A wrecking ball is a heavy forged steel globe, often weighing several tons, swung by a crane to smash through masonry and concrete structures. The operator uses the hoist line and boom to swing the ball into walls, relying on kinetic energy to fracture the material. While largely replaced by high-reach excavators with hydraulic shears, it remains useful for specific heavy demolition tasks.
Keep everyone clear of the drop zone when he starts swinging that wrecking ball against the elevator shaft.
Related terms
Crawler crane
A heavy lifting crane mounted on an undercarriage with caterpillar tracks.
Heavy machinery
Large industrial vehicles and equipment used to perform major construction and earthmoving tasks.
Earthmoving
The process of excavating, transporting, and grading soil and rock to prepare a construction site.