Modern cranes boast excellent lifting capabilities, enabling them to move and reposition heavy loads with ease. As a result, cranes work to improve productivity and safety.
But as with all forms of industrial equipment, there was once a time when lifting involved the use of manual labour. Even when mechanical lifting equipment was first invented, it lacked the safety and productivity features that are now standardised.
At Metreel, we are a leading destination in the UK for a variety of lifting equipment including cranes, hoists and winches.
Today, we are taking a look through the history books to determine how the world gradually moved from manual lifting to automated cranes.
Early Manual Lifting Systems
Humans have always needed to lift heavy loads, including throughout notable historic periods such as Ancient Greece. Likewise, the Giza Pyramids which were built over a period of 85 years between 2589 and 2504 BC also involved an intensive amount of lifting and carrying.
What history suggests is that there was a huge reliance on human and animal labour. Eventually, humans developed basic lifting concepts including through the invention of primitive pulley systems which were often operated by winches or treadwheels. These crude systems enabled workers to lift heavier loads with less effort.
Unlike modern cranes, the earliest manual lifting systems were very slow and inefficient. Centuries before the invention of health and safety, early lifting systems also posed extreme risks to all those involved in lifting tasks.
Steam Powered Cranes (Industrial Revolution)
The Industrial Revolution took place between 1750 and 1900. During this era, steam engines were introduced which also resulted in the invention of steam powered cranes.
Compared with manual lifting techniques, steam powered cranes allowed for the lifting of far heavier loads. As a result, steam powered cranes became commonplace in the likes of shipyards, railways and construction sites.
Steam powered cranes had their limitations, including being stationary rather than mobile. Also, they were dependent on steam boilers to work.
That said, steam powered cranes signified a pivotal moment for the design and overall capabilities of cranes.
20th Century – The Electrification And Motorisation Of Cranes
The 20th century brought the electrification of motors, meaning cranes could now benefit from a serious upgrade across all of their key features. This includes aspects such as the amount the crane could lift, but also the speed and precision.
During this time, there was also a greater awareness of manual labour. Towards the very end of the 20th century, new guidance about manual lifting was brought in, called Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Cranes including overhead cranes, gantry cranes and tower cranes became more commonplace during this time. This resulted in the usage of cranes expanding across a broad range of capabilities from construction to manufacturing.
Cranes In The 21st Century To The Present
In recent years, the biggest advances to impact cranes include computerisation and automation.
Various technologies have improved aspects such as speed and precision. They include the likes of remote controls, joystick systems and variable frequency drives (VFDs). Numerical Control systems have also enabled the ability for semi-automated crane operation.
Improving safety has also been a key factor of modern crane technology, with advances in sensors, cameras and anti-collision systems. All of these modern developments have ensured cranes boast improved accuracy, safety and efficiency.
As technology continues to develop, modern cranes now possess aspects such as real-time analysis and automated guided systems. Such technology not only works to improve crane performance but also prevents downtime through predictive maintenance capabilities.
Step Into The Future With Industrial Lifting Equipment From Metreel
Do the cranes at your industrial facility still feel like the cranes from a bygone era? If so, upgrading to a Metreel crane can improve safety, productivity and efficiency for your operations.
Metreel is located in Derbyshire and we supply our lifting equipment to businesses across the UK and beyond.
Download our brochure to view our full range of cranes including workstation cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes and more.
Or, you can also let us know about your crane requirements by dropping us a message or by giving us a call on 0115 932 7010.