Various KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For instance, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by several companies around the power train and engine of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started manufacturing attachments for them, including various lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the equipment got the nickname "pipelayer." These equipments are frequently utilized nowadays for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, as well as outstanding lifting capacity, these equipments are ideal for this application. In addition, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available too.
Crawler cranes are similar to the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments could not move fast due to their intense weights. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be assembled manually by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Usually found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built 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 enable construction crews to move concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into position and therefore, are self-erecting.