City Cranes
The term "City Crane" refers to a small 2-axle mobile crane that is made to be utilized specifically in compact areas where regular cranes could not venture. These city cranes are popular choices for use inside buildings or through gated areas.
During the 1990s, city cranes were initially developed in response to the growing urban density in Japan. There are always new construction projects cramming their ways into the cities in Japan, making it necessary for a crane to have the ability to maneuver through the nooks and crannies of Japanese streets.
Essentially, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes that are made to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a short chassis, a slanted retractable boom and a single cab. The slanted retractable boom design takes up less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the short chassis and the independent steering, the city crane is capable of turning in compact spots that will be otherwise unaccessible by other kinds of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane which has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight than a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom can be added so that the crane can reach over and up an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes do not lower and raise their loads using any hydraulic power and need separate power to be able to move up and down.
The first ever Speedcrane was built by Manitowoc. It was a successful device even if further adjustments needed to be added. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He knew the industry was moving towards IC engines from original steam powered methods and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.