The all-terrain crane is considered within the crane industry as being a luxury kind of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the reputation of being similar to 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. One more remarkable quality of this specific equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. Among the main selling features of this crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the first rough terrain crane to the market in the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended application of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all types of difficult terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During 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, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most notable equipment of the company through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as it is not able to be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, one more issue occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the right and left views of the driver, depending upon how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both hazardous and severe and result in lots of accidents with RT cranes, specially when turning. As a result, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were adopted as the main means of moving rough terrain cranes.