What is a Rough Terrain Crane and What is it Used for?

Numerous industries rely on heavy equipment to move and handle high volume of massive materials across a variety of terrains. For organizations that operate on challenging, uneven, or craggy terrain, using tougher and more stable equipment is necessary to execute projects safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re working on unpacked ground, rocky mountains, or both, a rough terrain crane will offer sufficient mobility, height, and safety. Are you considering mobile crane rental in the Philippines?

Let’s discuss the details you need to know, so you can decide if rough terrain cranes serve as the perfect fit for your project needs.

Rough Terrain Cranes: What are They?

If you are familiar with what is a mobile crane, then you are also aware that it has different types suited for different purposes and terrains. What is a rough terrain crane and how does it differ from other types of cranes?

A rough terrain (RT) crane is a mobile crane that is capable of maneuvering in unpacked, uneven ground, as well as lifting in confined spaces. They are made especially for rough locations, so they’re built differently than other types of cranes.

This type of crane tends to have a wider base and wheels, which is what gives them great stability. Their wheels are also taller than the average crane’s because they need additional clearance to move easily on uneven ground without risking damage to the machine.

They have four-wheel drive and power-steering, which helps make maneuvering in rough terrains manageable.

Despite their size, these cranes designed for rough terrain are lighter than all-terrain cranes thanks to their compact design. Cranes like this only have one small cab from which it is operated and driven. They also have only one engine that powers both the boom and the undercarriage.

The Different Sizes of Rough Terrain Cranes

There are two sizes of RT cranes that you can rent at Hastings Motor. These are the SR-700L and the SR-300L.

If you want a larger crane, the SR-700L will suit your needs.

• 70ton x 2.5m lifting capacity
• 10m to 44.5m (6 sections) boom length
• 3m to 13.2m fly jib length
• 3,550mm tail slewing radius

If you generally have lighter loads, the SR-300L may be better for your projects:

• 30ton x 3m lifting capacity
• 35m to 30.5m (4 sections) boom length
• 9m to 13m fly jib length
• 3,550mm tail slewing radius

Evidently, its size affects the lifting capacity of a rough terrain crane, not just the height it can reach. Consider these elements when selecting the appropriate equipment for your project.

The Difference Between Rough Terrain Crane and All-Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are often compared with all-terrain (AT) cranes, which are built to operate in both paved and off-road applications. While these two types of mobile cranes are similar in this respect, they have stark differences that could significantly affect your operations.

• RT cranes are lighter than AT cranes. This is because rough terrain cranes have only one engine and four wheels, whereas an all-terrain crane has two engines and six to ten wheels.
• Due to their weight differences, the RT crane has a lighter capacity.
• RT cranes have an off-road focused design, which means that they move slower on roads, and thus, need to be transported to the site. In contrast, AT cranes emphasize versatility in their design, so they can traverse paved roads and off-road at similar speeds.
• RT cranes require less site preparation.

Conclusively, while they differ in load weight capacity, both types of cranes are capable of maneuvering in rocky and muddy conditions.

Uses and Applications of Rough Terrain Cranes

In this section, we’ll discuss what is the purpose of a rough terrain crane. As previously discussed, this type of mobile crane is designed specifically for off-road locations. They are not made for paved streets, but for securely carrying and lifting heavy cargo in rugged terrain.

What can it be used for, then?

Some projects require moving heavy loads in challenging terrains. Sites may be steep, have soft mud, have uneven surfaces due to large rocks, or have narrow spaces, which the RT crane can maneuver safely in.

Most cranes need a stable ground to hoist heavy cargo. A crane specifically designed for rough terrain offers mechanisms that allow it to hoist heavy loads while standing on uneven ground with minimal risk of toppling over.

It can also carry loads around itself or across your project site.

A rough terrain crane may have certain limitations, but it can hoist and transport heavy weights in rugged locations. It can be a useful piece of equipment for projects in unpredictable sites in remote places.

Advantages of Rough Terrain Cranes

If your organization operates in rugged locations, the RT crane offers numerous advantages. Since it is designed for such locations, it can perform its function well. Consider the following benefits it can offer to your projects:

Heavy Lifting Capacity

This type of crane has an impressive lifting capacity of 30 to 70 tons, depending on the size and model. Apart from the weight, its lifting radius allows it to hoist and move large objects without a hitch.

However, what separates it from other types of mobile cranes is that RT cranes can lift large and heavy materials while navigating unstable ground.

Better Control and Easy Maneuvering

The rough terrain crane has large rubber wheels that allow it to traverse rough locations. However, these are not the only features needed for successfully navigating off-road areas. The crane also needs great control and maneuverability.

A crane built for jagged ground and challenging geography has all these characteristics built into its design, making it agile in an unpredictable site. Its compact design makes it easy to navigate tight and uneven spaces. This feature is paired with a tight turn radius, meaning that the crane can turn even in small spaces.

Furthermore, this type of crane is equipped with four-wheel drive and power-steering, which significantly makes maneuvering easy for its operator.

Overall, with a rough terrain crane, navigating a challenging space can be easier.

Stability in a Wide Range of Sites

Many cranes boast great stability, however, the RT crane can remain stable on a wide range of worksites — be it rocky grounds, unpacked soil, or steep slopes.

This is what a rough terrain crane is used for — for safely and efficiently navigating less-than-ideal grounds. It offers great versatility for companies that frequently work on challenging worksites.

Operate in All Weather Conditions

In addition to the terrain, construction and mining sites often have to endure through various weather conditions, but within reason. Companies can continue working efficiently on rough grounds even when it’s raining with a durable and sturdy crane. You can continue working safely knowing that the crane can handle the situations brought about by those conditions.

Reduce the Risk of Accidents

The use of rough terrain cranes can improve safety in a rugged worksite, even in inclement weather. With unpredictable terrain and large equipment, one small error could spell disaster. This is why it’s important to use the right equipment and train employees properly.

A crane built for challenging sites can offer great stability as it carries heavy and large loads across an uneven area, reducing the chances of it falling over.

With easier maneuverability, an RT crane type also reduces its operator’s struggle to turn the machine around. So, you don’t have to worry about the crane hitting its surroundings.

Apart from those, rough terrain cranes have a load sensing device, which releases the load in case it exceeds the maximum lifting capacity.

Evidently, cranes designed for difficult terrains are equipped with features that help make operations safer.

Reduce Costs

With its versatility in rugged sites, renting a rough terrain crane offers potential cost savings for companies. This crane can take on the role of various lifting equipment, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment on a site. That should also save space in a worksite.

This crane can also help reduce labor costs since it can carry various materials, as well as require less site preparation. More importantly, companies reduce costs and liabilities for damages to property and other types of accidents.

A Herculean Equipment for Off-Road Sites from Hastings

Rough terrain cranes are specifically made for off-road sites. It’s equipped with distinct features that you can rely on to ensure that your team can execute the project safely and efficiently no matter the terrain and weather. They are not for all, but if your company works in off-road sites, you’ll appreciate the advantages of using rough terrain cranes.

Hastings Motor offers affordable heavy equipment rental in the Philippines, including various types of terrain cranes. Consult with us about whether rough terrain cranes are the right choice for your project.