Designed to provide large lifting capacities in tight, restricted areas, spider cranes are a type of crane with collapsible legs that act as supports. These legs allow the crane to operate on rough terrain, as well as letting them access areas that a traditional excavator wouldn't be able to get into.
The vast majority of spider cranes make use of a telescopic arm to extend the reach of the crane. This allows the machine to fold into a more compact shape than other portable cranes during transport. The length of the arm will depend on the make and model you choose, and is one of the most important factors to consider when looking to buy or hire a spider crane.
The defining feature for spider cranes is definitely the legs or supports that give it the 'spider' look. These extend out from the base of the crane to provide support on almost all terrains, including sloped and uneven ground. One of the benefits of these supports is their general flexibility in how they extend and support the crane.
Unlike other cranes that are fixed in how they are set up, spider cranes can be re-positioned in numerous ways. With most makes and models, each leg is able to be independently extended and folded, letting you put the legs in the most advantageous position for the project. The default 45 degrees, fully extended position provides a great combination of height and support. But the legs can also be folded in and barely extended to allow the spider crane to work in enclosed areas, like backyards or even in shopping centres.
Or, if working on a slope, you can extend the 2 back legs fully while keeping the front ones folded away to create a level, balanced working platform. For work on muddy or sandy terrain, it's usually recommended to have planks of wood or something similar under the foot of each leg to provide a solid platform to rest on.
There are even cases where spider cranes can be spread across two rooftops to provide a safe working environment where weight restrictions limit the type of cranes that can access and work in the area.
Spider cranes are suited for working in a variety of industries and in numerous locations. Whether it's replacing glass in a shopfront, lifting stone in a backyard or moving heavy items in an industrial shed, spider cranes are a universal crane for almost everyone. As always, consult with your dealer or seller about exact specification and any rules or regulations before buying or hiring.
