What Is an All-Terrain Crane and Where Is It Used?

Last updated on June 1, 2024

An all-terrain crane is a type of mobile crane designed to operate on all terrain, including rough or uneven ground, such as construction sites and off-road locations.

All-terrain cranes have large tires or tracks for stability, and they often come equipped with all-wheel drive and steering capabilities for enhanced maneuverability.

They have telescopic booms extending to various lengths to reach high elevations and heavy loads. All-terrain cranes are versatile machines that can handle a wide range of lifting applications, making them a popular choice in the construction, oil and gas, and transportation industries.

Here are some potential pros and cons of using an all-terrain crane:

The Pros of All-terrain Cranes

Versatile: All-terrain cranes are designed to operate in various environments, from rough construction sites to off-road locations, making them a versatile choice for many projects.
High capacity: All-terrain cranes can lift and transport heavy loads, often up to hundreds of tons, depending on the crane’s size and specifications.
Mobility: All-terrain cranes can easily move from one location to another, thanks to their all-wheel drive and steering capabilities.
Height and reach: All-terrain cranes have telescopic booms that can extend to various lengths to reach high elevations and distant locations, making them suitable for a wide range of lifting applications.

The Cons of All-Terrain Cranes

Cost: All-terrain cranes are expensive to purchase and maintain, which could be a significant investment for many companies.
Maintenance: All-terrain cranes require regular maintenance, such as inspections and repairs, to ensure their optimal performance and safety.
Operator skill: All-terrain cranes are complex machines that require skilled and experienced operators to operate them safely and efficiently.
Permits and regulations: Using an all-terrain crane may require special permits and adherence to regulations set by local and state governments.

Where Are All-terrain Cranes Used?

The versatility of all-terrain cranes makes them suitable for a wide range of industries that require heavy lifting and transport of equipment and materials on various terrains. Some of the industries that use all-terrain cranes include:

Construction: All-terrain cranes are commonly used in construction projects for lifting and placing heavy construction materials and equipment.

Oil and Gas: All-terrain cranes are frequently used in the oil and gas industry for installing and maintaining drilling rigs, pipelines, and other equipment in challenging environments.

Transportation: All-terrain cranes are often used in the transportation industry for loading and unloading oversized cargo, such as shipping containers and heavy machinery, from trucks, ships, and other transport vehicles.

Infrastructure: All-terrain cranes are used in infrastructure projects, such as building bridges, highways, and tunnels, where they are used to lift and transport heavy materials and equipment to various locations.

Emergency services: All-terrain cranes can be used by emergency services such as fire departments, to rescue people or vehicles that may be trapped in hard-to-reach or inaccessible areas.

Where to Get an All-terrain Crane?

You can get an all terrain crane for sale or rent one for your project. If you require an all-terrain crane for a long-term project, buying could be more cost-effective.

However, renting could be a better option if you only need it for a short period. It’s essential to assess your requirements and compare the costs and benefits of each option before making a decision.

Look at Manufacturer’s Listings

Many manufacturers will list their available inventory of all-terrain cranes on their website. This can be a great way to check out warranties, features, and availability. Be sure to look at manufacturers that specialize in these types of cranes so you get the best service possible.

Visit Crane Rental Companies

You can always rent a crane instead of buying one outright. Many crane rental companies will have listings for various all-terrain cranes in their inventory.

To find a good rental company, search online or ask around locally. You should also make sure to ask about rates and any extras they may add on before renting a crane from them.

Search Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as eBay and Craiglist have a wide range of used all terrain cranes for sale by owners or dealerships across the country.

Make sure you do your research on the seller’s feedback before making any purchasing decisions, as this will give you insight into how reliable and trustworthy they are in terms of delivering what they promise.