Electric Cranes

Electric Cranes

Electric cranes are the most technologically advanced of their kind, with rechargeable batteries powering all operations. As alternatives to internal combustion and hydraulically powered cranes, they offer quieter operations and zero emissions or hydrocarbon pollution. These cranes tend to be used mostly for smaller applications requiring less power and are used in the construction and engineering industries for loading, unloading and lifting large equipment and structural components. However, being electrically powered, these cranes are restricted to indoor use only. Although their initial cost is higher than hydraulic and internal combustion cranes, the operation and maintenance costs are about 20% lower each year, which provides significant savings over time.

Although they have yet to become popular in North America, nearly half of all European cranes are electric. There seem to be many perceived downfalls since they are so new to the industry, but they provide many benefits to operators and owners. In applications where sanitation is important and emissions contribute to contamination, like in food processing, electric cranes are the only heavy lifting option. Because of the battery's weight, electric cranes weigh more than other types and therefore have higher ground pressure. However, the extra weight also means less counterweight needed and a lower chance of tipping. Like electric forklifts, the batteries in cranes are able to run long enough for an eight hour shift and are recharged at night. Most applications don't take long enough to ware down the batteries. And although they are expensive to replace, all electric crane batteries come with lengthy warranties.