In the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is similar to driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. One more remarkable feature of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Among the main selling characteristics of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove in the year 1959. The crane was intended for application and designed to handle numerous tasks on construction sites. The crane's tires have the industrial strength which can handle all types of difficult terrain and can transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. 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 would become the most remarkable equipment of the company through 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. Additionally, one more problem occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. All the issues with the crane's design ended up being severe and hazardous and lead to many RT crane mishaps, specially when turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were used as the main way of moving rough terrain cranes.