City Cranes
The term "City Crane" means a small 2-axle mobile crane that is designed to be utilized specifically in compact places where standard cranes can not venture. These city cranes are popular alternatives for use through gated areas or in buildings.
City cranes were originally developed during the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density within 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.
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 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
Conventional truck cranes are mobile cranes with lattice booms. This boom is a lot lighter boom than is found with 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 lower and raise their loads utilizing 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 understood 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.