What Type of Crane Do You Need When Building a Multi-Storey Property?

About Me
The Big Build: How to Use Heavy Construction Equipment

My name is Jerry, and I run a small construction company in Perth. My team normally completes relatively small jobs such as plastering walls, repairing electrical systems and constructing patios. However, one day a big client got in touch to say they wanted me to help them construct a large apartment building. I have never taken on such a big job before, but I thought it was a good chance to grow my business and gain some new skills. A friend who has completed large scale jobs before advised me on how I should hire the people and heavy construction equipment needed for the job. I learnt a lot from him, and my company has since completed several more big construction jobs. I have decided to start this blog to advise others how to hire and maintain heavy equipment.

What Type of Crane Do You Need When Building a Multi-Storey Property?

29 May 2023
 Categories: , Blog


Building a towering structure like a multi-storey property requires a lot of equipment and manpower. In particular, the use of cranes is an essential part of the construction process. Cranes are used to lift heavy equipment and construction materials to different levels of the building. But, with so many types of cranes available, knowing which one is best suited for your project can be overwhelming. So, what do you need to know to help you choose?

Tower Crane

Tower cranes are commonly used in large construction projects, such as building high-rises or multi-storey buildings. They are typically used when a project requires lifting a large amount of heavy construction materials to higher levels. Tower cranes are stationary and are anchored to a concrete foundation. They offer a high lifting capacity and can reach great heights, making them ideal for multi-storey construction projects.

Mobile Crane

A mobile crane is an excellent choice for construction projects with limited space or where the crane needs to be moved often. These cranes are mounted on a truck and can be easily transported from one location to another. They are versatile and can be used for multiple purposes, such as lifting equipment, materials and containers, making them ideal for smaller multi-storey building projects.

Crawler Crane

Crawler cranes are ideal for construction projects that require lifting heavy objects over a large area. They are mounted on tracks, giving them a greater range of mobility and stability than other types of cranes. Crawler cranes have a high lifting capacity and can be fitted with various attachments, making them ideal for multi-storey projects that require different types of lifting equipment.

Overhead Crane

Overhead cranes are typically used for indoor construction projects and are often found in manufacturing plants, factories, and warehouses. They are a popular choice for multi-storey projects as they can lift heavy materials vertically over long distances and can move along a ceiling-mounted track. Overhead cranes are best suited for projects where heavy lifting is required in a confined or indoor space.

Gantry Crane

Gantry cranes are a type of mobile crane that can be used on multi-storey building projects that require lifting equipment and materials over large distances. They have a high lifting capacity and can be moved on rails or wheels, making them flexible for use on different surfaces.

The Next Step

It's essential to choose the right type of crane for your multi-storey building project to ensure the safety, speed, and efficiency of the construction process. Understanding the differences between the various types of cranes can help you decide which one to use. When choosing a crane, consider its lifting capacity, range of mobility, stability and suitability for the task at hand, but always work with experienced contractors who can help you choose the most appropriate equipment.