Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge range of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were modified in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers began making attachments for them, like a variety of lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These machines are often used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their compact design, mobility and size, in addition to exceptional lifting capacity, these equipments are ideal for this application. Moreover, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are similar to the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machinery can not move fast due to their intense weights. Normally, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. 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 manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Typically found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They enable construction crews to move concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to be able to push each new crane section up into position and thus, are self-erecting.