Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this particular crane is like driving a Range Rover or a Hummer on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. One more remarkable feature of this machinery is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. One of the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the first rough terrain crane to the market in 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to move small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove launched the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot 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 company's most notable equipment through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
The rough terrain crane is not without its disadvantages because it is not able to be driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation that has made this rule an exception. Additionally, another problem occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the driver's left and right views, depending on how the cap was positioned. These issues with the crane's design ended up being both hazardous and serious and result in many accidents with RT cranes, especially while turning. As a result, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were adopted as the main means of transporting rough terrain cranes.