Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a large range of machinery, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Throughout the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like various lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machinery got the nickname "pipelayer." These equipments are currently often used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their size, compact design and mobility, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these types of machinery are ideal for this application. What's more, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machines could not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Typically, the crane may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that could be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be assembled manually by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They enable construction crews to transport heavy steel or concrete building components to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push each new crane section up into place and hence, are self-erecting.