Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this crane is like 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 equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Among the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down roads.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires is capable of handling all kinds of tricky terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was introduced by Grove. This specific model has a 270 foot or 82.8 meter height under hook in production, along with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the most notable equipment of the company over the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
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 globe which will make an exception to this rule. In addition, another issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, depending upon how the cap was positioned. These issues with the crane's design ended up being severe and dangerous and lead to lots of accidents with RT cranes, specially while turning. As a result, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were used as the primary method of moving rough terrain cranes.