City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term utilized to define small 2-axle mobile cranes which can operate in tight areas where the typical crane cannot access. These city cranes are popular choices for use through gated areas or in 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.
Basically, city cranes are small rough terrain cranes which are made 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 much less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the independent steering and the short chassis, the city crane is capable of turning in tight spots that will be otherwise unobtainable by other crane designs.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane that has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The multiple sections on a lattice boom could be added so that the crane could reach up and over an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes require separate power to be able to move down and up and do not lower and raise their cargo utilizing any hydraulic power.
The very first ever Speedcrane was built 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.