Read and remember meanings of the words.

to hoist v поднимать

to lower a load опускать груз

jib n стрела (грузоподъемного крана)

winch n лебедка

mounted on a cast-iron bed plate установленный на чугунной опорной плите

caterpillar tracks звено гусеничной цепи

hydraulic rams гидроцилиндр

latticed type решетчатого (сетчатого) типа

capacity n производительность

to up productivity повышать производительность

working at boom heights работая на уровне стрелы крана

versatility n приспосабливаемость

girder n распорка, перекладина, брус, балка,

лонжерон

counterweight n противовес

tail radius хвостовой радиус

to slew v поворачивать

reversible boom реверсивная (поворотная, оборотная) балка

superstructure n верхняя часть конструкции

mast n мачта (антенны); столб, стойка

Read the texts again and write down key words to describe the machines mentioned above.

With a partner discuss the question.

How are Kirow’s track maintenance cranes different from other types of cranes?

Write down some sentences which describe what they are like. Compare what you have written.

Match the words and word combinations with opposite meanings.

mobile one-sided

hydraulically operated fixed

prefer wooden

high not to be overfond of

better low

handle unavailable

versatile worse

steel in

available bring down

out rope-operated

Complete the sentences with the words and phrases from the text.

a) Rope-operated mobile cranes are being superseded by hydraulically operated ones in which all working operations but … are performed with the help of hydraulic rams.

b) Kirow’s KRC 810 UK crane (Germany) is used for moving track panels and bridge sections: its high capacity allows heavier loads to be carried than has been … … so far.

c) When it comes to bridge work they … structures up to 120 tonnes in weight.

d) In bridge work, typical applications are regirdering, installation of prefabricated concrete structures and footbridges, as well as of steel ….

e) Telescopic arrangements allow the reduction … … … … of the crane to about 2m.

f) Where high lifting capacities have to be available over a large slewing range, the counterweight has to be slewed … … the boom.

g) Kirow even makes … without a separate counterweight.

h) The working direction can be changed without slewing the ….

i) Furthermore, signaling and power masts, walls and other obstructions no longer pose a problem when changing the working direction ….

With a partner discuss these questions.

1) Where and when do people use cranes?

2) Why are cranes so important?