Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this crane is similar to driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. Another great feature of this specific machinery is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. One of the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose machinery for use on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength which is capable of handling all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most notable machinery of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as it is not able to be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one country that has made this rule an exception. In addition, another issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's right and left views, depending upon how the cap was positioned. All the issues with the design of the crane ended up being hazardous and severe and lead to many accidents with RT cranes, specially while turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were used as the primary means of moving rough terrain cranes.