Within the crane industry, the all-terrain crane is a luxury type of a mobile hydraulic crane. The reputation of this crane is like 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 quality of this particular machine is its multi-functional ability to be able to navigate through all types of off-road terrain. Among the main selling characteristics of this crane is that it travels equally well at high speeds down highways.
The Very First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove launched 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 which is capable of handling all types of tricky terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This specific unit 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 notable equipment of the company through the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
One of the main drawbacks of the rough terrain crane was the problem that it was not capable of being driven on public roads with any other traffic. Japan was the only nation in the globe that will make an exception to this rule. In addition, another issue happened when the crane's lowered boom tended to block the left and right views of the driver, depending on how the cap was placed. All these issues with the crane's design ended up being both dangerous and serious and lead to a lot of accidents with RT cranes, specially while turning. As a result, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were used as the primary means of transporting rough terrain cranes.