How much do you know about the structure of truck-mounted cranes?

The truck-mounted crane, also known as a “truck-mounted crane transporter,” is a remarkable piece of machinery that holds a significant position in various industries. It bears some similarities to a truck crane but boasts additional functions that set it apart. Not only does it possess lifting capabilities, but it also serves the crucial function of loading and unloading goods. Currently, many people in the market are choosing to invest in truck-mounted cranes. Today, let’s delve into the main structural components that make up these powerful machines.

The boom of a truck-mounted crane is a fundamental and essential part of its structure. Generally, it is composed of two to six sections. This multi-section design allows for flexibility in reaching different heights and distances. The telescoping mechanism plays a vital role in enabling the boom to extend and retract. Driven by a series of carefully engineered components, the boom can slide smoothly within the basic boom.

The telescoping mechanism of the truck-mounted crane is comprised of five double-acting single-stage cylinders and their supporting structures. These cylinders are designed to provide the necessary force to extend and retract the boom sections. Each cylinder is a precision-engineered component that must operate flawlessly to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the crane.

In addition to the cylinders, the telescopic mechanism is equipped with a balance valve. This valve serves a crucial purpose. It ensures the smooth telescoping of the boom by controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid. Moreover, it acts as a safety measure by preventing accidents that could occur if the hydraulic hose were to accidentally rupture. In the event of a hose rupture, the balance valve helps to maintain stability and control, reducing the risk of damage to the crane and surrounding objects.

For example, imagine a truck-mounted crane at a construction site. As the operator extends the boom to reach a high point for lifting a heavy load, the telescoping mechanism comes into play. The cylinders work in unison to smoothly extend the boom sections. The balance valve ensures that this process occurs without any sudden jerks or uncontrolled movements. If a hose were to rupture during this operation, the balance valve would immediately come into action, preventing the boom from collapsing or causing a dangerous situation.

The luffing mechanism is another critical component of the truck-mounted crane. It is pushed by the luffing cylinder and is responsible for adjusting the elevation angle of the boom. This mechanism plays a crucial role in changing the working range of the crane. By adjusting the angle of the boom, the operator can reach different heights and distances, making the crane more versatile and adaptable to various work environments.

The luffing cylinder is also equipped with a balance valve, similar to the telescoping mechanism. This balance valve ensures the smooth luffing movement of the boom. It helps to control the speed of the luffing movement and provides an added layer of safety in case the hydraulic hose accidentally ruptures.

The luffing mechanism often consists of multiple cylinders working in tandem. For instance, the first luffing cylinder is driven by the first luffing cylinder and is used to adjust the angle of the inner boom. The second luffing cylinder is driven by the second bat cylinder and is used to adjust the angle of the outer boom relative to the inner boom. This complex arrangement allows for precise control over the boom’s position and angle, enabling the crane to perform a wide range of lifting tasks.

For example, in a warehouse setting, a truck-mounted crane may need to reach different levels of shelving to load and unload goods. The luffing mechanism allows the operator to adjust the boom angle quickly and accurately, ensuring that the load can be safely lifted and placed in the desired location. The balance valve on the luffing cylinder ensures that this process occurs smoothly and without any unexpected movements that could damage the goods or the crane.

The slewing mechanism is a key component that gives the truck-mounted crane its ability to rotate. It is composed of a hydraulic motor and a slewing reducer. Together, these components work to drive the slewing platform to rotate continuously. This allows the crane to reach different directions without having to move the entire vehicle, greatly enhancing its flexibility and efficiency.

The slewing support is an equally important part of the slewing mechanism. It is composed of an inner ring, an outer ring, and a circle of wear-resistant steel balls sandwiched in between. The inner ring is fixed on the outrigger, providing a stable base for the rotation. The outer ring is fixed with the turntable of the crane. When the slewing mechanism is activated, the outer ring is driven to rotate by the hydraulic motor and slewing reducer.

For example, at a construction site where multiple areas need to be serviced, the slewing mechanism allows the crane to quickly rotate and position the boom to reach different locations. The wear-resistant steel balls in the slewing support ensure smooth rotation while minimizing friction and wear. This allows the crane to operate continuously without the need for frequent maintenance.

The operating mechanism of a truck-mounted crane is the interface through which the operator controls the various functions of the crane. It is mainly composed of upper and lower vehicle control valves and operating handles installed on both sides of the frame. These control valves and handles are carefully designed to provide intuitive and precise control over the crane’s movements.

On the installation bracket of the handle, there are indication signs for the actions of various hydraulic actuators and their action directions. This helps the operator to understand which handle controls which function and in which direction the movement will occur. The operator should operate according to the corresponding position markings to ensure safe and efficient operation.

For example, when the operator needs to extend the boom, they can easily identify the correct handle and direction based on the indication signs. This reduces the likelihood of mistakes and ensures that the crane is operated in a controlled and safe manner.

Generally, truck-mounted cranes are equipped with outriggers. These outriggers play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and safety of the crane during lifting operations. There are two main types of outriggers: movable outriggers and fixed outriggers.

The movable outriggers are composed of horizontal outriggers and vertical outrigger turnover mechanisms. When the vehicle is in transit, the movable outriggers will be retracted in the fixed outrigger box to reduce the overall width of the vehicle and facilitate easy movement on the road. However, when performing lifting work, the outriggers will be opened to provide a stable base for the crane.

The function of the outriggers is to distribute the gravity of the whole vehicle evenly. By spreading the weight over a larger area, the outriggers ensure that the crane does not tip over during lifting operations. This is especially important when lifting heavy loads or working on uneven terrain.

For example, at a construction site with soft ground, the outriggers can be extended to provide additional stability. The horizontal outriggers spread the weight laterally, while the vertical outrigger turnover mechanisms ensure that the outriggers make firm contact with the ground. This helps to prevent the crane from sinking or tipping over, ensuring the safety of the operation.

The power take-off device of a truck-mounted crane is an essential component that transfers power from the vehicle’s engine to the crane’s hydraulic system. It is mainly composed of a power take-off, connecting shaft, gear pump, and other components.

The power of the engine is transmitted to the power take-off through a series of mechanical linkages. The power take-off then transmits this power to the gear pump. The gear pump, in turn, outputs hydraulic oil under pressure to drive various hydraulic actuators such as the cylinders and motors that control the movement of the boom, luffing mechanism, slewing mechanism, and outriggers.

For example, when the operator activates a function on the crane, the power take-off device comes into action. The engine’s power is transferred to the gear pump, which supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to move the relevant components. This seamless transfer of power is crucial for the proper functioning of the crane.

The structure of the truck-mounted crane may seem a bit complicated at first glance, but with careful study and understanding, it becomes clear that each component plays a vital role in the overall operation of the crane. Now, the price of truck-mounted cranes is relatively affordable, making it an investment project worth considering for many businesses and individuals. Whether it’s for construction, logistics, or other industries, a truck-mounted crane can offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, versatility, and productivity.