In the crane business, the all-terrain crane is a luxury model 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 rough terrain crane and mobile truck crane. Another remarkable quality of this equipment 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 top speeds down highways.
The First Rough Terrain Crane
Grove introduced the very first rough terrain crane to the market during 1959. The crane was designed for the intended application of being a multi-purpose device for application on construction sites. The crane's tires have the industrial strength that is capable of handling all types of difficult terrain and is able to transport small loads in carry mode. During the 1970s, Grove introduced the 4 axle Super-RT 1650 model. This particular model has an 82.8 meter or 270 foot height under hook in production, together with a 135 ton lifting capacity. At the end of the day, the rough terrain crane would become the company's most remarkable equipment over the years.
The Crane's Disadvantages
Among the main disadvantages 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 within the world which would make an exception to this rule. In addition, another problem 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. These problems with the design of the crane ended up being both severe and hazardous and result in numerous accidents with RT cranes, specially when turning. Thus, lowboys, flatbeds, low-loaders were utilized as the primary means of transporting rough terrain cranes.