The all-terrain crane is considered in the crane industry as being a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. It has the reputation of being similar to driving a Range Rover or a Hummer 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 machinery is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all types of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during the year 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to handle many tasks on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of difficult terrain and can transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This particular model 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 would become the company's most notable equipment over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of the rough terrain crane was the problem that it was not capable of being driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan was the only country in the world which would make an exception to this rule. Furthermore, one more issue happened when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the driver's left and right views, which depends on how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being hazardous and severe and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, especially while turning. Thus, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were used as the main way of transporting rough terrain cranes.