The all-terrain crane is considered in the crane business as being a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the reputation 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. Another remarkable quality of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate 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 Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended application of being a multi-purpose equipment for application on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of tricky terrain and can transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This specific model 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 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 roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Moreover, one more problem happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's right and left views, depending upon how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both serious and hazardous and lead to many RT crane mishaps, particularly when turning. Thus, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were utilized as the primary way of moving rough terrain cranes.