HDS cranes are mainly used to carry out work transporting heavy materials over short distances. The crane structures are mounted on a truck which has a hook or grab element as equipment. Their purpose is to load or unload the load. The whole structure is powered by the vehicle's electrical system or through an attachment used to take power from the engine.
What is the use of HDS cranes
HDS cranes are most commonly used in:
- forest industry,
- construction industry,
- container transport.
Forest industry - They are used when felling trees, namely to unload and load the felled trees. However, in order for this to happen, it is first necessary to replace the traditional hook with a grapple, with which it is much easier to do the job. In addition to the two activities mentioned above, we use it to transport felled trees over short distances.
Construction industry - The main application is based on transporting, unloading and unloading building materials. In addition, when working inside a façade, the HDS crane is capable of feeding materials to the floors where the material is required. An important aspect of this equipment is that it can lift heavy components using a hook or grab.
Transport and handling of containers - Cranes are also used to transport shipping and storage containers. Before a container can be transported, it must first be carefully secured with lashing straps and turnbuckles. The purpose of this securing is to prevent any possible damage that may occur during transport.
There are several types of HDS cranes:
- for general use,
- for tree felling,
- HDS crane mounted at various locations.
General use - The HDS usually sits on a truck chassis, whose boom operates horizontally or vertically.
Tree felling - here we change the hook to a special grapple to move the felled trees.
Cranes installed in various locations - These are HDS cranes mounted just behind the driver's cab and are generally used by transport companies, and rear-mounted cranes with an additional load bed to accommodate more cargo.
HDS crane - what load can it hold?
A lot really depends on the manufacturer and its power claims. Usually it is able to carry the weight of up to 10 tonnes, We can, of course, find cranes that offer higher lifting power. If you decide to buy or hire one, it is very important to ask about the maximum lifting capacity of the HDS crane.
Permissions needed to work on HDS crane
If you want to drive a vehicle with an HDS crane fitted, you must complete a course consisting of theoretical and practical classes.
The requirements needed to join the course are:
- completion of 18 years of age,
- a certificate from a doctor confirming our fitness to work,
- possession of a category B or C driving licence,
- education at least at primary level.
Questions and Answers
What weight can the HDS crane lift?
It mainly depends on the manufacturer, but they are capable of lifting up to 10 tonnes. We can also find HDS cranes that can handle much heavier items.
Which industry sectors use HDS cranes?
HDS cranes are most commonly used in the construction and forestry industries and are also used to transport containers.
