Material management and load movement equipment are necessary for construction, manufacturing, and industrial projects. They not only improve task efficiency but also reduce injury risks, job repetition, and labor requirements.
But you need to choose the right machine to improve your material loading and unloading operations. However, many project managers often get confused between the role of excavators and cranes. It’s important to remember that all cranes can be used as an excavator, but all excavators cannot be cranes.
In this blog, our crane safety experts at Crane Warning Systems Atlanta have discussed the differences between the two machines. Let’s start, shall we?
Crane—Meaning and Function
Crane is a heavy-duty, purpose-designed mechanical load-lifting machine commonly used in commercial and large-scale industrial projects. Some of the most common and popular crane types are gantry, tower, mobile, overhead, and telescopic boom cranes.
Cranes are ideal for loading, moving, and unloading fragile and heavy loads such as iron bars, drywall, cement piles, and machine parts. They are also used at ship loading docks for loading and stacking cargo containers on the ships.
Excavator—Definition, and Function
An excavator is not a heavy-duty material loading machine like a crane. It’s a vehicle used for digging, excavating, or tracking the ground. Crawler, hydraulic, skid, and dragline are some of the most common excavator types.
Excavators are used for earth-moving, material handling, demolition, forestry, debris removal, rescue services, and underground excavation.
Crane Components and Safety
Cranes are made of extremely complex components such as hook, boom, bridge, end truck, hoist, and trolley. These machines are transported in a dissembled manner due to their size. Crane safety is another key aspect that determines the efficiency and functionality of crane operations in a project.
Experts and regulators at OSHA strongly recommend crane users install crane safety products such as RCIs and LMIs to improve employee wellbeing and operational accuracy.
Excavator Components and Safety
Compared to cranes, excavators consist of relatively less complex parts such as tracks, bolts, chains, sprockets, shoes, and frames. However, excavator safety is as essential as crane safety. OSHA’s specific excavation codes strictly mention that companies provide proper PPE to excavator operators and recognize hazards before initiating an excavator operation.
Why Should You Partner with Crane Warning Systems Atlanta?
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is an authorized distributor of original, world-class RaycoWylie crane safety devices and systems. We have been offering cutting-edge crane safety equipment for over 22 years and have an impressive client base. At Crane Warning Systems Atlanta, our wide range of crane safety products includes rated capacity indicators, load limit indicators, crane camera systems, load moment indicators, and more.
You can also shop for high-quality crane system displays, wire ropes, portable links and shackles, and more. Check out our free-access troubleshooting guides, crane equipment wiring diagrams, and support manuals, or contact us for more details.
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