Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of machines, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by several companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, including a range of lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These types of equipments are frequently utilized today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these machinery are great for this application. Furthermore, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these machinery do not move very fast. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom has to be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Typically found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected 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 utilize a hydraulic system to push every new crane part up into place and thus, are self-erecting.