Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this crane is like 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 quality of this particular machinery is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The very first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during the year 1959. The crane was intended for application and designed to handle many tasks on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of difficult terrain and could move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This 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 remarkable machinery through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its disadvantages as could not be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. In addition, one more issue occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the right and left views of the driver, which depends upon how the cap was positioned. All the problems with the design of the crane ended up being serious and hazardous and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, especially while turning. Thus, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were utilized as the main means of moving rough terrain cranes.