In bridge construction, lifting machinery, depending on its structure and performance, is generally classified into four major categories: light‑duty small lifting equipment, bridge‑type cranes, jib‑type cranes, and cable‑way cranes. Light‑duty small lifting equipment includes jacks, pneumatic hoists, electric hoists, balance hoists (also known as balance cranes), winches, and the like. Bridge‑type cranes encompass girder cranes, among others. Jib‑type cranes comprise stationary slewing cranes, tower cranes, truck‑mounted cranes, tire‑mounted cranes, and crawler cranes. Cable‑way cranes include elevators and similar devices.
In bridge construction projects, lifting machinery can generally be classified into four major categories based on its structure and performance: light‑weight and small‑size lifting equipment, bridge‑type lifting machinery, jib‑type cranes, and cable‑way cranes. Light‑weight and small‑size lifting equipment includes jacks, pneumatic hoists, electric hoists, balance hoists (also known as balance cranes), winches, and similar devices. Bridge‑type lifting machinery comprises beam‑type cranes, among others. Jib‑type cranes include stationary slewing cranes, tower cranes, truck‑mounted cranes, tire‑mounted cranes, and crawler cranes. Cable‑way cranes encompass elevators and similar systems.
Based on the nature of lifting, cranes are further categorized into mobile cranes, tower cranes, and mast‑type cranes.
According to the drive method, there are two main types: centralized drive, in which a single motor powers a long transmission shaft that drives the driving wheels on both sides; and individual drive, where each driving wheel is driven by its own motor. Medium‑ and small‑size bridge cranes often employ an integrated “three‑in‑one” drive system that combines the brake, reducer, and motor into a single unit. For large‑capacity standard bridge cranes, to facilitate installation and adjustment, the drive mechanism typically uses universal couplings.
In terms of structural configuration, cranes are primarily divided into light‑weight and small‑size lifting equipment, bridge‑type machines (including bridge and gantry cranes), jib‑type machines (such as self‑propelled, tower, portal, railway, floating, and mast cranes), and cable‑way cranes.
