Crane Types in B.C.
Deciding what kind of cranes you want to operate is the first step.
Many of the operating certificate classifications enable crane operators to use multiple crane types, so review what suits you and your employer.
Tower Crane Types
Tower cranes consist of a horizontal boom with an operator cab on top of a tower. Self-erect tower cranes are tower cranes that are smaller and remotely-operated.
Tower
Tower cranes are generally fixed to the ground on a concrete slab, however some are attached to the sides of structures. They are typically used in the construction of tall buildings.
Self-Erect Tower
Self-erect tower cranes are smaller, remotely-operated tower cranes with less lifting capacity. Another crane is not required for it's assembly at the worksite. Uses include lifting small loads of concrete and construction materials for low-rise buildings.
Mobile Crane Types
Mobile cranes have a steel lattice or a telescoping hydraulic boom. Typically, they are mounted on tracks or rubber-tired carriers. They are often used on larger construction projects such as bridges, dams, and mines.
Lattice Friction
A mobile crane that uses an open-truss steel boom and mechanical friction clutches and foot brakes to hoist, lower, and control loads.
Lattice Hydraulic
A mobile crane that combines an open-truss steel boom with hydraulic winches and controls for high-capacity construction and industrial work.
Hydraulic
Unlimited
A mobile crane with a telescoping hydraulic boom. The load capacity of the crane may exceed 80 tonnes.
Hydraulic
80 Tonnes and Under
A mobile crane with a telescoping hydraulic boom rated for loads up to 80 tonnes.
Hydraulic
20 Tonnes and Under
A mobile crane with a telescoping hydraulic boom rated for loads up to 20 tonnes.
Boom Truck Types
Boom trucks are truck-mounted stiff boom telescoping or folding cranes. They have many uses including erecting steel, delivering building supplies, installing advertising signs, and servicing electrical utilities.
Stiff Boom
Unlimited
A truck-mounted stiff boom telescoping crane. The load capacity of the crane may exceed 40 tonnes.
Stiff Boom
40 Tonnes and Under
A truck-mounted stiff boom telescoping crane with an operating load capacity up to 40 tonnes.
Stiff Boom
20 Tonnes and Under
A truck-mounted stiff boom telescoping crane with an operating load capacity up to 20 tonnes.
Folding Boom
Unlimited
A truck-mounted folding crane. The load capacity of the crane may exceed 22 tonnes.
Folding Boom
22 Tonnes and Under
A truck-mounted folding crane with an operating load capacity up to 22 tonnes.
Folding Boom
10 Tonnes and Under
A truck-mounted folding crane with an operating load capacity up to 10 tonnes.
