The "BIG HOOK"
RAILROAD WRECKING CRANE SP FPMW 7070
The wrecking crane is a form of locomotive crane. It is for wrecking service but
can accommodate other types of heavy work such as bridge construction, placing
or moving girders, concrete pads, etc. They are equipped without riggers and
rail clamps for additional support while working heavy loads. A tool car is
typically a companion of the Big Hook and carries a multitude of tools and
attachments that greatly extends the capabilities of the crane which include
long distance drags. As built by the Bucyrus-Erie Company, weight 375,000
pounds, lifting capacity 200 tons at 17 1/2 feet, auxiliary hook capacity 60
tons at 30 feet or 45 tons at 48 feet, boom length 35 to 40 feet typical; and
vertical lift radius 15 to 40 feet.
