In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type 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. Another remarkable quality of this machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. One of the main selling features of this crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The very first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove in the year 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to deal with many tasks on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all types of difficult terrain and is able to move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This particular model has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter 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 company's most remarkable machine over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
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. Moreover, one more issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the right and left views of the driver, depending upon how the cap was placed. All these issues with the design of the crane ended up being serious and dangerous and result in many accidents with RT cranes, especially while turning. Thus, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the main way of moving rough terrain cranes.