Various Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large variety of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were adapted during the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by some 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, many manufacturers started making attachments for them, like for instance a range of lifting equipment devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These machinery are often used nowadays 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 use. Furthermore, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Because of their intense weight, these equipments do not move very fast. Usually, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that can be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be manually assembled by adding multiple 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 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 use a hydraulic system in order to push every new crane section up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.