Other Types of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of machines, industrial wheel tractors were adapted in the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing shovels and cranes were made by several 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. Soon after, numerous manufacturers started making attachments for them, such as a range of lifting machine devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were mainly used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These types of machines are presently usually used for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Due to their size, compact design and mobility, along with outstanding lifting capacity, these machines are ideal for this application. Additionally, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are like the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These machines can not move fast due to their intense weights. Usually, 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 telescopic arm or a lattice boom which is easy to extend by using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in big construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They have to be transported by truck each and every time they are relocated. These tower cranes are exceptionally tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into place and therefore, are self-erecting.