Other KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, including those manufactured by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a huge variety of machines. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several companies around the tractor's power train and engine and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Throughout the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, such as a range of lifting machine devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These types of machines are usually utilized these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their compact design, mobility and size, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these types of machines are ideal for this application. In addition, swing booms which 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 machines do not move very fast. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be assembled by hand by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push each and every new crane section up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.