To push or to power: that is the question.
Cranes are built to move heavy loads. But there are a couple of main ways to generate that movement: either through powered or manual means.
Manual push vs powered cranes: which is better? In this guide we’ll compare the two, and look at the factors you should consider in order to choose the right option.
What is a manual push crane?
A manual crane is simply an example of lifting equipment that is moved by manual means. These cranes come in a number of different variations, from simple davit cranes, to jib cranes, to complete workstation light crane systems and monorails.
The term ‘manual push crane’ is often used specifically for hoist and trolley systems, both in relation to manual hoists, where the trolleys roll along the beam by pushing the load, and lever hoist systems that use manual power to lift and lower the load.
What is a powered crane?
Powered cranes use a variety of powered systems – electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and more – to lift, shift and lower loads. This power can be supplied to the arm of a jib crane, the bridge of an overhead crane, or the chain hoist and trolley attached to both.
Powered cranes are heavy duty machines – at Stratalign some of our powered systems can handle extremely bulky loads that can weigh 150 tonnes or more.
Choosing the right crane for your needs
Manual vs powered cranes: which should you choose? Here are a few reasons why you might go for each option.
When to choose a manual push crane
- Manual cranes don’t rely on an external power source. As long as a worker is present, these cranes will work. As such they can be more reliable than powered cranes, particularly in remote locations that may have limited access to the necessary power.
- Manual cranes are ideal in situations where faster movements are required, particularly for lighter loads.
- Manual cranes are more cost-effective, so they may be the best choice when crane use is limited or sporadic. This cost-effectiveness only increases over time, as manual cranes tend to have lower maintenance and upkeep requirements than powered cranes.
When to choose a powered crane
- If you need to lift and shift large loads – those weighing multiple tonnes or more – a powered crane is by far your best option. With heavy duty overhead cranes capable of lifting hundreds of tonnes, the strength of powered machines can be remarkable.
- Powered cranes can increase workplace productivity by helping you to work more efficiently. You can move a multi-tonne load from A to B far faster and safer with a powered crane than you can with a manual crane. A semi-automated system may even allow workers to trade physical labour for higher value tasks.
- If your workers need to regularly move large loads, powered cranes allow them to do so in a far safer way, guarding your business against workplace injury concerns.
Helping New Zealand manufacturers safely solve their lifting challenges with the best local and global solutions
At Stratalign we’ve spent years helping Kiwi businesses identify and secure the lifting equipment they need. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to identify the ideal crane for you, whether that’s a powered, manual or hybrid system.
Our solutions are customised to your specific needs and wants, and are designed to make your business safer, more efficient and more productive than ever before.
We offer a complete range of manual and powered cranes, all of which are certified to AS 1418.1.
