Initial Crane Design

As tasked last Tuesday, i was to design a crane based on engine cranes currently on the market. Most of the designs currently on the market do not have a counter weight but instead use long legs , so the centre of gravity is never past these legs and the crane does not topple. Most of the research shows that many have telescopic booms, and a hydraulic lift system and are easily foldable. The cost of these cranes are fairly low as most of the materials used are steels and the shapes of the steel sections are mostly standard, box section beams. However to adapt this design my

earthquake environment some changes were made.

• Multiple legs to make sure the C of G was never going to topple the crane.
• Adjustable legs to allow for uneven ground and to gain a flat base.
• A swivel crane made from tubular steel so it could be swung round.
• Hydraulic car jack, to allow for lifting.

There are however many different ways of designing a engine hoist like crane, the Swivel beam need not be vertical , the hydraulic system could be connected to the base as not to strain the swivel beam, the legs could be like spider legs allowing for more adaptation to the environment.

My initial plan of constructing a mechanics model of the crane.