Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, like those built by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were rapidly adapted in order to be able to power a large variety of machinery. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several companies around the tractor's power train and engine and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Immediately after, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, like for instance a range of lifting equipment devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These types of machinery are frequently used today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, as well as exceptional lifting capacity, these types of machines are ideal for this application. In addition, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments can not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These kinds of cranes are essential to be built and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push every new crane part up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.