Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, such as those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly modified in order to be able to power a large range of equipment. Like for example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several companies around the power train and engine of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
During the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, including various lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These equipments are now often utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, as well as exceptional lifting capacity, these equipments are ideal for this use. Additionally, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machines could not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that can be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These kinds of cranes are essential 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 components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into position and hence, are self-erecting.