Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is similar to driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. Another remarkable feature of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during the year 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to handle various tasks on construction sites. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that could handle all types of difficult terrain and can transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This particular unit 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 would become the company's most notable machinery over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
The rough terrain crane is not without its disadvantages since it is not able to be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, another problem occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the right and left views of the driver, depending upon how the cap was positioned. All the issues with the design of the crane ended up being both severe and hazardous and result in many RT crane mishaps, particularly when turning. Thus, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were used as the main means of transporting rough terrain cranes.