Floor Cranes. Manual Or Powered?

What a great question. Thanks for asking!

Manual floor cranes have been around since Adam needed to fix his car. They have been used mainly in the automotive industries for removing engines.

Ask any mechanic how easy they are to use. The engine swings about. The boom needs adjusting in height.

The chains need to be adjusted for removal and re-fit angles. The hydraulics need to be pumped up or let down. They have to be moved around manually. Most times, two people need to be involved.

The good thing is that they are relatively cheap, even though some cheaper versions don't comply with established testing and have failed, the majority do what it says on the tin – within their limited range.

So what's so good about powered floor cranes? Well they are a real step up from the manual push and pump versions, that is for sure.

Firstly there is no need to push them around. They have a built in electric drive motor, with variable speed

Controls on the handle, so you can go as fast or as slow as you like, which is great when trying to access a confined area slowly, and great if you have a distance to go. You don't have to push or pull, especially with a load.

Secondly, with a powered hydraulic pump, you have full control over the reach and the height, using either the tiller or console mounted controls. No pumping, manual adjusting or lowering.

Thirdly, unlike manual cranes which usually have no brake, the powered floor crane brake is automatically applied when you stop. Very handy if you happen to be on a slope.

Fourthly, there are many attachments that can be added to the end of the boom that can turn your crane intro a drum lifter / rotator or a spreader bar for instance.

Fifthly, there is a remote control option, which allows you to tend to the item coming out of the crate for instance, whilst adjusting the height and boom length of the crane at the same time.

Sure a powered floor crane is more expensive, but then it is so much more versatile, labour saving and Effortless.

Once you have experienced power over manual, you'll never go back.