Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were modified in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
During the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, including a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machinery got the nickname "pipelayer." These kinds of machinery are presently usually utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, in addition to outstanding lifting capacity, these kinds of equipments are great for this application. As well, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are similar to the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machinery can not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Normally, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Usually found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required 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 concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to be able to push each new crane section up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.