Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury kind of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this 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. Another great quality of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched 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 locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that is capable of handling all types of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This unit has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the company's most notable machinery over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Amongst the major 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 within the world that would make an exception to this rule. Additionally, another issue happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's right and left views, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. All these issues with the crane's design ended up being both severe and dangerous and lead to numerous RT crane mishaps, especially when turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were used as the main method of transporting rough terrain cranes.