Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, like those made by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were rapidly modified in order to be able to power a huge range of machinery. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by several companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machinery got the nickname "pipelayer." These types of equipments are usually used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, as well as excellent lifting capacity, these machines are ideal for this use. In addition, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machinery do not move really fast. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom should be assembled manually by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are those found in big construction projects. These types of cranes are essential to be built and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system in order to push each new crane section up into place and hence, are self-erecting.