Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of machines, industrial wheel tractors were modified during the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by some companies around the tractor's power train and engine and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
During the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, including various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were utilized mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often used nowadays for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, as well as excellent lifting capacity, these machines are ideal for this use. Additionally, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machines 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 is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in big construction projects. These types of cranes are necessary to be erected and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to move concrete building components 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 therefore, are self-erecting.