Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type 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 mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. One more remarkable feature of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all types of off-road terrain. One of the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose device for application on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This unit has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most notable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Among the main drawbacks of the rough terrain crane was the problem that it was not capable of being driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan was the only nation within the world which would make an exception to this rule. Moreover, one more problem occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the left and right views of the driver, which depends upon how the cap was positioned. All these problems with the crane's design ended up being severe and dangerous and lead to numerous RT crane mishaps, especially when turning. Therefore, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were utilized as the main way of moving rough terrain cranes.