City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term utilized to define small 2-axle mobile cranes which could operate in tight spaces where the typical crane cannot access. These city cranes are popular alternatives for use through gated areas or within buildings.
In the 1990s, city cranes were initially developed in response to the growing urban density within Japan. There are continually new construction projects cramming their ways into the cities in Japan, making it vital for a crane to have the ability to navigate the nooks and crannies of Japanese roads.
Essentially, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes that are built to be road legal. These cranes are characterized by having a 2-axle design with independent steering on each axle, a single cab, a short chassis and a slanted retractable boom. The slanted retractable boom design takes up less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane can turn in tight spots which would be otherwise unaccessible by other kinds of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A conventional truck crane is a mobile crane which has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is substantially lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom can be added so that the crane could reach up and over an obstacle. Traditional truck cranes need separate power to be able to move down and up and do not raise and lower their loads using any hydraulic power.
Manitowoc made the very first ever Speedcrane. It proved to be a successful machine although many adjustments needed to be added later on. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He understood the industry was moving 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.