The all-terrain crane is considered within the crane business as being a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the status of being similar to driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. One more remarkable quality of this machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the very first rough terrain crane to the market during the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of tricky terrain and could move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This specific unit has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most remarkable equipment of the company over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Amongst 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 nation in the world that would make an exception to this rule. In addition, another issue 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 placed. These issues with the crane's design ended up being dangerous and serious and result in many RT crane mishaps, especially when turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were adopted as the main method of transporting rough terrain cranes.