Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, like those made by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a huge variety of equipment. Like for example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the tractor's power train and engine and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
In the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, such as various lifting equipment devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were mainly utilized for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These machinery are often used nowadays for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their mobility, size and compact design, in addition to outstanding lifting capacity, these machinery are ideal for this use. Moreover, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move really fast. Normally, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that can be extended easily using 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 types of cranes are essential to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system in order to push every new crane section up into position and hence, are self-erecting.