Lift Cylinders…
The lift cylinder(s) in a crane are structurally a very important part of the crane. The outriggers keep the crane level and elevated off the ground. Much like the outrigger the lift cylinder(s) support the boom and everything involved with the boom, like the load, jib, etc. The lift cylinders are integral part of the crane. The lift cylinders provide an upward force that counteracts the downward force of the boom, load, etc. The lift cylinder is basically an actuator that provides a force in unidirectional force in a unidirectional stroke. The stroke of the cylinder determines how much force the lift cylinder can place on the boom, i.e. how much angle the boom can be increased. When the boom is at 0 degrees the stroke of the cylinder is almost zero. When the lift cylinder’s stroke is close to the max length the angle of the boom is at the max angle allowed by the manufacturer of the crane. In most cases the angle of the boom won’t increase past 80 to 85 degrees in angle. The hydraulic lift cylinders get their power from pressurized hydraulic fluid. Inside the cylinder, which is hollow, contains a piston that is connected to a piston rod that moves back and forth. The piston is powered by a hydraulic pump that brings in a regulated flow of hydraulic fluid into the system.
In the crane industry, some cranes will have two lift cylinders, usually cranes with capacities over 400 to 450 tons or more will have twin lift cylinders. Other cranes will just have one. Older model cranes like the Grove LTM1500 had twin lift cylinders, but didn’t have a 400+ ton lifting capacity. The lifting cylinders have increased in strength and power as engineering techniques have changed over time. Without the lift cylinders you would need another way to pull back at the tip of the boom to counteract the the forces that are pulling the boom to the ground. Think about the Egyptian times.
Thank you for reading this short article about lift cylinders. You can watch a brief video about them here in our crane rental minute — http://rchrismart.in/21y2QP9
