The all-terrain crane is considered within the crane business as being a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the status of being similar to driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. Another great feature of this particular machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. Among the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the very first rough terrain crane to the market during the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose device for use on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that could handle all types of difficult terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This specific model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, together with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the company's most notable equipment through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as it is not able to be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. Additionally, one more issue occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the right and left views of the driver, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. These problems with the design of the crane ended up being both severe and dangerous and result in numerous accidents with RT cranes, especially while turning. As a result, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were utilized as the main means of transporting rough terrain cranes.