Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were adapted during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by several companies around the power train and engine of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
In the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, including a variety of lifting machine devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were mainly utilized for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These machinery are presently usually utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these equipments are great for this use. Additionally, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machines could not move fast due to their intense weights. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which could be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Usually found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into position and hence, are self-erecting.