Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, such as those manufactured by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were rapidly modified in order to be able to power a large variety of equipment. Like for example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by several 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. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like a range of lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often utilized today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their mobility, size and compact design, along with outstanding lifting capacity, these types of machinery are ideal for this application. As well, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machines do not move really fast. Typically, the crane can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are those found in big construction projects. These kinds of cranes are necessary to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They enable construction crews to move concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system in order to push each and every new crane part up into place and hence, are self-erecting.