Tower cranes are tall and impressive machines that have become synonymous with construction sites. They enable builders to transport heavy items to lofty heights and work with ease on large-scale projects. However, many people are unsure about how much a tower crane costs and what factors impact the final price. In this article, we're going to explore the cost of buying a tower crane and delve into the various factors that influence the final price.
The cost of buying a tower crane
The cost of a tower crane varies depending on several factors such as its capacity, type of hoist, jib length, tower height, and other features. On average, the cost of buying a tower crane ranges from $200,000 to $1 million. Of course, smaller cranes with fewer features would cost less than larger, more advanced cranes with more features. Generally, tower cranes designed for commercial use tend to be pricier, while smaller ones used for residential construction are less expensive. If you're looking to buy a used tower crane, the price could be lower, but there are several risks associated with used machines. The operating history of the crane, the current condition, and upkeep costs can all impact the price of a used crane.
The factors that influence the cost of a tower crane
There are several factors that can impact the cost of a tower crane. Here are some of the main ones:
- Capacity: Capacity is the most significant price influencer. The weight that the tower crane can handle is directly linked to its capacity. The higher the capacity, the more expensive the crane. A typical tower crane has a capacity ranging from 40 to 80 tonnes.
- Type of hoist:Type of hoist comes in two types: cable and hydraulic. Cabling is typically cheaper, whereas hydraulic systems are more expensive but faster and more efficient.
- Jib length: The length of the jib also affects the cost. Jib lengths range from 20 to 80 meters. Longer jibs mean higher costs.
- Tower height:The height of the tower dictates the distance the crane can reach and the amount of weight it can carry. Taller towers mean greater costs.
The advantages of buying a tower crane
While tower cranes are expensive, they can be beneficial investments for contractors who regularly undertake large-scale construction projects. The following are the primary benefits of buying a tower crane:
- Boosts productivity: Tower cranes enable builders to move materials quickly and efficiently, which speeds up project timelines.
- Saving money: Owning a crane can save contractors money in the long run as they don't have to spend money on rentals.
- Higher safety standards: Towers cranes are designed with safety as a top priority. They are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, and their strength and stability ensure accidents don't occur.
The drawbacks of buying a tower crane
As with any large investment, there are some drawbacks to owning a tower crane. Here are a few:
- Cost: As we've discussed, tower cranes are expensive to purchase upfront and can cost even more when factoring in maintenance costs.
- Complexity: Tower cranes require skilled and experienced operators to manage and control, which can increase labor costs.
- Storage: Tower cranes aren't small pieces of machinery and require significant space for storage when not in use, which can be challenging for some contractors with limited space to store their equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tower crane purchase is a significant investment. Cost should be a consideration when deciding whether or not to buy a crane but potentially outweighed by the benefits of owning one. We've reviewed several pricing factors, weighing the benefits against the drawbacks of owning a tower crane. Ultimately, each contractor must assess their construction needs and budget before deciding to make a purchase.
