How to Erect a Tower Crane

Tower cranes are used on construction sites to move materials from low to high places, and vice versa. They are used for high-rise structures, in areas where a wheel-mounted crane is not large enough to carry out the work. Erecting a tower crane should only be carried out by trained professionals; if you try to raise it yourself with little or no experience, you run a high risk of collapse, leading to extensive loss and damage.

Instructions

1. Use an excavator to dig a pit for the crane base, and fill it with concrete. Set steel anchors into the concrete, which will attach to the first section of the crane's mast. Leave the concrete machinery to cure for 24 hours.
2. Attach the first section of mast securely to the anchors using bolts. Use your spirit level to ensure that the mast is vertical.
3. Fix another section of mast to the first using bolts, and continue to do so until you have reached your desired height. You will need a scissor lift or telescopic boom to carry out this step.
4. Assemble the horizontal sections -- also known as the jibs -- to the mast. These hold the chains for lifting materials on one side, and the counterweights on the other, to prevent the crane from toppling over. These horizontal jibs should be securely fixed using steel bolts.
5. Load the crane to full capacity to check it has been assembled correctly.