The Difference Between Spider Cranes And Crawler Cranes

Both spider cranes and crawler cranes have their own advantages and disadvantages that make them better suited for certain applications than others. Here is a closer look at the difference between spider cranes and crawler cranes:

What are spider cranes?

A spider crane is a type of mobile crane that is characterized by its unique telescoping boom and ability to “walk” on four or more legs. Spider cranes are typically used in construction and industrial applications where space is limited and where conventional cranes would be unable to operate.

What are crawler cranes?

Crawler cranes are a type of mobile crane that is characterized by its tracked undercarriage. Crawler cranes are typically used in construction and industrial applications where their off-road capability and ability to operate on soft or uneven terrain is an advantage.

Advantages of Spider Cranes

Smaller footprint

One of the biggest advantages of spider cranes is that they have a smaller footprint than crawler cranes. This is due to their four-legged design which allows them to be more compact. This is especially beneficial in applications where space is limited.

Greater maneuverability 

Another advantage of spider cranes is that they are more maneuverable than crawler cranes. This is due to their smaller size and four-legged design. This maneuverability makes spider cranes ideal for applications where precise positioning is required.

Better stability 

Another advantage of spider cranes is that they are more stable than crawler cranes. This is due to their four-legged design which distributes the weight of the crane more evenly. This makes spider cranes ideal for applications where high winds or other factors could potentially cause a crawler crane to tip over.

Advantages of Crawler Cranes

Greater lifting capacity 

One of the main advantages of crawler cranes is that they have a greater lifting capacity than spider cranes. This is due to their tracked undercarriage which allows them to spread the weight of the crane over a larger area. This makes crawler cranes ideal for applications where heavy lifting is required.

Greater reach 

Another advantage of crawler cranes is that they have a greater reach than spider cranes. This is due to their longer boom which gives them a longer reach. This is advantageous in applications where the load needs to be lifted from a distance.

Off-road capability 

Another advantage of crawler cranes is that they have the off-road capability. This is due to their tracked undercarriage which allows them to operate on soft or uneven terrain. This is beneficial in applications where the crane needs to be used in a remote location or where the terrain is not suitable for a spider crane.

Disadvantages of Spider Cranes

Limited lifting capacity 

One of the main disadvantages of spider cranes is that they have a limited lifting capacity. This is due to their smaller size and four-legged design. This limits the amount of weight that they can lift and makes them less suitable for applications where heavy lifting is required.

Limited reach 

Another disadvantage of spider cranes is that they have a limited reach. This is due to their shorter boom which gives them a shorter reach. This is disadvantageous in applications where the load needs to be lifted from a distance.

Susceptible to high winds 

Another disadvantage of spider cranes is that they are susceptible to high winds. This is due to their four-legged design which makes them less stable than crawler cranes. This makes spider cranes less suitable for applications where high winds are a factor.

Disadvantages of Crawler Cranes

Large footprint 

One of the biggest disadvantages of crawler cranes is that they have a large footprint. This is due to their tracked undercarriage which requires a large area. This is disadvantageous in applications where space is limited.

Limited maneuverability 

Another disadvantage of crawler cranes is that they have limited maneuverability. This is due to their large size and tracked undercarriage. This limits the crane’s ability to position itself precisely and can be disadvantageous in applications where precise positioning is required.

Slow speed 

Another disadvantage of crawler cranes is that they have a slow speed. This is due to their tracked undercarriage which limits their speed. This can be disadvantageous in applications where the crane needs to be moved quickly from one location to another.