City Cranes
The term "City Crane" means a small 2-axle mobile crane that is made to be used specifically in tight areas where standard cranes could not venture. These city cranes are popular alternatives for use inside buildings or through gated places.
City cranes were originally developed during the 1990s as a response to the increasing urban density in 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 steer through 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 slanted retractable boom, a single cab and a short chassis. The slanted retractable boom design takes up a lot 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 unaccessible by other crane designs.
Conventional Truck Crane
A conventional truck crane is a mobile crane that has a lattice boom. The lattice boom is significantly lighter in weight compared to a hydraulic truck crane boom. The multiple sections on a lattice boom could be added so that the crane could reach over and up an obstacle. Conventional truck cranes need separate power to be able to move up and down and do not raise and lower their cargo with any hydraulic power.
The first ever Speedcrane was made by Manitowoc. It was a successful equipment even though further adjustments had to be added. Manitowoc hired Roy Moore as a crane designer to help streamline the design. He understood the industry was moving towards internal combustion engines from original steam powered methods and designed his crane to change with the times. The Speedcrane was redesigned for a gasoline engine.