In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. One more great feature of this specific equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during 1959. The crane was intended for application and designed to handle many tasks on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all types of difficult terrain and is able to move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove launched the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most notable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as could not be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. In addition, one more problem happened when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the driver's left and right views, depending upon how the cap was positioned. These issues with the crane's design ended up being both hazardous and severe and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, particularly when turning. Therefore, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were adopted as the main way of transporting rough terrain cranes.