In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is similar to driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. Another great quality of this machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all types of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to deal with many tasks on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that is capable of handling all kinds of tricky terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove launched the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This particular 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 company's most remarkable machinery through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Amongst the main disadvantages of the rough terrain crane was the issue that it was not capable of being driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan was the only nation within the world that would make an exception to this rule. Furthermore, another issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the left and right views of the driver, depending on how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both severe and hazardous and result in many accidents with RT cranes, specially when turning. Thus, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were adopted as the main way of moving rough terrain cranes.