4 Reasons to Choose a Hydraulic Crane Over an Electric Crane
Posted on: 16 August 2023
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Whether you're buying or renting a crane, there are plenty of things to consider before you can zero in on the ideal model. One of the most fundamental decisions you'll need to make is whether to opt for a hydraulic crane or an electric crane, and electric models can seem more attractive at first since they tend to be less expensive.
However, hydraulic cranes are well worth the investment for most people since they offer a range of benefits covering everything from greater lifting capacities to finer control. With that in mind, here are just four reasons to choose a hydraulic crane over an electric crane.
1. Great Power
Probably the most compelling reason to choose a hydraulic crane over an electric crane is that hydraulic models are simply more powerful. Using a system of pistons, pumps, and hoses, hydraulic cranes can lift a lot. In contrast, electric cranes have a limited lifting capacity that makes them inadequate for most heavy-duty applications. This is why electric cranes tend to be used more for small residential projects than larger construction projects.
2. Extended Use
If you'll need to be using your crane frequently, an electric model is unlikely to cut it. That's because they simply aren't designed for handling the rigors of constant use. Such use quickly becomes a problem due to the heat generated by electric motors. These must be allowed to cool and the batteries recharged before an electric crane can be used again, which can result in a lot of downtime. In contrast, hydraulic cranes can handle continuous cycles of heavy-duty lifting, so they aren't going to slow you down.
3. Greater Speed
Hydraulic cranes often get jobs done faster than electric cranes simply because they can be used more often, but they can also speed things up by simply moving a lot faster. Since electric cranes suffer from power limitations, lifts and movements will be relatively slow. Hydraulic power avoids such issues. With more power available, the winch and other controls can be moved more quickly, which will allow for faster lifting and movement.
4. Finer Control
Finally, hydraulic cranes can offer far more precise control than electric cranes. This isn't necessary for all applications, but it can make it considerably easier to move whatever needs to be lifted into the right area. This doesn't just help avoid mistakes — it also improves operating efficiency to give hydraulic cranes a further boost when it comes to the speed at which jobs are completed.
For more info about cranes, contact a local company.