Other KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
In order to be able to power a huge variety of equipment, industrial wheel tractors were adapted during the 1920s, by Fordson and McCormick-Deering. For example, half-swing shovels and cranes were manufactured by some companies around the engine and power train of the tractor and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began making attachments for them, like various lifting equipment devices.
For instance, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These machines are often utilized these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their mobility, size and compact design, along with exceptional lifting capacity, these types of equipments are ideal for this application. Additionally, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment became available also.
LIke a crawler tractor, crawler cranes travel on crawler tracks. Due to their intense weight, these equipments do not move really fast. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and may be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come equipped with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom which could be extended easily using hydraulics. The lattice boom should be manually assembled by adding multiple sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be built and broken down on location. They must be transported by truck each time they are relocated. These tower cranes are very tall. They allow construction crews to transport concrete building components or heavy steel to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes utilize a hydraulic system to push each new crane part up into place and hence, are self-erecting.