Rough vs All Terrain Cranes

Rough vs All Terrain Cranes

Meta Description: Learn about the differences between rough- and all-terrain cranes, their capabilities, applications, and suitability for construction projects.

Whether you need to lift equipment on a rugged job site or transport cranes between worksites, choosing the right crane type is essential.

This guide compares rough terrain and all-terrain cranes, explaining their fundamental differences in design, applications, transportability, load capacity, and mobility to help you select the best fit for your construction project needs.

Key Takeaways

• Rough terrain cranes excel at off-road worksites but must be transported between jobs, while all-terrain cranes can drive between sites but require a more extensive setup.
• Load capacity varies with design features – rough terrain cranes lift shorter distances while all-terrain cranes handle maximum weights and frequent load changes.
• Mobility depends on needs – rough terrain cranes maneuver tightly, but all-terrain cranes travel roads and work on varied surfaces like gravel and asphalt.

Understanding Rough vs. All Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain and all-terrain cranes each have advantages for different construction needs. Rough terrain cranes are highly maneuverable off-road machines well-suited for rugged terrain and uneven job sites. In contrast, all-terrain cranes can maintain higher speeds on public roads and handle a broader range of lifting capacities for heavy equipment and high loads.

Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are purpose-built for working in rugged job sites with uneven terrain and ground conditions.

• Design and Features: Rough terrain cranes are mounted on a four-wheeled undercarriage with high ground clearance for navigating rough terrains and uneven ground. They typically have a single engine powering both the undercarriage and telescopic boom.
• Applications: They are well-suited to construction sites, mines, and other off-road applications requiring less site preparation. Their maneuverability allows operation in tight spaces.
• Advantages: Highly maneuverable in rugged and uneven environments like construction sites. Very stable on uneven and unpacked soil. Lower transportation costs with no need for trailers capable of high speeds.
• Limitations: Can only lift loads over short distances and must be transported to job sites rather than driving between sites on public roads. Limited to off-road conditions.

All-Terrain Cranes

All-terrain cranes are versatile machines capable of working on various terrains and surfaces.

• Design and Features: All-terrain cranes have features like two engines, more tires, a more extended boom, and a wider cab, making them heavier-duty than rough-terrain cranes. This allows them to maintain higher speeds on public roads.
• Applications: Suitable for construction sites, road/bridge work, and other projects requiring frequent moves between job sites. Can lift heavy equipment and handle higher load capacities.
• Advantages: Ability to travel between sites on public roads without the need for transport. Better stability with outriggers when lifting maximum weight. Suitable for uneven terrain and rough terrains.
• Limitations: Require more extensive site preparation and setup times. They have reduced maneuverability compared to rough terrain cranes in tight and restricted job sites. Need trailers for transportation if traveling long distances on public roads.

Comparing Transportability of Rough Terrain Crane vs. All Terrain Crane

Transporting cranes between job sites efficiently is an important factor to consider.

Road Mobility

All-terrain cranes can maintain higher speeds on public roads than rough terrain cranes powered by a single engine, allowing them to drive between sites without needing trailers.

Permitting and Transport Requirements

Rough terrain cranes must be transported to each site rather than driving between them. This requires securing permits for overweight loads and preparing vehicles capable of safely hauling the crane over roads. All-terrain cranes have less stringent transport requirements due to their ability to drive between sites under their power on road surfaces.

Comparing Load Capacity

The maximum weight a crane can safely lift is an important specification.

Factors Affecting Capacity

A crane’s load capacity depends on its hoist system capacity, boom strength, stability provided by outriggers and ballast, and the number of tires and weight it can carry. The base stability helps determine what weight it can handle over varying terrain.

Applications Based on Capacity

Rough terrain cranes are suitable for lifting loads in off-road conditions and over short distances due to their broad capacity range. All-terrain cranes with extra weights, counterweights, and a longer boom can lift heavier equipment for construction projects and handle the maximum weight required for job sites with frequent load changes.

Comparing Mobility

Below is the mobility difference between terrain cranes and rough terrain vehicles.

Terrain Maneuverability

Rough terrain cranes are highly maneuverable in uneven environments like construction sites, allowing operation in tight spaces. They have excellent stability on rugged and unpacked soil.

Surface Compatibility

While both crane types can operate on uneven terrain, all-terrain cranes can also maintain higher speeds on public roads, making them compatible with a wider variety of surfaces like gravel, asphalt, and dirt roads needed for road/bridge work.