Different KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of machines, industrial wheel tractors were modified in the 1920s, by McCormick-Deering and Fordson. For instance, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use during the 1930s. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like for example a variety of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were utilized mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These kinds of equipments are now normally utilized for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, along with outstanding lifting capacity, these machinery are ideal for this use. Furthermore, swing booms that mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machinery could not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Normally, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled manually by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Usually found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to move heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push each new crane part up into place and thus, are self-erecting.