When Were Cranes Invented? A History of Construction ...

When Were Cranes Invented? A History of Construction ...

The Earliest Cranes

Cranes have significantly contributed to human construction throughout history. Early on, in ancient Mesopotamia, the shadoof was employed as an irrigation device around 2000 BCE. By 1500 BCE, these clever tools were adopted by the ancient Egyptians to enhance crop irrigation practices.

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The shadoof, a primitive forerunner to modern cranes, functioned as a simple lever with a bucket attached at one end. An individual would immerse the bucket into a water source, allowing it to fill. Once filled, they would elevate the arm of the lever and swing it to transfer the water to fields, irrigation ditches, or storage areas.

The First Construction Cranes

During the 6th century BCE, the first known construction cranes emerged in the archaeological record. Greek temple blocks from this period exhibit markings consistent with lifting tongs and lewis irons, which implies the availability of lifting mechanisms.

The strategic arrangement of these holes suggests that the ancient Greeks utilized cranes rather than simpler methods of lifting. These cranes were more sophisticated than mere levers, as they incorporated winches and compound pulley systems, thus making them incredibly effective compared to earlier lifting devices.

While these primitive cranes facilitated the lifting and relocation of heavy materials, construction during that period typically relied on smaller, more manageable components. One theory posits that the introduction of cranes enabled a transition from unskilled to skilled labor, allowing smaller teams of specialized workers to take on projects that previously demanded large groups relying on sheer physical strength.

Cranes in Ancient Rome

Shortly after, Roman engineers enhanced the crane designs established in ancient Greece. Initial crane models offered a modest increase in lifting capabilities, but Romans revolutionized them by integrating treadwheels that allowed two operators to lift up to an impressive 6,000 kg.

While the depiction may not directly reflect Roman construction methods, it accurately portrays the operational principles of their treadwheel cranes. However, following the fall of the Roman Empire, the prevalence of cranes declined until the medieval period, when they resurged using similar basic technology, with some utilizing water and windmills for power.

When Was The Hydraulic Crane Invented?

The hydraulic cranes we recognize today originated in the mid-19th century when William Armstrong introduced the first hydraulic crane. This innovative machine utilized hydraulic power through a mechanism known as a hydraulic jigger, which operated a chain to elevate a load. The jigger’s design included a ram within a sealed cylinder, and a controlled valve regulated pressurized water, thereby facilitating raising and lowering the load.

A small hydraulic crane from the early 20th century. The jigger is the small horizontal piece near the base.

Armstrong's designs gained widespread acclaim, leading to exponential growth in his company by the 1870s. At this peak, the company employed almost 4,000 workers and manufactured over 100 cranes annually. Throughout the expansion, Armstrong continued to refine his designs, with one of his major contributions being the hydraulic accumulator.

This hydraulic accumulator featured a plunger that held a substantial weight within a cast-iron cylinder. When the plunger was raised, water was drawn into the cylinder, and upon release, it drastically propelled the water through connected pipes.

Consequently, the hydraulic accumulator significantly boosted the volume of water that could be transferred through the system at a controlled rate, allowing cranes to lift much heavier loads.

Modern Cranes

Contemporary cranes have evolved from Armstrong’s initial concepts, benefiting from numerous advancements such as the adoption of combustible gas as a power source, which has resulted in cranes today being vastly more powerful than their ancestors.

Cranes are indispensable to the construction of modern vertical cities, functioning not only to erect buildings but also for the installation and maintenance of heavy machinery on rooftops and higher levels. Thedevelopment of skyscrapers is intrinsically linked to the evolution of cranes.

As the demand for cranes has escalated over time, the variety of cranes available has also expanded. Modern all-terrain cranes are versatile and capable of reaching virtually any construction site while handling tons of materials upon arrival. Yet, mobile cranes encompass more than just powerful workhorses.

At La Grange Crane, we are equipped with both the machinery and the skilled personnel to tackle all types of heavy lifting. We will assess your project to determine if a smaller crane will suffice or if a crane truck rental would be a more suitable choice.

With over five decades of experience assisting contractors in the Chicago area, we pride ourselves on facilitating the construction and enhancement of our community. So, when your project calls for heavy lifting, trust us to demonstrate how collaborating with the best can simplify the process.

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