Crane assembly

Each crane manufacturer will have specific instructions on the way their crane is assembled and disassembled. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some specific areas to consider include:

• ground preparation for laydown areas
• assembly of boom or tower components
• boom pinning
• raising the boom.

The examples provided on this page provide general information on matters to be considered when assembling cranes.

Ground preparation

While crane components are being assembled on the ground it is important to plan for an area to be used as the laydown area.

The laydown area will need to be prepared to support the weight of these components:

• assembled boom
• boom supports
• the assembly crane(s).

Assembly sequence

The order that the crane and boom are assembled is important to keep the crane balanced and not overload any components.

The assembly sequence is not only the order that crane components are installed, but also which crane components are installed.

Different boom lengths or tower heights will need component sections to be selected to meet the specified distance. The strength of boom or tower sections can vary depending on cross bracing or changes to internal wall thickness.

The sections may look the same but they are designed with different materials to support greater loads.

When the wrong section is installed at the base of the crane or tower it can weaken the assembly. If a stronger section is installed at the tip it can increase the weight of the boom and make it unstable.

Below you'll find some examples of assembly sequences:

Favco tower crane tower assembly sequence

Mobile crane boom pinning

When assembling the crane boom or derrick, always follow the assembly pinning instructions from the manufacturer.

Never stand under the boom while installing the pins.