Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge range of machines, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by several companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Throughout the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, like various lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These equipments are presently often utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, as well as outstanding lifting capacity, these types of equipments are ideal for this use. In addition, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machines do not move very fast. Normally, the crane could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available 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 many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are those found in big construction projects. These kinds of cranes are necessary to be erected and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They enable construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to be able to push each and every new crane part up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.