Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular 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. One more remarkable quality of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling features of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose machinery for use on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that could handle all types of tricky terrain and can transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, together with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most remarkable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
One of the major drawbacks of the rough terrain crane was the problem that it was not capable of being driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan was the only country within the world which will make an exception to this rule. Additionally, one more problem happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, depending on how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being dangerous and serious and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, specially when turning. Thus, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were utilized as the primary means of moving rough terrain cranes.