In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury kind of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. One more great quality of this machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the first rough terrain crane to the market in the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended application of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of difficult terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most notable equipment of the company over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as it is not able to be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, another problem happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, that depends on how the cap was positioned. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both serious and dangerous and result in many RT crane accidents, especially while turning. Therefore, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were adopted as the main way of transporting rough terrain cranes.