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

In many industries, heavy equipment plays a vital role in moving and handling large volumes of materials across varying terrains. For operations that take place on uneven or rugged ground, using equipment designed for such challenges is essential to ensure both safety and efficiency. If you’re dealing with rocky mountains, uneven terrain, or even loose soil, a rough terrain crane (RT crane) will provide the necessary mobility, height, and safety for your project.

Are you considering renting a mobile crane in the Philippines? Let’s explore whether a rough terrain crane is the right choice for your needs.

Rough Terrain Cranes: What Are They?

If you’re familiar with mobile cranes, you know they come in different forms designed for various terrains and tasks. But what sets a rough terrain crane apart?

A rough terrain crane (RT crane) is a mobile crane designed to operate on challenging, uneven ground. These cranes are specifically built to navigate rugged terrains and confined spaces where other cranes might struggle. Here are the key features that distinguish them:

• Wider Base and Larger Wheels: These cranes have a wider base and taller wheels for stability, which is essential when moving over rough or uneven ground.
• Four-Wheel Drive and Power Steering: With four-wheel drive and power steering, maneuvering through difficult terrains is much easier.
• Compact Design: Unlike all-terrain cranes, rough terrain cranes are lighter and more compact, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
• Single Engine: They are powered by one engine that runs both the boom and the undercarriage, making them efficient while also reducing weight.

The Different Sizes of Rough Terrain Cranes

At Hastings Motor, we offer two primary sizes of rough terrain cranes for rent: SR-700L and SR-300L.

• SR-700L Rough Terrain Crane:

  • Lifting Capacity: 70 tons (2.5m)
  • Boom Length: 10m to 44.5m (6 sections)
  • Fly Jib Length: 3m to 13.2m
  • Tail Slewing Radius: 3,550mm

  This crane is ideal for larger projects requiring heavy lifting.

• SR-300L Rough Terrain Crane:

  • Lifting Capacity: 30 tons (3m)
  • Boom Length: 35m to 30.5m (4 sections)
  • Fly Jib Length: 9m to 13m
  • Tail Slewing Radius: 3,550mm

  The SR-300L is perfect for lighter loads and smaller jobs.

The Difference Between Rough Terrain Cranes and All-Terrain Cranes

Though similar in that both can operate off-road, rough terrain cranes (RT) and all-terrain cranes (AT) are distinct in several ways:

• Weight: RT cranes are lighter than AT cranes, with RT cranes having one engine and four wheels, while AT cranes have two engines and six to ten wheels.
• Load Capacity: RT cranes generally have a lower lifting capacity compared to AT cranes.
• Maneuverability: RT cranes are slower on roads and often require transport to the site, whereas AT cranes are designed for road use and off-road tasks at similar speeds.
• Site Preparation: RT cranes need less site preparation, making them ideal for rough and undeveloped terrains.

Despite these differences, both cranes are capable of maneuvering through challenging environments, such as rocky and muddy conditions.

Uses and Applications of Rough Terrain Cranes

So, what are rough terrain cranes used for?

Rough terrain cranes are perfect for projects that involve moving heavy loads across rugged landscapes. These include:

• Uneven Surfaces: Whether it’s steep inclines, large rocks, or soft mud, an RT crane can handle it.
• Confined Spaces: These cranes are designed to navigate tight, narrow spaces on construction or mining sites.
• Heavy Lifting in Challenging Terrains: RT cranes provide stability, even when lifting heavy cargo from unstable ground, minimizing the risk of tipping over.

They are indispensable on sites that require robust lifting capabilities but have difficult or unpredictable ground conditions.

Advantages of Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes offer several advantages, especially if your projects take place on rugged or challenging sites:

1. Heavy Lifting Capacity
   With lifting capacities ranging from 30 to 70 tons, RT cranes can move substantial loads even across rough terrain, offering both power and flexibility.

2. Better Control and Easy Maneuvering
   Equipped with large rubber wheels and four-wheel drive, RT cranes are built for agility and control. Their compact design and tight turn radius make them suitable for small, confined spaces.

3. Stability on Various Surfaces
   RT cranes excel in maintaining stability on rocky, uneven soil, steep slopes, and other challenging environments.

4. All-Weather Capability
   With a durable and sturdy build, rough terrain cranes can operate in various weather conditions, including rain, ensuring your project doesn’t have to halt due to unfavorable weather.

5. Reduced Risk of Accidents
   The stability and maneuverability of RT cranes significantly reduce the risk of accidents. They are designed to navigate uneven ground while safely carrying heavy loads, and features like load-sensing devices help avoid exceeding weight limits.

6. Cost Savings
   Renting an RT crane can save you costs by reducing the need for multiple lifting equipment on site and minimizing labor costs. The crane’s versatility reduces the number of machines required, and it can be used across different areas of the site.

A Herculean Equipment for Off-Road Sites from Hastings

Rough terrain cranes are built for rugged, off-road environments. At Hastings Motor, we offer a range of rough terrain cranes designed to meet the needs of your challenging worksites. Whether you’re working in remote locations or in unpredictable terrain, our RT cranes can provide the safety, efficiency, and lifting capacity you need.

Looking for mobile crane rental in the Philippines? Contact us today to discuss your project needs and see how our cranes can help make your work easier and safer!