Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury kind of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is 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. Another great quality of this specific machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
The first rough terrain crane was put on the market by Grove during 1959. The crane was intended for use and designed to deal with various tasks on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This model has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most remarkable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its disadvantages as could not be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one country that has made this rule an exception. In addition, one more issue happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's right and left views, depending upon how the cap was positioned. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being both severe and dangerous and result in numerous accidents with RT cranes, particularly when turning. Thus, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were used as the main way of transporting rough terrain cranes.