A spider crane is a type of crane commonly used in construction and other industrial applications, but it is a relatively rare type of crane. It gets its name from its spider shape. It consists of a long boom (for lifting), tracks that allow it to maneuver around obstacles in tight spaces, and outriggers to keep it stable during the lifting process.
The spider crane rolls into a narrow construction area along its tracks. The crane’s 3-4 legs are then extended and placed on the ground, with the distance and height on the X and Y axes adjusted to ensure that the crane has as much contact with stable ground as possible. As mentioned above, outriggers can provide greater stability when operating on uneven or sloping ground, but the safest way to operate a mini crawler crane is on level ground (this is true for all cranes, actually).
The mini crawler crane is very versatile and can be used to lift heavy objects in tight spaces, including indoors, on top of buildings, and all places that traditional cranes can’t reach.
The spider crane is a mini crawler crane that gets its name from its distinctive appearance. It has a long boom, a compact body, and multiple outriggers to maneuver around obstacles. It is sturdier than a small crawler crane because the retractable outriggers or struts provide the crane with additional ballast and stability.
Spider crawler cranes are most commonly used in commercial construction due to their maneuverability, but they can also be used in manufacturing, warehousing, and even film production. You will see spider crawler cranes in any commercial situation that requires a crane to enter an enclosed space and lift heavy objects. The applications are virtually endless.