Early Crane Evolution
Over 4000 years ago, early Egyptians made the very first recorded type of a crane. The original apparatus was known as a shaduf and was initially used to transport water. The crane was made out of a pivoting long beam that balanced on a vertical support. On one end a bucket was attached and on the other end of the beam, a heavy weight was attached.
In the first century, cranes were built to be powered by humans or animals that were moving on a wheel or a treadmill. These cranes had a wooden long boom known as a beam. 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 which wrapped around it. This rope also had a hook that was attached to a pulley at the top of the boom and lifted the weight.
Cranes were utilized extensively throughout the Middle Ages to make the huge cathedrals within Europe. These devices were also used to unload and load ships in key ports. Over time, major developments in crane design evolved. Like for instance, a horizontal boom was added to and became known as the jib. This boom addition allowed cranes to have the ability to pivot, therefore greatly increasing the range of motion for the equipment. After the 16th century, each side of a rotating housing that held the boom incorporated two treadmills.
Even until the mid-19th century, cranes continued to rely on humans and animals for power. Once steam engines were developed, this all rapidly changed. At the turn of the century, electric motors and IC or internal combustion engines emerged. Cranes also became designed out of cast iron and steel rather than wood. The new designs proved more efficient and longer lasting. They can obviously run longer as well with their new power sources and therefore complete bigger jobs in less time.