City Cranes
The term "City Crane" means a small 2-axle mobile crane which is made to be used specifically in compact areas where standard cranes are unable to venture. These city cranes are great alternatives to be used through gated areas or within buildings.
City cranes were originally developed in the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density in Japan. There are continually new construction projects cramming their ways into Japanese cities, making it vital for a crane to have the ability to navigate the nooks and crannies of Japanese streets.
Basically, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes which are made to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a short chassis, a slanted retractable boom and a single cab. The slanted retractable boom design takes up less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane can turn in compact spots that will be otherwise unobtainable by other types of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane that has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight than a hydraulic truck crane boom. The multiple sections on a lattice boom are able to be added so that the crane can reach over and up an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes do not raise and lower their cargo with any hydraulic power and require separate power in order to move down and up.
The first ever Speedcrane was made by Manitowoc. It was a successful machine even though further adjustments needed to be added. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He understood the industry was moving towards internal combustion engines from original steam powered methods and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.