Cranes and hoists, or lifting technology, are almost as old as mankind. There are countless interesting and entertaining stories and facts to learn about them. Our blog-hu articles cover the history of cranes, hoists and lifts.
How does the lift know exactly where it is? – The secrets of level control
Have you ever wondered how a lift manages to stop exactly at the right spot? A deviation of a few centimetres from the floor level might seem imperceptible to an ordinary passenger. How does the lift control system work? Find out more in our blog.hu article!
What are high-tech touchless lifts like?
The lift button is one of the most frequently touched, yet least frequently cleaned surfaces in a building. It is no coincidence that, in recent years, major lift manufacturers have been launching a series of solutions that allow the lift to be operated without buttons. How do these goods lifts work?
When a person becomes a crane – Exoskeletons in industry
Industrial exoskeletons are no longer confined to science fiction; they exist in the real world too. These lifting aids are used in modern warehouses, factories and on construction sites. How do they work? Are they replacing traditional equipment? You can read our article on exoskeletons by clicking here.
Extreme lifts – building relocation
In theory, buildings stay where they were built. But what if a church that’s hundreds of years old needs to be moved? That’s when extreme lifting techniques come into play! Let’s see how they move the buildings!
The impact of lifts on urban planning
How were the pyramids built without cranes?
The ancient pyramids are a marvel of construction engineering. But how were they built without modern cranes and motorised hoists? Va few ideas for this lifting feat!
About the falling lifts
Everybody has seen a movie where an elevator full of people crashes. But how is it in reality? Do lifts really fall as easily as we see them in the movies? It is worth reading the mystery of falling lifts.
The lifts that generate electricity
State-of-the-art lifts no longer just use energy, they also produce it, like power stations. How does it work? At history of power-generating lifts click to read!
Where to stand on the escalator?
A bit of elevator etiquette: if you stand on the right, you are polite, but fewer people can step on the escalator. If we step to the left, we can accommodate many, but those who are in a hurry will not be able to move. What do we do? First of all, read thistechnical etiquette our article!
The „floating” lift without ropes
Maglev technology has appeared in the lifting industry. Sci-fi in the world of lifts. lift, which can change direction in all four directions.
Are drones the future of construction?
The so-called Heavy-lift Drone has been introduced, which can now lift heavy panels. Can they replace cranes, and if so, under what conditions? Let's have a look at some drone analysis!
Why is there a mirror in the lift? Practicality, psychology or just vanity?
The answer is not trivial, because all three factors are at work, because it is a psychological trick, a practical solution and a clever engineering solution. It is worth reading why they are mirrors in the lifts!
The legend of the escalator „comb”
One of the fears of our childhood, and sometimes adulthood, is that when stepping off the escalator, it will „bite” the laces of our shoes or trousers. This, on the other hand, protects against the design. A brief description of the protection device of a lifting equipment.
Does the lift door lock button really work, or is it just a placebo for the impatient?
On most modern lifts there is a „>|<” button that allows you to manually start closing the lift door. Sometimes, however, this button seems to be just a „decoration” and does not work. What is the truth? The legend of a button.
Protective devices in event technology
The concert industry is a dangerous area: it's dark, there are huge weights being moved over heads, and there can be huge noise pollution. I therefore stressed the importance of using work safety equipment. If you don't use them, you can't be part of the venue design. The equipment itself may be familiar from the world of lifting, where the tasks are similar. It is worth a read, how stage designers protect themselves against accidents!
Malta's most famous lift: the Barrakka lift
Opened in 1905, it is a nearly 60-metre outdoor lift, initially powered by a coal-fired power plant. It is a speciality in the field of lift technology. Worth a read, how this hoist was made!
Concert logistics - the work behind the show
In just over half a day, the stage builders have to assemble 10-15 truckloads of stage equipment to provide the audience with a night of entertainment. It's a major logistical job, and one that involves the use of lifting equipment. How is the construction work done? This is what our concert builder blog article is all about!
Underground lawn in Bernabéu
The redevelopment of the Real Madrid stadium includes a number of floor solutions. One of these is the „hypogeum„, which helps to protect the playing area during a concert, for example. But what is a „hypogeum” and what does it have to do with lifting technology?
A Kirow KRC 1220 carried out the technical rescue at Magyarkút
On 12 September, there was a rail accident at Magyarkút station: a passenger train S750 from Vác to Balassagyarmat derailed. The rescue work was carried out by an interesting machine, the Kirow 1220 crane train. It's worth reading how the rescue happened!
Watching a match from a TV screen?
Flooring technology also appears in the strangest places. In Italy, for example, there's a city where you can watch football matches from a cabin lift. The article reveals, where this city is and what the parameters of the cabin lift are.
Romeo and Juliet performed with working machines
A unique theatrical experience was enjoyed at an unusual performance at Tallinn's Kinoteater this summer: a production of Shakespeare's eternal classic Romeo and Juliet - without human actors, using working machines. It is worth watching how lifting technology is entering the world of art!
Church on the road in Sweden
Sweden is making use of the latest in lifting technology. A wooden church more than 100 years old was moved several kilometres away by road. It's worth reading how they managed the lifting and transport!
Cranes in the record book
A number of cranes boast exceptional performance. More than one of them has made it into the Guinness Book of Records. Let's see which is the biggest crane and which can lift the most weight!
Cranes as post-apocalyptic sets
Industrial tools provide the gloomy, grimy, depressing backdrop to many famous films. Directors and set designers are keen to use cranes because, placed in the right environment and with the right lighting, they can create a terrifying world. It's worth reading up on the famous films that have used cranes as a backdrop!
Floating dinghies perform the salvage of the Bayesian luxury yacht
In 2024, a cruise ship sank off the coast of Sicily. After months of planning, salvage operations began in April this year from a depth of 40 metres using two floating cranes. For a description of the lifting work, click here!
Safe even when escalating
Escalators have been with us for more than 120 years. They have evolved a lot, especially in the field of safety technology. Worth reading for all lifting professionals, how!
Daruhotel in Amsterdam
A good example of the convergence of high-rise technology and tourism is the conversion of a tower crane into a hotel in the Netherlands. Find out how it was transformed!
The Agia Mavra pontoon bridge
It is the only pontoon bridge in Greece, which has become a tourist attraction thanks to its technical feats and ideas. It is worth reading the Agia Mavra about water lifting equipment!
Crane-ship giant: the Pioneering Spirit story
The largest ship in the world, it has lifted over 100,000 tonnes of cargo on the water. It assists in the assembly and disassembly of drilling rigs. It's worth getting to know the story!
The impact of the development of crane technology on the construction industry
When and where were cranes first used on construction sites? The answer is surprising. A brief history of cranes!
The journey of a container from China to Hungary - The European part
The container arrives in Hamburg. But this is not the end of the journey! Logistics and lifting technology from the world of containers!
The journey of a container from China to Hungary - the Chinese chapter
Everyone has seen a container, knows how big it is and what it's for, but probably not many of us think about where it comes from and how it gets there. And certainly not how lifting technology helps container transport! We did and wrote a container blog post.
Chicago's CN Tower attractions
A telecommunications centre, but also a tourist attraction with high-tech curiosities. It's worth finding out more!
The tower that was (also) built by helicopter
One of Toronto's iconic landmarks is the CN Tower. It was also built using an interesting elevation technique. Worth riding, how the 553-metre tower was built!
Offshore rigs and their function
How are they made? What lifting equipment is included? It's worth a read!
A brief history of the Panama Canal
12,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal every year, shortening their journey by 13,000 km each. A lifting feat worth reading about!
Budapest's skyscraper - the MOL Campus
The MOL Campus not only attracts attention with its height and modern design, but also excellence in sustainability and technological innovation. It's worth reading about!
The history of cranes
Lifting devices have been designed since ancient times to help people lift heavy objects. Large construction projects would have been unthinkable without the means to lift stones weighing several tonnes to heights of several metres. We put together a short crane history overview!
The greatest view in the southern hemisphere
Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, boasts many attractions, but few are as emblematic as the Sky Tower. Opened in 1997, it is not only the tallest building in the city, but also one of the country's most important tourist attractions. It is also worth reading his interesting facts on parenting!
5 interesting facts about lifts
We have collected five exciting facts about the about lifts, that you may not yet know.
The Wuppertal funicular railway
Wuppertal is located in a narrow valley where, at the end of the 19th century, people were thinking about how to transport goods. The solution was a funicular railway, which is still in operation today. Historic lifting equipmentz, read about it!
The TOP 10 lift companies
A lifts they are an essential part of modern infrastructure, as they allow efficient vertical transport in buildings of any size. The industry is dominated by several key players that are at the forefront of innovation, safety and sustainability. Let's see which companies they are!
Against the barriers - a race up the escalator
The competition took place at the Szent Gellért Square station of metro line 4, where firefighters competed on the escalator. Competition on lifting equipment, go for it!
Aerodynamically optimised lifts at the Mercedes-Benz Museum?
In addition to the automobile marvels, the Mercedes-Benz Museum has more surprises in store for lovers of high-rise technology: its specially designed lifts! These lifts alone are worth a visit to the museum. Read more about aerodynamically optimised load lifters!
Why is there an escalator system in the Park Güell in Barcelona?
Although Park Güell is a historic park, it is located in a special natural setting, includes some modern elements to improve the visitor experience, which are not negligible in terms of experience. And this particular experience is a lifting equipment!
Crane with a history of intelligence helps in Baltimore rescue
A little over a month ago, a serious accident occurred on the Patapsco River near Baltimore when the container ship Dali crashed into a pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the river and a large part of the structure fell into the water. The floating crane involved in the rescue has a strange history, having been built to obtain secret Soviet military information. Read about an interesting crane!
Europe's iconic outdoor lift, the Hammetschwand
The Hammetschwand lift, a remarkable feat of engineering by world standards, is located in Switzerland, near the picturesque village of Bürgenstock overlooking Lake Lucerne. Built over 100 years ago, it's worth getting to know!
The crane that became a parliamentary question
There was once a crane that stood on top of a 177-metre-high tower block. Its removal became a parliamentary issue. Worth reading for an entertaining story!
Lunch on top of a skyscraper
Almost everyone is familiar with the black and white image of 11 construction workers sitting, relaxing and eating on a steel girder above downtown New York at dizzying heights, unsecured and relaxed. Building on this, a new attraction has now been built at the site where the photo was taken, the „The Beam”.
The lifts of the Eiffel Tower
The lifts in the tower were not only a special attraction when it was inaugurated in 1889. Its current lifts also contain a number of special features. When in Paris, you should also check out these lifting wonders!
Car rescue from a stream - with a fire extinguisher crane
In December 2023, a car skidded on an icy road and ended up in a stream. The driver was unhurt and managed to get out of the vehicle. However, the car had to be lifted out of the water. The emergency services used a lifting device, a Tadano Faun ATF 60-4, to lift the vehicle out. It is worth reading this lifting feat!
Glass gondola over the city
Stockholm is full of strange buildings. For example, there's an arena with two glass gondolas outside that show the city. It's worth reading about this on about floor technology of interest!
Lifts under the water
A lift can be useful in many situations and sometimes they can be really special because of their design, location or even speed. But the lifts presented in this article are special because they are the experience of the lift mixed with the water. In some cases literally.
Top 5 crane manufacturers in the world in 2023
The world's giants compete with each other for leadership in every industry. This is no different in the global crane market, where each project offers another opportunity to advance. This year's IC100 index is a generally accepted industry ranking that ranks manufacturers based on a number of objective factors. Let's see which companies are at the top!
Europe's highest slide
The Danube Tower is a symbol of Vienna, 252 metres high. For its 60th birthday, it received a transparent and illuminated slide. Want to try it? Read about it and gather courage!
Why is the Katarinahissen lift in Stockholm famous?
An elevator has been over the water at Slussen metro station since 1881. But why? Read the story of Katarinahissen!
The future of human habitation or another monument to ambition?
The Al Khatt, or A Line. It is a smart city, consisting of a single huge modular building 170 km (!) long and 500 metres high. It will be another revolutionary site for floor technology? Is it even feasible?
On a tightrope on the mountainside
The funicular is a 19th century invention. It is one of the oldest in Hungary. It is worth reading how the inclined plane lifting technology this pearl of the world!
Have you ever slept in a crane?
You can even do that in the Netherlands. A disused harbour crane has been converted into a 60 sqm hotel room. It's also not hard to guess what the the main attraction of the crane shed!
Chicago's dizzying sights
Chicago is also the city of the brave. It has two attractions that are related to the elevator technique, but only the bravest dare to see them. Read about the towers!
Lift in the belly of the mountain
One of the world's most notorious men was given a holiday home, accessible only by a lift built into the mountain's belly. The history of the luxury lift is worth knowing!
Methods for the production of advanced glass
They used to blow, now they bathe, what is it? The glass. A history of the technique of making modern glass and the related technique of lifting.Read a brief history of modern glass production!
The most fun lift: the Ferris wheel
You can look at the Ferris wheel as a hoist or a special paternoster. But the question is really which is the oldest, which is the most famous, which is the tallest. Interesting facts about Ferris wheels.
That's how the glass was made, did you know?
There are more similarities than you might think between glass production and the production of steel used in lifting technology. The process starts in a similar way, and in some cases the end product is formed in a similar way. It's worth a read, how the glass is made.
San Francisco's transport curiosity
San Francisco has a historical peculiarity that is now unique in the US and has something to do with elevated railways.Its cable car network started in the 1800s and is still in operation today. It is worth reading about this interesting transport network!
Nimble little all-rounders - Skid steer loaders
Small skid-steer front-end loaders are machines suitable for both dredging and loading. Bulk materials on the ground are scooped up with their shovels and loaded onto a vehicle or other place. During landscaping, they smooth out uneven ground with their backhoes. It is worth more about loaders also read!
A big help for people in need
What can be done if someone is no longer able to walk up stairs? There is a device that has been used for decades called a lift. A stair lift or chair lift a special solution in lifting technology.
Frankfurt - two faces of a city, or a city rebuilt from scratch
During the Second World War only one building remained intact. Since then, it has been characterised by 150-metre high cloudbursts. And the rebuilt old town. It's worth reading how this was achieved with their turrets. Frankfurt, the city rebuilt with cranes!
„Open heart surgery” - with cranes
Amsterdam's Central Station is visited by 250,000 passengers a day, most of whom cycle. A 12,000-space bicycle parking facility was to be built to store the bicycles. But how do you do that when space is at a premium, there are so many people using it and even water is a problem? Then the cranes came!
Cable car over the city
One of the longest cable cars in the world is not on a ski slope, but in a town in Mexico City. It's worth reading about it on the about floor technology of interest read!
The Ruhr's boat lifts and the world's largest canal hub
Datteln is a medium-sized municipality of about 35,000 inhabitants in Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also the seat of the world's largest sewer hub with many.many cranes. Worth reading about!
The magical world of crawlers
Instead of the wheel in some cases use a crawler is floor technology. To find out why, and what a running roller is, read our article on blog.hu. Read it!
Crane socket - Which crane is good for what?
Cranes are documented to have been invented by the ancient Greeks. Since they have been motorised, they have become inescapable. We have prepared a summary of the varieties and uses. Read more!
The bridge that hides lifts
At 1,861 metres long, it is the longest bridge in Budapest and the only one in Hungary with a cable-stayed bridge. A story with brilliant photos by Zoltán Gábor. Worth a read!
Torda attractions by lift
One of the many wonders of Transylvania is the Tordai Gorge, where you can find many surprises in the galleries, such as a Ferris wheel, a mini-golf course and a lift. It's worth taking a tour of the area, but first read the article about it our elevator article!
The Manchester wall and wood cutter
Although Eco-Cranes cranes have not yet been climbed by the Manchester wall climber, he has climbed to the top of very tall buildings without any insurance. It's not worth following, but it is worth reading. A brief history of the crane.
Gemenc and the Sió Canal
The Vulture lock is located on the border of Gemenc. Rarely seen birds, deer and buck deer can be seen here. Worth reading about!
Why doesn't the crane tip over?
Liebherr's great technological feat is that the cranes can be propped up in places where there is no room for them. Read how!
Elevador de Santa Justa - the lift and the virgin
Elevated technology can even be found in Lisbon's public spaces, for example in a public lift named after a virgin, inaugurated in 1902. Read on, interesting elevator story!
The toughest machines on the Hungaroring
Assembling and disassembling the wooden stands of the teams arriving for a Formula 1 race is a major lifting task. Read on to find out how they do it with a crane machine!
The Danish Giant Crane
The world's tallest crane, the Danish engineering marvel that worked on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, turns 40. Read about the crane here!
The hidden machines of the draw-room
Theatre technology has evolved a lot in recent decades. Many lifting machines are involved in moving the huge sets and actors. Read how these machines work on the drawing board!
A really extra motorhome with its own lift
We've seen almost all kinds of luxury in the field of freight elevators, lifts and lifts. Or so we thought, until we came across the luxury car below. Read how to put a lift in a caravan!
Karcsi's travel tips: Zhangjiajie National Park (China)
The location of the Avatar films, where you can find the Hundred Dragons lift. A magical place, well worth reading about!
Special modes for lifts
We manufacture a lot of lifts and hoists. So we know that some lifts have special, sometimes secret, functions. We have collected some of these lift secrets.
The Swedish giant bull with the bark
The road linking Sweden and Denmark Öresund Bridge involved the construction of a huge crane, the Kockums daru. Read how it was built the bridge using the crane and what happened to the crane!
Chernobyl: two successes already achieved
At Chernobyl, heroic work was carried out at the exploded power plant, using crane trucks. Two sarcophagi have been built and demolition work will start soon. Read how!
„I'm driving”
The glory of the crane car in film history, or the battle of the Terminator DEMAG AC 395. Details here!
„Dad, let's build something!”
Almost every boy has his period when he wants to build. Build anything, but if that anything moves, even better. What if he could build a forklift? Read it!
A constant in the film revolutions: the jimmy jib
A special camera tripod that works on the principle of cranes and revolutionised filming. It's worth reading about how the jimmy jib works!https://darukesemelok.blog.hu/2022/01/31/a_filmforgatasok_allando_szereploje_a_jimmy_jib
Cranes also for fruit picking
Commonly known as a crane truck, it helps with a wide range of work at height, from fire-fighting to fruit picking. We have collected some typical applications, read more!
New ski lift Kreischbergen
The operator of the Kreischbergen ski complex managed to replace the 6-person cabin lifts in 9 months. Read how ski lifts are replaced!
5 tips for using ladders safely
A ladder may seem like a simple tool, but there are 5 things to consider as a minimum when working with a ladder. Read our 5 ladder tips!
Airplanes with elevators
A passenger lift on the flight deck? Yes, there are such machines. The question is: is it really an inevitable solution or a luxury? Read on to find out!
Vacuum lifts already exist
The vacuum lift is based on technology that is already available. Powered by compressed air, the pneumatic read more about the hoist here read more.
The concept of the space elevator
Ec-Cranes builds a lot of hoists, but for the time being it does not want to enter the space elevator building race. However, we are curious to see who will be the first to build a working structure. Read more, where is your planning now!
Lifts in the water - the Scottish and Chinese solution
How and why did boat lifts emerge as an alternative to locks and inclined canals? Let's see the most beautiful (Scottish) and the greatest (Chinese) solution!
Lifts in the water
How do the lifts get into the water? Why are they installed there and how can they be implemented? The details after clicking it comes to light!
The lift, which has its own bus stop
In Budapest there is an elevator with its own bus stop. Can you guess where it is?
Karcsi's travel tips: British Airways i360 (Brighton, England)
Brighton City Council decided that they wanted a tourist attraction like the London Eye. The British Airways i360 was born, with a perfect panoramic lift. Read what you need to know about it!
Karcsi's travel tips for Gdańsk
Medieval crane on the banks of the Motława. Check it out with us!
The greatest of the mobile ducks
When you think of large cranes, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the giant tower cranes, but then there are the mobile cranes, the largest of which can lift up to 140 metres. Read about the biggest monsters!
Tower crows at the foot of the Chain Bridge
Hans Liebherr, the inventor of the modern tower crane, who patented the mobile rotating tower crane. Read the history of the tower crane!
Karcsi's travel tips: intermodal transfer centre (Fényeslitke)
In Fényeslitke, an intermodal logistics centre is being built, i.e. a logistics centre that can accommodate several means of transport at the same time. See where the construction is at!
The largest crane flotillas in the world
Back in 2019, International Cranes made a really interesting collection of which companies own the largest crane fleets in the world. Check them out!
Cranes on the banks of the Danube
A stroll along the banks of the Danube in Budapest and you'll see countless cranes. Our article will help you find some of them, if you click here!
A world exhibition to remember
Queens. New York. In Flushing Meadows Corona Park, two memorable world's fairs. It was also a historic day in the world of elevators and elevator technology. Read on!
The role of lifts and hoists in the success of world exhibitions
World expositions are unthinkable without lifts and lifts are unthinkable without world expositions. As early as 1851, lifts were already making their appearance at the event. Check out, how the world exhibitions and the lifts!
Reconstruction of a handmade medieval cage crane in the Czech Republic
For the reconstruction of Tucnik's castle, a period cage was made and used. Read how it was made!
Swimming giants
Huge ocean-going vessels with cranes. The largest is named after Odin's eight-legged horse. You have to see this!
Fire extinguisher ducts
Almost every young boy wants to be a firefighter. But if you ask them, they almost certainly won't say crane trucks as a reason. And how interesting they are, just look at them!
Another raising record from the Jumbo giant
The huge cargo ships of Dutch company Jumbo Maritime break the record for the weight of cargo lifted on board almost every week. Look at the boats!
Darutanc
Cranes can dance too. Worth a look!
The Adam Clark floating crane
The Clark Ádám floating crane is the largest water crane in Hungary. Let's see the story!
Karcsi's travel tips for Hamburg
Hamburg. What comes to mind? Football, the red-light district, Hanza and the port. The dock, full of cranes. A real tourist paradise! Read our short recommendation here!
Karcsi's travel tips: the Záhony transhipment area (Záhony, Eperjeske)
The Záhony transhipment area, the largest rail complex in Hungary and full of exciting cranes and other industrial machinery. Read about it!
Karcsi's travel tips: the Car Towers (Wolfsburg, Autostadt)
The Car Towers in Wolfsburg Volkswagen entertainment centre built around a factory, the attractions of Autostadt. It is home to the „world's fastest automatic parking system”. We invite you on a virtual tour! Click here!
My favourite animal: the gerbil
There is also a favourite animal of the person who designs and manufactures cranes and hoists. What else could it be but a gerbil. Let's see what it looks like, what it eats and where it lives. Click here to read!
Cranes and hoists in fairy tales
Cranes and hoists can be found in the most surprising places. For example, in fairy tales. We have also collected the most popular crane heroes.
The fastest lifts
The real history of lifts begins with Elisha Otis's safe lift, introduced in 1854, which was able to brake in the event of a rope break. Today, we have a lift that can „rush up” at 21 m/s: The fastest way to the top floor - the world's fastest lifts
How did cranes evolve? Crane history
Our first post looks at the evolution of cranes from the 6th century BC to the present day: The evolution and development of cranes
