City Cranes
"City Crane" is a term used to define small 2-axle mobile cranes that could operate in compact spaces where the typical crane could not access. These city cranes are popular alternatives to be used inside buildings or through gated places.
City cranes were originally developed during the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density within Japan. There are always 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 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 much less space than a comparable horizontal boom would. Combined with the short chassis and the independent steering, the city crane can turn in compact spots that would be otherwise unobtainable by other crane designs.
Conventional Truck Crane
A conventional truck crane is a mobile crane which has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The many sections on a lattice boom are able to be added so that the crane can reach up and over an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes require separate power in order to move down and up and do not raise and lower their cargo using any hydraulic power.
Manitowoc made the first ever Speedcrane. It proved to be a successful machine although a lot of adjustments needed to be added later on. 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.