The all-terrain crane is considered in the crane industry as being a luxury kind of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the status of being 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 quality of this specific machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling features of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market in the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose machine for use on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires could handle all types of difficult terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This specific unit has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the company's most remarkable machine over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as could not be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, another problem happened when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the driver's right and left views, that depends upon how the cap was placed. All the issues with the design of the crane ended up being severe and hazardous and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, specially while turning. Therefore, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were adopted as the primary method of transporting rough terrain cranes.