Other KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors during the 1920s, like those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were rapidly modified in order to be able to power a large range of equipment. For example, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
In the 1930s, crawler tractors came into widespread use. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, like for example a variety of lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were mainly utilized for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These kinds of equipments are frequently utilized these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their compact design, mobility and size, in addition to outstanding lifting capacity, these kinds of machines are great for this use. Furthermore, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these machinery do not move really fast. Usually, the crane can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums and is powered by one engine. The crawler cranes are available with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom needs to be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are the ones found in big construction projects. These types of cranes are necessary to be erected and broken down on location. They should be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They enable construction crews to move concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into position and thus, are self-erecting.