Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. One more remarkable quality of this machinery is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the first rough terrain crane to the market in the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose device for use on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires could handle all kinds of difficult terrain and can move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This model has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the company's most notable machine through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
One of the main drawbacks 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 globe that will make an exception to this rule. Moreover, one more issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the right and left views of the driver, depending upon how the cap was positioned. These problems with the crane's design ended up being both dangerous and serious and lead to many RT crane accidents, especially while turning. As a result, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were adopted as the main means of moving rough terrain cranes.