The hydraulic truck crane is a specific mobile crane that utilizes hydraulic power to raise and transport thousands of pounds. Hydraulics utilizes forces being transmitted through oil pushing on the pistons of the boom in opposite directions in order to lift thousands of pounds. Hydraulic truck cranes are essential in constructing major projects like airports, bridges, buildings and roads. A crane could accomplish in minutes jobs which would normally take hundreds of men and lots of hours to complete.
These impressive machines have played a vital part in constructing cities, houses, entire nations and individual buildings throughout the ages. Even Egypt's Great Pyramids were likely built using basic cranes to enable the heaviest materials in one of the most awesome construction projects ever.
The very first representation of a crane was showcased during the reign of King Ramses within Egypt during 3000 B.C. This was a portrayal of a lifting device which was used to collect water. The very first official "cranes" appeared in Ancient Greece. These devices were utilized to create an entire nation during the 5th century B.C.
These cranes were originally made out of wood. The designs of cranes began to change when dockyards started to require stronger and bigger machines. Hick & Rothwell designed the first cast iron cranes in 1834, in Bolton, England. This machine was capable of lifting up to 2 tons. That very same year, wire ropes were added to the crane by Herr Albert Sr. who was an Official of the German Superior Board. The wire rope made the crane stronger and more durable. This addition enabled cranes to have a larger capacity to lift heavy weights.
The wire ropes were weaved together forming a more powerful rope with even more strength. The newly formed wire also added more flexibility. Germany began to build cast iron cranes 4 years later. The very first cast iron crane made by Germany was made within Neuburg.