Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, like those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a large range of equipment. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured 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 started manufacturing attachments for them, like a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were used primarily for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often used today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, along with outstanding lifting capacity, these equipments are ideal for this use. What's more, swing booms which 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 machines do not move very fast. Typically, 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 lattice boom or a telescopic arm which is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These types of cranes are essential to be built and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system in order to push each new crane section up into position and thus, are self-erecting.