K'nex Tower Crane

Here is a tower crane I made one weekend that is about 75 inches (6.25 feet) tall. It has almost every function off a real tower crane. It can rotate 360 degrees, the trolley moves from the tip of the jib, all the way back to the tower, and the hook can lower all the way to the ground no matter where the trolley is. Even though the crane can only lift a few ounces, it was a build that I really enjoyed, and (if you have the pieces), I hope you will build and enjoy too! Please rate and comment! :D

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Step 1: Pieces Count

This tower crane is very large and uses MANY pieces, so it would be a really good idea to make sure that you have all the pieces before you start building. Note that the count may not be 100% perfect, but should be very accurate.

Connecters:
Gray (1 slot): 3
Gray (2 slot): 6
Orange: 142
Red: 17
Green: 6
Yellow: 29
Silver Slide: 272
Blue Slide: 52
White Circle: 43

Bars/Rods:
Green: 154
White: 131
Blue: 238
Yellow: 259
Red: 151
Gray: 13

Other:
Brown/Tan Clip: 13
Blue Clip: 36
Black Hinge: 4
Blue Spacer: 50
Silver Spacer: 105
Micro Chain Gear (Black): 4
Micro Gear: 2
Large Gear: 1
Medium Gear: 2
Small Gear: 1
Big Wheel: 5
Big Tire: 0
Small Wheel: 4
Small Tire: 4
Motor: 3
Chain Links: 162
String: 20-25 feet
Marbles (optional): 70-90 (depending on size of load)

megate says: Dec 14, 2012. 9:23 PM

in step 12 were do you find the gears that you use

MrSmashCat (author) in reply to megateDec 16, 2012. 9:06 AM

I got mine from an old micro roller coaster set, but I can't remember what it was called. You can search for "K'nex black sprocket" and you should be able to find some.

TubaJ446 says: Mar 7, 2012. 1:30 PM

hey, the rotating mechanism on mine seems to not support the weight of the tower, it bends and the axle rods snap out of place. Do you have any ideas?

MrSmashCat (author) in reply to TubaJ446Mar 7, 2012. 8:02 PM

Can you email me a picture or video of where specifically it is snapping off? That would help me fix it and possible redesign the rotating mechanism completely. My email address is: "MrSmashCat@olivacentral.com" Thanks!

mellorpat says: Feb 4, 2012. 7:14 AM

Just finished building your crane shortend the front by two blocks and but them on the rear still had to add weight to rear but looks good. My grandson will love this. thanks.

MrSmashCat (author) in reply to mellorpatFeb 5, 2012. 1:34 PM

Would you mind posting a few pics of the one you made? Or even emailing them to me?

MrSmashCat (author) in reply to mellorpatFeb 4, 2012. 8:35 PM

Yeah, it has been over a year sense I made this. Now I would definitely make the back end longer, as back then I didn't know much about these things. If you have anything other ideas on k'nex projects, let me know! I'm always open to ideas, the bigger the better! :D Anyway, thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you found this helpful!