The tower crane is a steel structure machine which enables the transportation of heavy loads horizontally and vertically on a fixed or mobile carrier on construction sites. It is named as a tower because it has a towering body.

Tower cranes are generally used in construction works and tower cranes vary according to their usage areas. There are self-erecting types with a top tower, no top tower. There are types of cranes with and without overhead towers that can rise by themselves using the hydraulic climbing system.

They can stand at a fixed height or they can rise with it as the building rises. They are fixed to the structure by means of connection elements which are discharged at regular intervals. When the tower crane is wanted to be raised, this process is realized by adding the modular tower elements to the structure with the climbing cage on the body.

Among the components that make up the Tower Crane; There are foot complex, foot balance stones, masts, boom complex, balance boom, tail balance weights and climbing cage. They have a simple working system, but have been used in the construction industry for years. In addition to cost and time saving, it has been the lifeblood of the construction sector in terms of creating a safe working environment. Moreover, they are very simple to install and dismantle.

A single tower crane may be sufficient for multiple buildings built on a certain area. It eliminates all difficulties in transporting heavy loads and accelerates construction activities. The load that the crane can carry at the maximum distance should not exceed one ton. The higher the tower crane, the more likely it is to tip over. Therefore, tower cranes should not be used in the wind. In addition, after a certain height, the operators should not go to the top of the tower. The tower body is the most suitable area where the load to be transported will be lifted. Heavy parts are usually carried close to the body.

Tower cranes also have mobile models but are not preferred. Concrete is filled into the pits that open to the ground and reinforced with mats and fixed to the ground.

In addition to all these, if it is not used correctly and inspections are not carried out periodically, its dangers are very serious in terms of human health and employee safety. The Annex of the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment (Annex 3 Maintenance, Repair and Periodic Controls) issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security has counted tower cranes in the group of lifting and conveying vehicles. Therefore, tower cranes must be periodically inspected and inspected at least once a year. 

Controls should be carried out by mechanical engineers, machine technicians or high technicians. Otherwise, reports issued by persons other than those listed shall not be deemed valid.