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 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. One more remarkable quality of this specific machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling features of this particular crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market during the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose device for application on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all types of tricky terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, together with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most notable equipment of the company over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
Amongst the main drawbacks 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 globe that will make an exception to this rule. In addition, one more problem happened when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the driver's right and left views, depending on how the cap was placed. All the problems with the crane's design ended up being both severe and hazardous and result in many accidents with RT cranes, especially when turning. As a result, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were used as the main way of moving rough terrain cranes.