Different KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, like those made by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a large range of machinery. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by several companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
During the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, like various lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machinery got the nickname "pipelayer." These equipments are often utilized now for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their mobility, size and compact design, along with excellent lifting capacity, these types of machines are ideal for this use. In addition, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments could not move fast due to their intense weights. Normally, the crane could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that could be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They enable construction crews to transport concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push each new crane section up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.