Within the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. Another great quality of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. Among the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the first rough terrain crane to the market in the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose machine for application on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires could handle all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, together with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most remarkable machine of the company over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks since could not be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one country which has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, another issue happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the right and left views of the driver, that depends on how the cap was positioned. These problems with the crane's design ended up being hazardous and severe and lead to a lot of RT crane mishaps, especially when turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the primary way of moving rough terrain cranes.