Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, like those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a large range of machinery. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by some companies around the power train and engine of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Throughout the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began making attachments for them, including various lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized mainly for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These types of machinery are now usually used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, as well as outstanding lifting capacity, these equipments are great for this application. Moreover, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move very fast. Typically, the crane could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be assembled manually by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are those found in large construction projects. These types of cranes are necessary to be built and broken down on location. They need to be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system in order to push each new crane part up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.