In the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is similar to driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. Another great feature of this particular equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. Among the main selling features of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
The very first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove in the year 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to handle numerous tasks on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength which can handle all types of tricky terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This specific unit has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter 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 most notable machine of the company over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Amongst the major drawbacks of the rough terrain crane was the issue that it was not capable of being driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan was the only nation in the world which will make an exception to this rule. In addition, one more problem occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, depending upon how the cap was positioned. All the problems with the design of the crane ended up being serious and hazardous and result in many RT crane accidents, particularly when turning. Therefore, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were used as the primary means of transporting rough terrain cranes.