Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, like those manufactured by Fordson and McCormick-Deering were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a large variety of equipment. Like for example, half-swing cranes and shovels were manufactured by some companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Immediately after, numerous manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, such as a range of lifting machine devices.
Side-mounted booms for example, were used mainly for pipe-laying at first and the machine got the nickname "pipelayer." These machinery are often utilized these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, along with excellent lifting capacity, these types of machinery are ideal for this use. As well, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machines could not move fast due to their intense weights. Normally, the crane is powered by one engine and can be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a lattice boom or a telescopic arm which is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building parts or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system in order to push each and every new crane part up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.