City Cranes
The term "City Crane" refers to a small 2-axle mobile crane that is designed to be utilized specifically in tight places where standard cranes can not venture. These city cranes are popular alternatives to be used within buildings or through gated areas.
City cranes were initially developed in the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density within Japan. There are always new construction projects cramming their ways into the cities in Japan, making it vital for a crane to have the ability to navigate the nooks and crannies of Japanese streets.
Basically, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes which are built to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a slanted retractable boom, a single cab and a short chassis. The slanted retractable boom design takes up a lot less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane could turn in compact spots that will be otherwise unaccessible by other types of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane that has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is substantially lighter in weight than a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom could be added so that the crane can reach over and up an obstacle. Traditional truck cranes do not raise and lower their cargo utilizing any hydraulic power and require separate power in order to move down and up.
Manitowoc made the first ever Speedcrane. It proved to be a successful device though lots of adjustments had to be added later on. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He understood the industry was changing towards IC engines from original steam powered means and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.