Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, such as those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were rapidly modified in order to be able to power a large variety of machines. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, such as a range of lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These kinds of equipments are presently usually used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their compact design, mobility and size, in addition to outstanding lifting capacity, these kinds of machines are ideal for this application. In addition, 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 machines do not move really fast. Typically, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These kinds 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 move concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to be able to push each new crane part up into position and hence, are self-erecting.