Crawler Crane
The crawler crane is a particular type of mobile crane that is offered with either a telescopic boom or a lattice boom which moves upon crawler tracks. Because this model is a self-propelled crane, it could move around a jobsite and accomplishing jobs without much set-up. Because of their enormous weight and size, crawler cranes are rather costly and even hard to transport from one place to another. The crawler's tracks provide the machinery stability and allow the crane to work without the use of outriggers, however, there are several models that do utilize outriggers. Also, the tracks provide the movement of the machine.
Early Mobile Cranes
The very first mobile cranes were initially mounted to train cars. They moved along short rail lines which were particularly constructed for the project. When the 20th century arrived, the crawler tractor evolved and this brought the introduction of crawler tracks to the agricultural business and the construction business. Not long after, excavators adopted the crawler tracks and this further showcased the machine's versatility. It was not long after when manufacturers of cranes decided that the crawler track market was a safe bet.
The Very First Crawler Crane
In the 1920s, Northwest Engineering, a crane company in the USA, mounted its very first crane on crawler tracks. It described the new machinery as a "locomotive crane, independent of tracks and moveable under its own power." By the mid-1920s, crawler tracks had become the chosen means of traction for heavy crane operations.
The Speedcrane
The Moore Speedcrane, developed by Ray and Charles Moore of Chicago, Illinois was amongst the first attempts to copy the rails for cranes. Made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Speedcrane was 15 ton, steam-powered, wheel-mounted crane. In the year 1925, a company referred to as Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, from Manitowoc, Wisconsin recognized the tracked crane's potential and marketability. They decided to team up with the Moore brothers to be able to manufacture it and go into business.