In the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this crane is similar to driving a Hummer or a Range Rover on pavement. All-terrain cranes are considered to be a hybrid between a mobile truck crane and rough terrain crane. Another remarkable feature of this equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to traverse through all kinds of off-road terrain. Amongst the main selling features of this specific crane is that it travels equally well at top speeds down highways.
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 application of being a multi-purpose machine for application on construction sites. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of tricky terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, in addition to a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane will become the most remarkable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
The rough terrain crane is not without its drawbacks as could not be driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan is the one nation which has made this rule an exception. Additionally, another issue happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the left and right views of the driver, which depends on how the cap was placed. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being hazardous and serious and lead to many RT crane mishaps, especially while turning. As a result, low-loaders, lowboys, flatbeds were adopted as the main way of transporting rough terrain cranes.