City Cranes
The term "City Crane" refers to a small 2-axle mobile crane that is made to be used particularly in tight areas where regular cranes are unable to venture. These city cranes are popular alternatives to be used through gated areas or within buildings.
City cranes were originally developed during the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density within Japan. There are always new construction projects cramming their ways into Japanese cities, making it vital for a crane to have the ability to steer through the nooks and crannies of Japanese streets.
Essentially, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes which are made to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a slanted retractable boom, a single cab and a short chassis. The slanted retractable boom design takes up less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane can turn in tight spots that will be otherwise unaccessible by other crane models.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane that has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is substantially lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom could be added so that the crane can reach up and over an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes do not raise and lower their cargo with any hydraulic power and need separate power to be able to move up and down.
Manitowoc built the first ever Speedcrane. It proved to be a successful machine although lots of adjustments had to be added later on. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He knew the industry was moving towards IC engines from original steam powered means and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.