They might be pretty similar to look at, but there are differences in the design and capabilities of both the All-Terrain and Rough Terrain Crane types. When it comes to all-terrain cranes vs rough terrain cranes there is no clear winner, only differences between the two. The decision on which crane is best to hire, will fall solely on what job requirement you have on site.

Let’s take a look at what these two cranes have been designed to do, their similarities and their differences too.

What is an All-Terrain Crane?

All-terrain cranes are designed to be able to travel, manoeuvre and work over a variety of terrain from smooth roads and tar to building sand and uneven construction sites. They are cranes used most often by sectors like construction, mining, and agriculture because of their ability to move over unpredictable surfaces and work under some of the harshest circumstances and terrain types.

What is a Rough Terrain Crane?

Rough terrain cranes can be likened to 4×4 cars, in that they are designed to be able to move over rough terrain landscapes. Slow and steady, rough terrain cranes are perfect for a variety of off-road capabilities.

Does an all-terrain crane operate differently from a rough crane?

Both crane types operate very similarly but they are different pieces of machinery, designed for slightly different purposes. Here are a few of the rough terrain crane advantages and all-terrain crane advantages too:

• Both cranes have excellent handling abilities
• Both crane types need to be stabilized with an outrigger
• Able to work on very rough landscapes and on difficult surfaces thanks to their wide centres of gravity.

What are the differences between all-terrain cranes and rough terrain cranes?

The main differences when it comes to these crane types can be found in both the engine and the tyres of the cranes:

• Rough terrain cranes only have four rubber tyres on a high ground clearance chassis. Whereas all-terrain cranes most often have six to eight tyres and up to nine axles on their chassis with all-wheel drive capabilities.
• Rough terrain cranes have only one engine with the entire crane (both the undercarriage and crane) being operated from that one main engine. All-terrain cranes have two engines which operate the undercarriage and crane separately and they also tend to have larger cabins then rough terrains.
• All-terrain cranes are heavier than rough terrain cranes.
• Rough terrain cranes can’t be driven on public roads or highways where all-terrain cranes can.

When deciding whether you should hire a rough terrain or an all-terrain crane, the deciding factor is often decided on the transport to and from site. If the site if significantly far away and accessed by public highways or roads, then an all-terrain crane would make sense because it has the ability to be driven to and from site

For more information cranes of all kinds, as well as their hiring, speak to the experts in cranes and crane hire today. Contact Concord Cranes online or call them now on 011 805 8071 for all your crane hiring needs now – unlock a world of collaboration.

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