Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were modified in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. Like for instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers started manufacturing attachments for them, such as various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were utilized mainly for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These equipments are usually used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, as well as excellent lifting capacity, these kinds of machinery are great for this use. As well, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these equipments do not move really fast. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled manually by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very 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 be able to push every new crane section up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.