Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by several 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 manufacturing attachments for them, including various lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their compact design, mobility and size, along with excellent lifting capacity, these types of equipments are ideal for this application. Additionally, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machinery can 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 lattice boom or a telescopic arm which can be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom has to be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are those found in large construction projects. These types of cranes are necessary to be built and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They enable construction crews to transport concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to be able to push every new crane part up into place and thus, are self-erecting.