Different Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were modified during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Throughout the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, such as various lifting equipment devices.
Side-mounted booms for instance, were used primarily for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These types of machinery are usually utilized today for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, in addition to excellent lifting capacity, these machines are ideal for this application. What's more, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments can not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Normally, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm which could be extended easily utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom has to be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Typically found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected and broken down on location. They must 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 components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to be able to push every new crane part up into position and thus, are self-erecting.