Knuckle boom boat deck crane

Types of knuckle boom boat deck cranes

A knuckle boom deck crane on a boat is a type of lifting device commonly found on maritime vessels, including fishing boats, supply ships, offshore service vessels, and cargo ships. This crane is designed for handling heavy or bulky items between the vessel and the shoreline or other maritime platforms. Knuckle boom deck cranes are generally articulated cranes with multiple sections that can bend or "knuckle" for increased flexibility and maneuverability. They can lift various weights depending on their size and specifications, ranging from light to very heavy loads. Knuckle boom deck cranes are also suitable for restricted spaces and can be folded away when not in use.

• Hydraulic knuckle boom cranes: As the name indicates, hydraulic cranes rely on hydraulic power for their lifting and articulating functions. They usually have a fixed base that can be mounted to the deck of a boat or ship; hence, they're sometimes referred to as stationary or pedestal-mounted cranes. The cranes' beams typically consist of several sections (or links) that can be extended and retracted for lifting loads. Hydraulic knuckle boom cranes are prized for their ability to handle heavy loads smoothly and with high precision. Depending on their specifications, hydraulic knuckle boom cranes can control, time, and force the weight of an entire ship.
• Electro-hydraulic cranes: Electro-hydraulic knuckle boom deck cranes combine electricity and hydraulics to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution for handling heavy loads on boats and ships. The main characteristic that distinguishes them from hydraulic cranes is their mode of power generation and supply, which is delivered via an electric motor-driven hydraulic power unit. This feature enables greater energy efficiency and lower operating expenses. Besides, electro-hydraulic cranes can be designed with varying capacities, reach, and mounting configurations to suit different maritime applications and vessel types.
• Air-pressure knuckle boom deck cranes: Air pressure or pneumatic knuckle boom deck cranes utilize compressed air to operate their lifting and articulating functions. As a result, they tend to have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance, improving their reliability in demanding marine environments. Some air pressure cranes can be directly integrated into the ship's air compression system, and no external power source is required.

Specification & Maintenance

• Maximum lifting capacity: The knuckle boom crane's maximum lifting capacity should be defined, typically in tons or kilograms, to represent the heaviest load it can handle.
• Working radius: This specifies the maximum horizontal distance from the crane's base to which the crane can extend to lift and move loads.
• Working height: The working height refers to the maximum vertical height the crane can reach when positioned on a vessel or platform.
• Boom length: Knuckle boom cranes are available in various boom length options, measured from the base to the tip of the boom when fully extended.
• Boom articulation: Articulation points are crucial features of knuckle boom cranes. Boom articulation refers to the number of hinge points in the boom, allowing the crane to bend or articulate at certain positions.
• Control system: Knuckle boom deck cranes are typically equipped with a control system that allows precise control of the crane's movements and operations.
• Power source: The power source of a knuckle boom deck crane can be an electric motor, hydraulic power unit (HPU), diesel engine, or other specialized clean energy sources like offshore wind power and wave power.
• Certification and compliance: Suppliers must ensure that the knuckle boom boat deck crane has been certified by relevant authorities to meet industry standards for safety and performance.

Daily maintenance of the knuckle boom deck crane:

• Inspect the overall crane system to check for loose parts, deformations, damages, etc., and deal with them properly.
• Check and ensure the flexible hoses and sealing elements are not kinked, damaged, or leaking, and fix problems if there is any.
• Inspect the lubrication systems of hydraulic parts and gear motors to ensure smooth functioning.
• Check the fasteners of each component to ensure their tightness and reliability.
• Inspect the electrical systems and ensure the wiring, terminals, and connections are in good condition and not corroded or loose.
• Check and keep the working environment of the crane clean to avoid potential hazards and obstructions.
• Keep a maintenance log.

Weekly maintenance:

• Inspect the wear and leak issues of hydraulic hoses and pipes, dealing with the problems in time if there are any.
• Check the lubrication of moving parts and add lubricating oil or grease as required.
• Inspect the operating mechanisms such as motors and reducers, checking their play and friction losses.

Scenarios of knuckle boom boat deck cranes

The versatility and adaptability of knuckle boom deck cranes make them suitable for use in a number of industries and applications.

• Marine and offshore industries:

  Knuckle cranes are an indispensable piece of equipment used by offshore platforms, fishing boats, vessel operators and maritime logistics. They help to support and facilitate various marine and offshore operations, such as equipment and material loading and unloading, vessel berthing and clearance, maritime maintenance and repair, etc.

• Logistics and transportation industries:

  In the fields of land logistics, port logistics, freight transportation, etc., knuckle boom cranes are often used in conjunction with containers, trucks, freight cars, cargo ships and other equipment to realize the handling, loading and unloading, stacking and other operations of goods. Whether it is at a port, a freight yard, or a border checkpoint, knuckle cranes can play an important role in efficiently transporting goods.

• Construction industry:

  Knuckle boom cranes can be used to realize the handling, installation, and other operations of various construction materials and equipment. For example, handling heavy objects such as steel, concrete, and prefabricated components. They can also be flatbed trucks that carry the aforementioned materials to a construction site.

• Wind energy industry:

  In the field of wind energy, knuckle boom cranes are the main equipment for the installation and maintenance of wind turbines. Such as loading and unloading of wind turbine components, assembly and installation, maintenance and repair operations, etc.

• Marine salvage and rescue:

  In the case of marine salvage or rescue operations, knuckle boom cranes are often used to recover sunken vessels or marine equipment, or to carry out emergency repairs at sea.

How to choose a knuckle boom boat deck crane

Several factors need to be considered if one is to successfully choose a knuckle boom boat deck crane. The first factor to consider is the type of material the crane is made of. The deck crane mustn't corrode easily. Therefore, cranes with aluminum alloys or stainless steel are preferable. Such materials are known to have good resistance to corrosion. This keeps the crane functional and reduces the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.

Choose a knuckle boom deck crane that has features that provide ease of use. Cranes equipped with anti-sway systems, load moment indicators, and remote-control capabilities, enhance operational safety and efficiency. Such a feature makes it easy for the operators to control them. Also, consider the maintenance requirements of the crane. Go for a crane that has readily available replacement parts.

It is important to properly evaluate the coupling mechanisms of the crane. Go for the ones with quick-release and stable coupling mechanisms. Such coupling enables swift operation and ensures stable load management. When choosing a knuckle boom deck crane, select the one that is easy to install and configure. A complicated installation process may lead to excessive downtime and operational inefficiency.

The operational environment of the deck crane should also be considered when selecting a suitable deck crane. For instance, cranes exposed to harsh marine environments should choose high-quality, corrosion-resistant cranes. Such a feature will prolong the lifespan of the crane.

Lastly, the budget also plays an important role in choosing a knuckle boom boat deck crane. A good budget analysis will ensure that other aspects such as quality, safety, and performance are not compromised.

Knuckle boom boat deck crane FAQ

Q1: What are knuckle deck cranes made of?

A1: The raw materials mainly include high-strength steel used for the frame and support structures, stainless steel or galvanized steel used for anti-corrosion properties, and aluminum alloys for lightweight applications.

Q2: What type of power source does a knuckle boom crane have?

A2: The power sources of knuckle cranes include hydraulic systems, electric power, pneumatic power, and fuel-based power.

Q3: Can a knuckle crane operate in extreme weather conditions?

A3: Yes, with a proper selection of materials and components, a knuckle boat deck crane can work well in extreme weather conditions.