Other KInds of Crawler-Mounted Cranes
Industrial wheel tractors in the 1920s, including those built by McCormick-Deering and Fordson were quickly adapted in order to be able to power a large range of machinery. For example, half-swing cranes and shovels were made by several companies around the tractor's engine and power train and the wheels became replaced by crawlers.
Crawler tractors came into widespread use in the 1930s. Soon after, numerous manufacturers began manufacturing attachments for them, including various lifting equipment devices.
For example, side-mounted booms were primarily used for pipe-laying where it gained its nickname the "pipelayer." These kinds of equipments are often used these days for attending to cleaning up railroad derailments. Because of their compact design, mobility and size, as well as outstanding lifting capacity, these machines are ideal for this application. Moreover, swing booms which mounted on top of the engine compartment also became available.
Crawler cranes are similar to the crawler tractor in that it travels along crawler tracks. These equipments could not move fast thanks to their intense weights. Typically, the crane is powered by one engine and could be controlled by 2 or more cable operated drums. The crawler cranes come outfitted with a telescopic arm or a lattice boom that is easy to extend by utilizing hydraulics. The lattice boom must be assembled by hand by adding many sections.
Tower Cranes
Normally found in large construction projects, tower cranes are required to be erected 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 heavy steel or concrete building parts to the tops of tall buildings. Tower cranes use a hydraulic system to push every new crane section up into position and hence, are self-erecting.