Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were adapted during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by several companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
In the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like a range of lifting machine devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were primarily utilized for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These kinds of machines are frequently used today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, as well as outstanding lifting capacity, these machinery are great for this application. What's more, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move very fast. Normally, the crane can 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 utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push each new crane section up into place and hence, are self-erecting.