Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, including those manufactured by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were rapidly modified in order to be able to power a huge range of machinery. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
In the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers began making attachments for them, like for instance a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These types of machines are presently often used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, along with excellent lifting capacity, these machinery are great for this application. What's more, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machinery do not move really fast. Normally, the crane could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by using 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 built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They enable construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push each and every new crane part up into place and hence, are self-erecting.