Early Crane Evolution
The first recorded idea or type of a crane was utilized by the early Egyptians over 4000 years ago. This apparatus was called a shaduf and was used to transport water. The crane was made out of a long pivoting beam that balanced on a vertical support. On one end a heavy weight was connected and on the other end of the beam, a bucket was attached.
Cranes that were made in the first century were powered by animals or by humans that were moving on a treadmill or a wheel. The crane consisted of a long wooden beam that was called a boom. The boom was connected to a rotating base. The treadmill or the wheel was a power-driven operation which had a drum with a rope that wrapped around it. This rope also had a hook which carried the weight and was attached to a pulley at the top of the boom.
In Europe, the huge cathedrals established during the Middle Ages were made using cranes. Cranes were also used to load and unload ships within major ports. Over time, significant crane design advancements evolved. Like for instance, a horizontal boom was added to and was called the jib. This boom addition enabled cranes to have the ability to pivot, thus greatly increasing the range of motion for the equipment. Following the 16th century, cranes had incorporated two treadmills on each side of a rotating housing which held the boom.
Even until the mid-19th century, cranes continued to depend on humans and animals for power. Once steam engines were developed, this all rapidly changed. At the turn of the century, Internal combustion or IC engines and electric motors emerged. Additionally, cranes became designed out of cast iron and steel as opposed to wood. The new designs proved more efficient and longer lasting. They can obviously run longer too with their new power sources and hence carry out bigger tasks in less time.