Differences between Slewing and Non Slewing Mobile Cranes

18 January 2017

In crane movement terms, a slewing crane lifts its load, suspends that load in mid-air, and then rotates it via a boom rotating mechanism. Non-slewing cranes, on the other hand, lack a rotating base section. Hold that major difference in mind as we see how it affects slewing and non-slewing mobile cranes, for their compact outlines must adjust to accommodate these differences.

Mobile Non-Slewing Cranes Don’t Incorporate Rotating Joints

This primary difference complements a typically mobile profile. The permanent articulation joint raises a load and repositions the load elsewhere, but only when the mobile truck employs its drive section. Slew incapable, the mobile lifter is highly maneuverable due to its four-wheeled chassis, with its crane section assuming a more solid build as it chiefly lifts and lowers its payloads.

Slewing Lifters Incorporate Static Capabilities

In incorporating a rotating turntable section, a mobile crane suddenly gains z-axis capability and greater site versatility. The mobile chassis still conveys the lifter to its destination, but then it can be anchored in place with outriggers while the arcing boom goes about its business on a crowded construction area. This system asset covers every point on a full 360° circle, with the axis of the mobile crane acting as the center of the circle. That means rear-located loads can be reached without having to awkwardly reverse the truck into position.

Properly Optioning Both Lift Types

A smaller non-slewing machine mounts sensibly on the rear of a flatbed truck. Evolved versions of this configuration travel on highways and dirt tracks, with the wheels of the vehicle acting as the boom conveyance mechanism. Conversely, slewing turntables add flexibility to the operation. They’re versatile, plus they can hunker down in place thanks to a series of extending outrigger. Meanwhile, the smaller non-slewing crane finishes its workload, moves to another site, and then uses its compact outlines to conduct another lift operation. Consequently, both crane types are invaluable, but they’re designed for slightly different applications.

In completing our look at the differences between slewing and non-slewing mobile cranes, we’re forced to yield to the adaptability factor that attaches itself to the rotating option. They’re nearly stationary, but their wide-reaching circular bases adapt easily to their environment. Still, powerful non-skewing cranes have a place of pride in any mobile lifting fleet. Their unidirectional aptitude is packed with mechanical sinew, and they’re every bit as maneuverable as their rotating cousins when they’re under the control of an expert operator.