City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term used to define small 2-axle mobile cranes which could operate in tight spaces where the standard crane cannot access. These city cranes are popular choices for use through gated areas or inside buildings.
City cranes were initially developed in 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 navigate the nooks and crannies of Japanese streets.
Essentially, 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 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 short chassis and the independent steering, the city crane is capable of turning in compact spots that will be otherwise unobtainable by other kinds of cranes.
Conventional Truck Crane
A traditional truck crane is a mobile crane that 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 can reach up and over an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes do not lower and raise their cargo using any hydraulic power and require separate power in order to move down and up.
The 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 moving towards IC engines from original steam powered methods and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.