In the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model 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 remarkable quality of this specific equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the very first rough terrain crane to the market in 1959. The crane was designed for the intended application of being a multi-purpose device for use on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength which could handle all kinds of difficult terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. 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 most remarkable machine of the company over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Among the major disadvantages of the rough terrain crane was the problem that it was not capable of being driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan was the only country within the globe which will make an exception to this rule. In addition, another problem happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's right and left views, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both serious and hazardous and result in many RT crane accidents, especially while turning. Thus, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the primary means of transporting rough terrain cranes.