Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were adapted during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor 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, like for example various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These machines are often utilized today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these types of equipments are ideal for this application. Additionally, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move very fast. Normally, the crane is powered by one engine and can 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 large 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 move heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push each and every new crane part up into place and thus, are self-erecting.