability. They’re suitable for lifting heavy loads and can be moved along tracks if needed.
Mobile cranes.
Depending on the tunnel’s size and access points, mobile cranes might be used for their flexibility in moving from one area to another. However, their size and manoeuvrability limitations might make them less suitable for certain tunnel environments.
As aforementioned, when choosing a crane for tunnel construction, it’s crucial to consider not only the crane’s lifting capacity but also its size, mobility, and adaptability to the tunnel’s unique conditions.
Safety and compliance with regulations governing tunnel construction are paramount. Our team is always happy to help you find the best solution for your needs.
Why choosing the right crane for a tunnel is vital.
Cranes for tunnels are designed to operate in confined spaces, making them ideal for construction where space is limited. They are specifically built to handle the challenges of tunnel construction, allowing for efficient movement of materials and equipment within the tunnel.
Enjoy exceptional precision and safety.
These cranes are engineered for accuracy in positioning heavy loads within the tunnel, ensuring safety for workers and equipment. They can also help with your productivity. Their specialised design can often lead to increased productivity and faster completion of tunnelling projects compared to using standard cranes or equipment.
Our cranes can be customised to suit the specific requirements of a project, such as varying tunnel diameters or specific load capacities.
Overall, hiring a tunnel crane can streamline construction processes, enhance safety measures, and improve overall project efficiency in tunnelling operations.
If you’re looking to hire a crane for use in a tunnel, simply contact us for more information.