A Few Facts About Jumbo Cranes

by Arun Bhimani and Michael Jordan

Jumbo Cranes—cranes with outreaches of 60 meters or more, lifts above the crane rail of 46 meters, and capacities of 60, 80, 100, and 120 tons—are already built or being built. Why? Increased traffic and the economy of size. Larger vessels can deliver more for less, so terminals must deliver more.

Of the many issues created by these cranes, five are discussed in this paper: configuration, size and weight, stability, operator comfort, and a recent concern, visual impact.