Fixed Crane: Explanation, Types, and Standard Specifications

　　1. Overview

　　Explanation: A stationary crane is fixed to a foundation or supporting base and can only operate in one location. When selecting the optimal crane solution, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the type, shape, and size of the materials, as well as the intended use of the open-air material yard. For instance, in large scrap yards or extensive waste facilities, using a small mobile crane would not be efficient for operations. This is because enabling mobile cranes to navigate through the yard would require strict limitations on how materials are stacked—something that’s often difficult to achieve. In contrast, deploying a stationary crane would prove far more effective in such scenarios. The simplest setups for stationary cranes in material yards typically involve either fixed tower cranes or jib cranes. Stationary cranes are widely used in industries like ports, transportation, construction, and warehousing.

　　2. Types

　　Fixed cranes produced in our country are classified according to their structure as follows:

　　(1) Fixed tower cranes are slewing jib cranes whose booms are mounted atop a vertical tower structure. Available in a wide range of specifications and models, these cranes can lift loads from 1 to 15 tons and reach heights of 25 to 55 meters. They are designed for on-site operation and can be easily converted into fixed installations or repurposed for elevated work without any modifications. For certain models—particularly the larger ones—a unique self-climbing mechanism, either through a spiral system or by employing self-erecting features, allows the crane to extend or retract its mast sections automatically. This innovative spiral system, precision-cut using machine tools, enables the inner mast segments to slide smoothly inside the outer mast sections with just one operational cycle. Additionally, it empowers the crane to ascend up to two stories in a single lift, eliminating the need for external winches or ropes. Such capabilities make these cranes ideally suited for both construction and civil engineering projects. Moreover, as versatile as they are, fixed tower cranes can accommodate virtually any type of boom configuration.

　　(2) Deck Crane: A slewing jib crane mounted on a ship's deck, designed for loading and unloading cargo. This type of crane was developed and manufactured to shorten the ship's turnaround time and minimize the time spent handling goods.

　　(3) Cantilever Cranes: These are lifting devices suspended either from the end of a boom or from a trolley that moves along the cantilever arm—though the cantilever itself cannot pivot up or down. Although simple cantilever cranes are among the oldest types of lifting equipment, their role remains significant when designing the most modern factory layouts. Cantilever cranes come in numerous sizes and lifting capacities, each tailored to specific operational needs. Among these, column-mounted or wall-mounted cantilever cranes—being stationary—cover a relatively small service area. However, they excel at taking over tasks originally assigned to overhead cranes that might otherwise be overloaded, thereby allowing the rest of the overhead crane system to operate more efficiently. Fixed cantilever cranes are broadly categorized into two main types: - **Column-Mounted Cantilever Cranes**, where the cantilever arm pivots around a fixed column anchored to the base; or - **Wall-Mounted Cantilever Cranes**, which are directly attached to a wall, enabling them to serve as compact yet highly effective lifting solutions.

　　(4) Luffing Crane: Luffing cranes are often regarded as construction equipment. In a large material storage yard, carefully selecting one or two luffing cranes can significantly reduce capital investment in equipment. Fixed luffing cranes are further categorized into manual and motorized luffing cranes.

　　(5) Other stationary cranes.

　　3. Inspection Items

　　(1) Visual Inspection: Exposed machined surfaces must be treated with rust-prevention measures, while all other surfaces should be painted according to specifications. The paint application must be even, glossy, and uniformly colored. No instances of missed paint areas or color discrepancies that do not meet the specified standards are allowed.

　　(2) Steel ropes used in stationary cranes shall comply with the provisions of GB5972-86, "Practical Code for Inspection and Scrapping of Steel Cables Used in Crane Machinery."

　　(3) The design of the structure, mechanisms, and electrical systems for stationary cranes shall comply with the provisions of GB3811-83, "Crane Design Code."

　　(4) The gravity moment limiter for stationary cranes shall comply with the provisions of GB7950-87, "General Technical Specifications for Lifting Moment Limiters of Boom-Type Cranes."

　　(5) Fixed cranes must also comply with the provisions of standards such as GB9462-88 "Technical Specifications for Tower Cranes," JJ1 "Basic Parameter Series for Tower Crane Types," JJ30 "Test Methods for Structural Components of Tower Cranes," GB10057-88 "Inspection Procedures for Tower Cranes," and JJ39 "Reliability Test Methods for Tower Cranes."

　　4. Packaging, Storage, Transportation, and Ordering Precautions

　　The outer packaging for stationary cranes should protect the crane and prevent corrosion during handling, transportation, and storage. The exterior of the crane’s packaging must remain clean, dry, and free from corrosion to avoid damage or impact to the equipment. For large, unpackaged cranes, special attention must be paid to issues such as excessive length, height, width, and weight—requiring extremely careful handling during transport. When signing the purchase contract, in addition to standard details like price, payment terms, and product model, it’s crucial to also specify the warranty period, installation and commissioning procedures, as well as any specific usage requirements.