City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term utilized to define small 2-axle mobile cranes that can operate in tight areas where the typical crane cannot access. These city cranes are popular alternatives to be utilized through gated places or inside buildings.
City cranes were originally developed during the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density in Japan. There are continually new construction projects cramming their ways into the cities in Japan, making it necessary for a crane to have the ability to maneuver through the nooks and crannies of Japanese roads.
Essentially, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes which are built to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a short chassis, a slanted retractable boom and a single cab. The slanted retractable boom design takes up a lot less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the short chassis and the independent steering, the city crane can turn in tight spots which will be otherwise unobtainable by other types of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane which has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom are able to be added so that the crane could reach up and over an obstacle. Traditional truck cranes need separate power to be able to move up and down and do not raise and lower their cargo with any hydraulic power.
The first ever Speedcrane was made by Manitowoc. It was a successful equipment even though further adjustments needed to be added. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He knew the industry was changing towards IC engines from original steam powered means and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.