October 2023 – Vol. 25, Issue 6
Spider cranes (PDF, 4.58 MB)
Spider cranes escaped their Japanese homeland at the turn of the millennium although initially few rental companies in Europe took them seriously. Mini crawler cranes had been around for longer, but uptake was always marginal. The growth in popularity for both has been gathering momentum in recent years as companies realise how versatile and profitable they can be. We take a look at the latest developments.
October 2022 – Vol. 24, Issue 6
Spider cranes (PDF, 962.13 KB)
With their origins in monument lifting and more recent success in glass handling applications, spider cranes have demonstrated how a compact, go anywhere machine can get close to a load to match the performance of a far bigger crane working from a distance. New jib and stabiliser configurations together with sophisticated control systems allow these cranes to take on heavier and more complex work. Will North reports.
October/November 2021 – Vol. 23, Issue 6
Spider cranes (PDF, 1.09 MB)
It is just over 40 years since Maeda introduced one of the world’s first spider cranes. Since then, the market has gone from strength to strength in North America and in an increasing number of European countries. The original concept of combining a telescopic loader boom with spider leg outriggers has expanded over time with the latest trend involving ever larger articulated models.
September 2020 – Vol. 22, Issue 6
Spider and Mini Crawler cranes (PDF, 1.45 MB)
In recent years, both small telescopic spider cranes and the increasingly popular larger articulated models have become a mainstream alternative to larger cranes for a growing range of applications. One closely associated crane type that seems to have suffered from this rise in popularity however is the mini crawler crane with many manufacturers discontinuing or severely reducing their range.
August/September 2019 – Vol. 21, Issue 6
Spider and mini crawler cranes (PDF, 917.01 KB)
Last year saw the emergence of the articulated crawler crane into the mainstream market. This year is more about ‘traditional’ spider and mini crawler cranes as manufacturers improve and evolve their products. We review the latest developments and new product releases.
