Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were modified in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. Like for example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by several 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. Immediately after, many manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, like various lifting machine devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly utilized for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These kinds of equipments are frequently used nowadays for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, as well as exceptional lifting capacity, these machinery are great for this use. Moreover, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machines do not move very fast. Typically, the crane can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom has 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 exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system in order to push each new crane part up into position and hence, are self-erecting.