Steel wire ropes in crawler cranes – the strength of off-road mobility
Crawler cranes are heavy lifting machines designed to work in demanding terrain conditions—on soft ground, on construction sites without paved surfaces, and during the assembly of large industrial and infrastructure structures. Thanks to their tracked undercarriage, they offer mobility and stability where other types of cranes struggle. A key role in their operation is played by the steel wire rope and the reeving system, responsible for lifting, boom hoisting, and load handling.
Rope applications in crawler cranes
- Main hoist rope (hoisting rope) – used for lifting and lowering the hook with the load. It works in a multi-sheave system and must withstand very high working loads.
- Boom hoist rope – used to adjust the angle of the lattice boom. It carries high static and dynamic forces, especially at long boom radii.
- Auxiliary / side ropes – in more advanced models, these handle additional components such as counterweights, auxiliary booms, or grabs.
What characteristics should a crawler crane rope have?
✔ high resistance to bending over sheaves,
✔ high load capacity and low working elongation,
✔ resistance to shocks and variable working conditions,
✔ stable construction that prevents rope rotation,
✔ resistance to corrosion and abrasion—especially important on construction sites with dust, mud, and changing weather conditions.
Most commonly used ropes
- Non-rotating ropes – ideal for work at great heights and with long booms,
- Steel core ropes (IWRC) – provide greater stiffness and durability in off-road conditions,
- Specialized ropes with increased resistance to abrasion and fatigue – for users operating in multi-shift duty cycles.
Rope selection – based on documentation or user needs
For crawler cranes, it is especially important to choose a rope that complies with:
📄 the DTR (technical and operational documentation) for the specific model,
📏 the diameter and construction parameters recommended by the manufacturer,
🧰 the working environment—open terrain, construction sites, or energy/industrial infrastructure projects.
For many users, high-quality alternatives are a practical solution: they meet the required standards while offering a strong price-to-quality ratio.
