The all-terrain crane is considered within the crane industry as being a luxury type 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 rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. Another remarkable quality of this particular machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling characteristics of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to handle many tasks on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that could handle all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This unit has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the company's most remarkable machinery over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as could not be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Moreover, another issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the right and left views of the driver, that depends on how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being dangerous and severe and result in numerous RT crane mishaps, specially when turning. Thus, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were utilized as the primary method of transporting rough terrain cranes.