How to Use a Spider Crane
Spider crane is one compact type lifting machinery that now widely used in many site construction projects. It is very suitable for some narrow location where big truck crane can not go inside. Before operating this machine, the operator need to know basic working principle and follow correct operation steps. This thing is important for lifting efficiency, and also very relative to job site safety.
Main Structure of Spider Crane
Generally speaking, the main body of spider crane is made by power system, telescopic boom structure, crawler chassis, and four hydraulic outriggers. Different model has different parameter, but the working principle is almost same.
The hydraulic system supply power to control boom extension and outriggers opening. Crawler track help machine walking on rough ground condition. When doing lifting work, outriggers must stretch out to support whole weight and keep good balance.
Before turning on engine, operator had better check hydraulic oil level, wire rope condition, hook latch, and remote control box. If found any abnormal situation, machine must stop working immediately and wait for repair.
Choose Right Working Location
Before starting lift, operator should carefully check around ground environment.
Ground strength must be hard enough and flat. If ground is soft, you must put wooden plate or rubber pad under outrigger legs.
Enough space must keep around machine body, so boom can rotate without hit any barrier.
Lifting route should plan in advance. Although spider crane can work in small room, it does not mean any place can put it.
Correct Steps for Machine Setup
When machine arriving at target place, four outriggers should be fully opened according to manual standard.
Machine body must keep in horizontal level as much as possible before lifting start. If level is not good, machine might tilt during lifting. Now many modern spider crane have wireless remote control, so operator can stand at better vision angle to watch whole lifting procedure.
Lifting Load with Slow Speed
Before pulling up heavy materials, check if slings and shackles are hooked correctly.
First, lift load slowly from ground for about 10-20cm. Then stop for a few seconds. This small action can help you check if machine stability is OK and if load is balanced properly. During lifting process, please avoid sudden speed change. Smooth operating is always safer than fast operating.
Main Application Place
Compare with heavy crawler crane, spider crane size is much smaller. So it is useful for places where normal crane cannot enter.
Common applications include:
Glass curtain wall installation
Steel structure lifting inside building
Factory machine moving and indoor positioning
Rooftop lifting work
Villa and old house renovation
Usually there are 3 ton, 5 ton, 8 ton and 10 ton capacity in market. User can choose suitable model depend on real project weight.
Daily Maintenance Work
Good daily maintenance can make machine keep stable working state and long life.
After finishing day work, operator should clean dust and dirt on machine surface. Check hydraulic hose, wire rope wear, and electric wires regularly. If any part broken or worn seriously, change it as soon as possible. Simple daily check can prevent big accident happen.
Summary
To control a spider crane is not very hard, but keep right operation rule is always the key point. Careful check before work, correct outrigger setup, and stable lifting operation can make work safe and fast. Choose correct crane capacity and follow operating guide will bring good result for construction project.
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