Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were modified during the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. Like for instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by several companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
During the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like a variety of lifting equipment devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These machinery are often utilized nowadays for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, as well as exceptional lifting capacity, these equipments are ideal for this application. Furthermore, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machinery could not move fast due to their intense weights. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled by hand by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These kinds of cranes are essential to be built and broken down on location. They need to be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They enable construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push each new crane part up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.