In the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type 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 mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. One more great feature of this specific machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all types of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove in 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to deal with many tasks on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of tricky terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During 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, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the company's most notable equipment through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Among the main disadvantages of the rough terrain crane was the issue that it was not capable of being driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan was the only country in the world which would make an exception to this rule. Moreover, another issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the right and left views of the driver, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. These problems with the crane's design ended up being both dangerous and serious and lead to lots of accidents with RT cranes, especially when turning. As a result, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the main means of moving rough terrain cranes.