In 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 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. Another great quality of this particular machine 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 highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched the very first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose machine for application on construction locations. The industrial strength of the crane's tires can handle all kinds of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, Grove launched the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. 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 will become the most remarkable machinery of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
Amongst the major disadvantages of the rough terrain crane was the issue that it was not capable of being driven on public highways with any other traffic. Japan was the only nation within the globe that would make an exception to this rule. Furthermore, one more issue occurred when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the driver's left and right views, that depends upon how the cap was positioned. These issues with the design of the crane ended up being hazardous and severe and result in many accidents with RT cranes, particularly while turning. Thus, flatbeds, low-loaders, lowboys were utilized as the primary way of transporting rough terrain cranes.