City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term used to define small 2-axle mobile cranes which can operate in compact spaces where the typical crane could not access. These city cranes are popular choices for use within buildings or through gated areas.
During the 1990s, city cranes were initially developed in response to the growing urban density within Japan. There are always new construction projects cramming their ways into the cities in Japan, making it necessary for a crane to have the ability to navigate the nooks and crannies of Japanese roads.
Essentially, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes that are made to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a single cab, a short chassis and a slanted retractable boom. The slanted retractable boom design takes up a lot less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane is capable of turning in compact spots which will be otherwise unobtainable by other crane designs.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane which has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is substantially lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom are able to be added so that the crane can reach up and over an obstacle. Traditional truck cranes need separate power in order to move up and down and do not raise and lower their loads with any hydraulic power.
The very first ever Speedcrane was made by Manitowoc. It was a successful machine even if further adjustments had to be added. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He knew the industry was changing towards IC engines from original steam powered means and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.