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 specific equipment is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all kinds of off-road terrain. One of the main selling features of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down roads.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market during the year 1959. The crane was designed for the intended use of being a multi-purpose equipment for use on construction locations. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that is capable of handling all kinds of tricky terrain and could transport small loads in carry mode. In the 1970s, the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model was launched by Grove. This specific unit 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 most remarkable machine of the company through the years.
The Crane's Drawbacks
Amongst the major drawbacks 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 which will make an exception to this rule. Additionally, another issue occurred when the lowered boom on the crane tended to block the right and left views of the driver, which depends on how the cap was placed. All these issues with the design of the crane ended up being both hazardous and severe and lead to numerous accidents with RT cranes, specially when turning. Therefore, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the primary means of transporting rough terrain cranes.