Different KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, like those manufactured by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were rapidly adapted in order to be able to power a large variety of equipment. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use throughout the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started manufacturing attachments for them, like for instance various lifting machine devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These types of equipments are now normally utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, in addition to outstanding lifting capacity, these machinery are ideal for this application. Additionally, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these machines do not move very fast. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm which can be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These types of cranes are necessary to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally 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 in order to push each and every new crane section up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.