Other KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, such as those manufactured by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a huge variety of equipment. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the power train and engine of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Soon after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, like various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were used primarily for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are currently usually used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, in addition to excellent lifting capacity, these kinds of equipments are great for this use. In addition, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these machines do not move really fast. Usually, the crane could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom should be assembled manually by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Usually found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally 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 be able to push every new crane part up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.