Early Crane Evolution
The first recorded idea or type of a crane was utilized by the early Egyptians over 4000 years ago. This apparatus was referred to as a shaduf and was used to transport water. The crane was made out of a pivoting long beam which balanced on a vertical support. On one end a bucket was connected and on the other end of the beam, a heavy weight was connected.
Cranes that were made during the first century were powered by humans or by animals that were moving on a wheel or a treadmill. The crane consisted of a wooden long beam that was referred to as a boom. The boom was connected to a base which rotates. The wheel or the treadmill was a power-driven operation which had a drum with a rope which wrapped around it. This rope additionally had a hook that was connected to a pulley at the top of the boom and lifted the weight.
In Europe, the huge cathedrals established during the Middle Ages were made utilizing cranes. Cranes were also designed to load and unload ships within main ports. Eventually, significant crane design advancements evolved. For example, a horizontal boom was added to and became known as the jib. This boom addition allowed cranes to have the ability to pivot, thus greatly increasing the range of motion for the equipment. After the 16th century, each side of a rotating housing that held the boom incorporated two treadmills.
Cranes used humans and animals for power until the mid-19th century. This all changes quickly once steam engines were developed. At the turn of the century, IC or internal combustion engines as well as electric motors emerged. Additionally, cranes became designed out of cast iron and steel as opposed to wood. The new designs proved more efficient and longer lasting. They can obviously run longer also with their new power sources and therefore finish larger jobs in less time.