Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of machines, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began making attachments for them, such as various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these equipments are great for this use. As well, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments could not move fast due to their intense weights. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in big construction projects. These kinds of cranes are essential to be built and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very 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 to push every new crane part up into place and hence, are self-erecting.