Crane News

Rough-Terrain Cranes vs. All-Terrain Cranes

Many project sites feature difficult terrain and operating surfaces that would compromise the performance and safety of standard cranes and other equipment. If your project site features difficult surfaces like loose soil, gravel, or mud, you need a mobile crane that can handle them. That is why the experts at TNT Crane & Rigging have compiled some information on the differences between rough-terrain cranes vs. all-terrain cranes to help you make an informed decision.

Learn why lift planning is important for every type of mobile crane.

Rough-Terrain Crane Features

Also known as off-road cranes, rough-terrain cranes are mounted on a four-wheeled undercarriage. The wheels and base are taller and wider than those on an all-terrain crane, boosting stability and ground clearance. Rough-terrain cranes come with a telescoping boom and outriggers to stabilize the unit and support it during lifts. These units are lighter than all-terrain cranes because they are operated and driven from the same cab and only have one engine to power both the boom and the undercarriage.

With four-wheel drive and power steering, rough-terrain cranes allow for easy maneuverability over uneven surfaces such as gravel or unpacked soil, even within tighter spaces. This means that less site preparation is required when using a rough-terrain crane, saving you time without compromising safety. One primary downside to rough-terrain cranes is that they are unable to travel on public roads and must be transported to job sites via a semi-truck.

All-Terrain Crane Features

All-terrain cranes come equipped with a longer boom. When combined with a much wider cab, these features make all-terrain cranes much heavier than rough-terrain cranes. While this increased weight allows for enhanced lift capacities, they may still require the use of outriggers during extremely difficult lifts to maintain stability.

Every all-terrain crane is designed to be highly maneuverable over uneven ground while providing the added benefit of being able to maintain higher speeds on public roads. This allows them to be driven to project sites without the use of other vehicles. The primary drawback of all-terrain cranes is that they often require more site preparation due to their reduced off-road capabilities.

Which Option is Right for Your Project?

To determine which option is right for your project, you will need to consider the terrain you are working on, your project timeline, and the materials you will be lifting. It is also worth considering the amount of site prep you will need to perform and how much it will cost to transport a crane to your site. By considering these elements and the key features of each type of crane, you can make an informed decision for your project.

To learn more about rough-terrain cranes, all-terrain cranes, or our other mobile crane rentals, get in touch with the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.