Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use throughout the 1930s. Soon after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, such as various lifting machine devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These equipments are currently usually utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these kinds of machinery are ideal for this application. Moreover, 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 machinery do not move really fast. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that can be extended easily utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be manually assembled by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in large construction projects. These kinds of cranes are necessary to be built and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system in order to push every new crane section up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.