What is a Lattice Boom ？
The lattice boom serves as a classic boom design for crawler cranes. Workers assemble it into triangular frameworks by cross-welding hollow high-strength steel tubes or angle steel pieces.
The lattice boom only keeps steel pipe frames that bear loads. Large hollow spaces fill the middle sections of the boom. When two booms share identical length and overall weight, this design cuts steel consumption by 30% to 50% directly and greatly lowers the boom’s own dead weight.
How Does a Lattice Boom Crane Work?
1 Engine – The Power Source
The engine on a lattice crawler crane delivers all power for the whole machine. For one thing, the engine feeds hydraulic fluid to the full travel assembly. It spins the crawler tracks and lets operators move the whole crane from one construction site to another. For another, the engine supplies power to run core hydraulic systems including lifting and slewing functions. It also supports the crane’s cooling unit and brake assemblies during daily operation.
2 Hydraulic System – Converting Engine Power into Motion
The hydraulic system acts as the core power transmission unit on lattice crawler cranes. The engine outputs power and turns it into hydraulic oil pressure first, and this pressurized oil pushes all different actuating parts through high-pressure oil lines.
Hydraulic power handles every key movement: raising and lowering the boom, hoisting the load hook, rotating the whole crane body, and driving the crawler tracks. Besides these main functions, the hydraulic system also manages outrigger stretching, braking actions and counterweight adjustments. When crews lift heavy loads at construction sites, this system evenly distributes power and regulates output force steadily. Heavy loads will not jerk or halt abruptly during hoisting work, which keeps all lifting tasks steady and secure.
3 Winch – Generating the Lifting Force
The winch acts as the core load-lifting component on lattice crawler cranes. It uses hydraulic motors to turn the reel and wind the steel wire rope in and out. Operators can control the lifting hook and adjust the height of suspended loads while coordinating with boom luffing movements at the same time. Built-in brakes lock the steel wire rope firmly during operation to stop heavy loads from slipping downward. This part maintains reliable load support when hoisting bulky materials, making it an indispensable piece of equipment to finish all lifting tasks.
4 Wire Rope – Transmitting the Force
Steel wire rope is an important fitting for the lifting assembly on lattice crawler cranes. It works alongside the winch to carry out hoisting and vertical movement of all construction cargo. The rope runs over every pulley fitted on the lattice boom, transferring tension forces and supporting all working loads. The rope stays connected to carry and lift work pieces through the full hoisting cycle. This constant contact creates heavy abrasion over regular use, so it is a wearable spare part that requires frequent replacement.
5 Lattice Boom – Supporting and Extending the Load
The lattice boom is a signature structural part of lattice crawler cranes. It keeps a relatively light dead weight even at equal overall lengths. Workers can splice multiple boom sections together to reach extended lengths, making it ideal for hoisting heavy, large-tonnage loads at far working radii. Its segmented design also convenient for transport between different construction sites.
6 Hook Block – Carrying the Load
The hook block hangs at the end of the steel wire rope to hoist heavy construction materials. It comes fitted with built-in pulleys inside, which multiply the lifting force generated by the winch and raise the crane’s overall rated load capacity.
7 Crawler Undercarriage
The undercarriage system of the lattice crane is the foundation for supporting and moving the entire machine. The undercarriage system consists of crane track shoes, bottom rollers, top rollers, idlers, and sprockets. Relying on the hydraulic system to drive the track transmission and transport the entire equipment. At the same time, it disperses the pressure of the equipment on the ground and reduces the pressure of the equipment on the ground. Due to the long-term heavy load of the crane undercarriage and the high friction loss caused by gravel, it is also the most easily damaged component in the crane.
Common Lattice Boom Crane Brands
| Country | Brand |
| Europe | Liebherr (LR11000 / LR13000 / LR1750 / LR1600) Terex-Demag (CC1800 / CC2800 / CC8800) |
| American | Manitowoc / Link-Belt (LS98 / LS248 / LS218) |
| Japan | Kobelco (CK1000 / CK7080) Sumitomo (SCX1500 / SCX2800) Hitachi (KH125 / KH300 / KH150) IHI (CCH700 / CCH2000 / CCH2800) |
| China | Sany (SCC98000TM / SCC13000 / SCC3200) XCMG (XGC88000 / XGC130) / Zoomlion (ZCC7200 / ZCC1300) |
Common Wear Parts on Lattice Boom Crane
1 Steel Rope
Steel wire ropes undergo repeated tension and bending every time crews perform lifting work. Long-term exposure to mud, gravel and rainwater on construction sites leads to corrosion, which wears down individual steel strands and makes them thinner over time. Without routine inspection and timely replacement, the rope may snap mid-hoist and trigger serious safety incidents.
2 Track Shoes
Crawler cranes travel over gravel and sand for extended periods, and track shoes rub directly against the ground. Constant load bearing and friction leave track shoes susceptible to wear and cracks. Failing to replace them promptly will disrupt the machine’s steady movement and may even lead to equipment shutdowns.
3 Bottom Rollers / Top Rollers / Idlers / Sprockets
Crawler cranes keep rubbing and grinding these parts as they move. Mud and gravel from job sites get stuck inside gaps on wheel bodies and wear them down, while also damaging inner bearings and oil seals. Once oil seals wear and start leaking, dirt seeps into bearings, jamming rollers so they cannot spin freely. This directly stops the equipment from working normally and delays construction progress.
How to Choose Quality Aftermarket Parts
1 Raw Material
Select premium alloy steel as raw material instead of inferior carbon steel when producing crane undercarriage parts. This avoids accessory defects such as pores and cracks that tend to appear during operation.
2 Heat treatment process is important
Buyers should also check if the crane undercarriage parts undergo quenching and tempering during production. Proper heat treatment greatly boosts these parts‘ impact and wear resistance, prolonging product service life.
3 OEM compatibility
Compatibility is a key factor when choosing crawler crane undercarriage parts. If part specifications fail to match OEM standards, assembly becomes difficult and in serious scenarios, installation may be impossible entirely. Opt for parts manufactured strictly to factory specifications to eliminate all fitting and assembly problems at the source.
4 Quality Inspection & Warranty
During procurement, it is necessary to confirm that the supplier can provide a complete testing report before shipment, verifying that all product dimensions, surface hardness, and other indicators meet the standards. At the same time, comprehensive consideration should be given to the manufacturer’s after-sales system and product warranty period to comprehensively reduce usage risks.
If you need a crawler crane undercarriage parts supplier,please contact us via:
Email:info@toptrackcrane.com
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