Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were modified during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started manufacturing attachments for them, like a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were utilized primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machinery got the nickname "pipelayer." These machines are now normally used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, along with outstanding lifting capacity, these equipments are great for this use. Furthermore, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Similar to a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move really fast. Typically, the crane can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes come equipped with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom has to be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system in order to push each new crane part up into position and thus, are self-erecting.