A machinery crane is a central component of lifting and assembly processes in construction, deconstruction, and natural stone extraction. It moves structural elements, tools, and power units in a controlled, safe, and precise manner—from steel beams and concrete elements to hydraulic attachments and handheld tools. Especially in combination with Darda GmbH products such as concrete demolition shears or stone and concrete splitters, the machinery crane becomes the link between tool, component, and construction workflow, whether in concrete demolition and special deconstruction, in strip-out and cutting, in rock breakout and tunnel construction, in natural stone extraction, or in special operations.
Definition: What is a machinery crane
A machinery crane is a hoisting system that moves loads vertically and horizontally to position components, machines, or tools. Depending on the application context, the term encompasses mobile cranes, mini cranes, crawler cranes, gantry cranes, and stationary crane installations. Characteristic features include controlled hoisting and lowering movements, defined load capacities along the load chart, a specified working radius, and the use of certified load lifting attachments. In practice, the machinery crane serves not only to transport components, but also for the safe guidance of tools—for example, the guided use of concrete demolition shears, stone splitting cylinders, or handling hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH on the construction site.
Design, load capacities, and working ranges of a machinery crane
A machinery crane typically consists of the supporting structure (undercarriage, boom, and, if applicable, luffing jib), drives and winches, the hook block, the slewing gear, counterweights, and the control system. The safe working load is monitored by the load moment limiter; it depends on boom angle, radius, and configuration. The tighter the working space and the larger the radius, the more sensitive the load control becomes—particularly with sway-prone tools or components with an eccentric center of gravity.
Working radius and load chart
The load capacity of a machinery crane follows the load chart: higher loads are possible at short radii; as the radius increases, the useful load decreases. For use with tools (e.g., concrete demolition shears), the dead weights of load lifting attachments, chain hoists, rotary unions, hook block, hose bundles, and any control units must be added to the load. Operating conditions such as rotating loads or changing pick points also influence the effective load moment.
Ground pressure and supports
The forces introduced into the ground determine the required support areas. On slabs (strip-out), load distribution via timber or steel plates is common. The design of the support considers crane position, the load case with the greatest moment, and edge distances to openings. For mini cranes inside buildings, low self-weight, large outrigger spread, and careful distribution reduce ground pressure.
Slew range, lifting height, and temporary states
Slew ranges, hoisting and lowering paths, and temporary construction states (e.g., intermediate supports, partial assemblies) must be mapped in the deployment plan. Obstacles such as façades, scaffolds, drop beams, or pipelines influence route selection. Taglines reduce pendulum movements, especially with long components or hose-guided tools.
Machinery crane in concrete demolition and special demolition
In concrete demolition, the machinery crane supports selective dismantling, the deconstruction of façade elements and core areas, as well as hard-to-reach components. When an excavator cannot reach the working height or the substrate does not allow driving movements, the machinery crane assumes the load guidance for tools and components. Darda GmbH tools such as concrete demolition shears, combi shears, or Multi Cutters are guided as suspended loads to crush concrete, cut reinforcement, or separate components in a defined manner.
Use with concrete demolition shears
Darda GmbH concrete demolition shears are used as suspended, guided tools, for example in the deconstruction of balcony slabs, parapets, or massive wall panels. The machinery crane takes the load, holds the component in tension, and enables controlled cracking with the shear. Advantages include low vibrations, precise load management, and reduced noise compared to percussive tools. Smooth load handling, an adequately sized swivel joint, and avoiding jerky movements are important to minimize oscillations.
The hydraulic supply is provided by a Darda GmbH hydraulic power pack, which is usually positioned at ground level. Hose bundles are relieved at the crane hook with suitable rigging so that the hose self-weight does not upset the balance of the shear.
Concrete separation with combi shears and Multi Cutters
Combi shears and Multi Cutters cut reinforcing steel, sections, and lines. In combination with the machinery crane, components can be “pre-cut,” trimmed to size, and lowered directly. This increases safety during special demolition in elevated or confined areas.
Stone and concrete splitters in combination with the machinery crane
Stone and concrete splitters and stone splitting cylinders from Darda GmbH exert large, directed forces with minimal vibrations. In rock breakout and tunnel construction or natural stone extraction, the machinery crane safely positions splitting cylinders in boreholes, guides them to hard-to-reach edges, and holds them in position during the splitting process. Crane-assisted handling facilitates alignment of splitting wedges and reduces accident risk when relocating heavy components.
Precision at the tunnel and portal area
At the tunnel portal or in steep rock faces, cranes ensure controlled access to rows of boreholes. Sensitive control, short load paths, and taglines are critical to avoid unwanted pendulum movements in gusty winds or in drafts in the tunnel tube.
Strip-out and cutting: machinery crane in confined spaces
In strip-out, mini cranes and gantry cranes are the tools of choice: they move core drilling rigs, wire saws, cutting units, and components to be removed on floors with limited load-bearing capacity. In combination with concrete demolition shears or Multi Cutters, sawed concrete parts can be guided to the millimeter and lowered in a controlled manner.
- Provide load distribution plates for supports and transport routes.
- Plan openings and intermediate depots for sawn elements.
- Relieve hose bundles and implement orderly hose management.
- Use short slings for limited headroom; observe angles.
- Smooth load control with taglines to avoid wall contact.
Rock breakout, tunnel construction, and natural stone extraction
In extraction and underground construction, the machinery crane is used for moving blocks, handling stone splitting cylinders, and positioning drilling equipment. For provisional sites with uneven supports, crawler cranes are advantageous. When moving natural stone blocks, soft slings, edge and surface protection, and low hoisting speeds are key for damage-free handling.
Load lifting attachments and rigging for the machinery crane
The correct selection and configuration of load lifting attachments determine safety and efficiency. For suspended tools from Darda GmbH (e.g., concrete demolition shears, combi shears), rotating swivels, short lifting slings, and form-fitting attachment points are suitable to avoid hose torsion.
- Determine the load: tool weight, accessories, hose bundles, adapters, hook block.
- Size rigging: load capacity under the governing sling angle.
- Determine the center of gravity and, if necessary, use spreader bars to avoid edge contact.
- Provide edge protection and prevent abrasion damage to hoses.
- Test run at low hoisting height with secured load control.
Hydraulic power packs, power supply, and control
Hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH supply tools with oil flow and pressure. They are placed outside the slew range and connected via pressure and return hose bundles. For crane handling, observe:
- Route hoses without tension, maintain minimum bend radii, and avoid abrasion points.
- Consider additional weight from hose lengths; use hose hangers if necessary.
- Operate via remote control or control valves with a clear division of roles between crane operator and tool operator.
- Ensure emergency stop and depressurization before re-rigging the load.
Planning, estimating, and work preparation
Robust deployment planning for the machinery crane includes determining load cases, choosing the crane type, support concepts, defining transport routes, and the communication concept. In deconstruction, temporary states, separation cuts, and sequences are linked to the lifting plan so that loads are taken over and set down without secondary damage.
- Investigation: component geometry, reinforcement, embedded parts, ground bearing capacity.
- Lifting plan: loads, radii, hook heights, slew paths, intermediate set-downs.
- Logistics: access routes, crane stand location, boom configuration, counterweights.
- Interfaces: coordination with sawing/drilling crews and tool operators.
- Emergency and weather plans for interruptions and safe intermediate states.
Weather, vibrations, and operating limits
Wind, rain, snow, and temperatures affect visibility, friction coefficients, and sway damping. With long booms, susceptibility to vibration and the control response time increase. Suspended tools are kept as close-in as possible, and hoisting and lowering movements are performed smoothly. Under critical conditions, reduce hoisting speeds and move tasks to wind-sheltered time windows.
Special deployments and particular challenges
In facilities with increased requirements—such as during tank deconstruction, near media lines, or in explosion-hazard zones—special Darda GmbH tools are used, including tank cutters or low-spark cutting methods. The machinery crane ensures positioning, maintains safety distances, and enables the defined set-down of removed components. Protective measures such as barriers, draining residual media, and suitable ventilation must be incorporated into planning in advance.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
- Load charts not observed: consistently sum the payload including accessories.
- Underestimated hose and accessory weights: include additional weights in the calculation.
- Slings too short and unfavorable sling angles: limit forces at attachment points.
- No edge protection: avoid damage to hoses, slings, and components.
- Insufficient support: determine and distribute ground pressure in advance.
- Poor communication: use clear commands, fixed roles, and signalers.
Communication, briefing, and signals
Structured radio and visual contact between crane operator, rigger, and tool operator is essential. The signaler’s position, hand signals, and commands are defined before work begins. In blind spots, additional signalers or camera systems are advisable.
Documentation, maintenance, and inspections
Safe operation includes daily visual checks, maintaining operating and lifting plans, and labeling and documented inspection of load lifting attachments. Tools and hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH are operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspection intervals for the crane, rigging, and accessories follow applicable regulations and the operating conditions.
Terminology and selection of the appropriate crane type
The suitable machinery crane depends on load, radius, height, ground conditions, and accessibility. Mobile cranes offer high flexibility in yards and on roads, crawler cranes excel on rough terrain, mini cranes work on low-capacity slabs, and gantry cranes are advantageous in halls with limited headroom. In combination with concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, steel shears, or tank cutters from Darda GmbH, the right crane choice enables precise, low-vibration, and economically plannable work steps.