In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. Another remarkable feature of this particular 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
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove in 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to deal with various tasks on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all types of difficult terrain and can move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot 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 most remarkable machinery of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its disadvantages because could not be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. Furthermore, one more issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. All the problems with the crane's design ended up being both severe and dangerous and result in lots of RT crane accidents, specially while turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were adopted as the main means of transporting rough terrain cranes.