What Is The Difference Between an All-Terrain & a Rough Terrain Crane?
Ultimately, an all-terrain crane and a rough terrain crane are designed to transport materials safely and efficiently. But, depending on your project’s requirements, they will be slightly different in mobility, travel and which type of site condition they are best suited for.
At Quinlan Cranes, we’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.
The main difference between the two is in the name! But let’s break down what the key differences really are.
What Is A Rough Terrain Crane?
Our rough-terrain cranes are designed for successfully navigating uneven and challenging terrain. They are single-engined and rubber-tyred, built for stability and optimal performance on uneven or rough terrain. They are most suitable for:
- Off-road conditions
- Wet and dry hire requirements
- All weather conditions
These cranes operate with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, so they can maneuver with ease on site. They are often used on construction sites, industrial yards and muddy sites.
What Is An All-Terrain Crane?
Mobile cranes/all-terrain cranes are heavy-duty cranes that are versatile for all types of terrain and site condition navigation. They are suitable for major construction works, civil infrastructure and heavy lifting requirements. Mobile cranes are:
- Capable of lifting between 10 and 250 tonnes
- Equipped with advanced safety features and blind spot cameras
- Highly versatile
With higher lifting capacities than most cranes, they are well-suited to multi-site projects, particularly as they can travel via road.
The Key Differences:
Although both cranes are designed for navigation and lifting, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and ensure that you choose a crane that is right for your project.
| Feature | Rough Terrain Crane | All-Terrain Crane |
| Road Travel | – Transported by a low-loader | – Self-propelled on public roads |
| Site Type | – Soft, uneven, rugged or confined sites | – On-road and off-road abilities |
| Axle/ Drive | – Single engine | – Multi-axle with independent steering |
| Lifting Capacity | – Compact to mid-range | – Mid to heavy range |
How To Choose The Right Crane?
Choosing the right crane for your project is important, as it ensures that your job gets done exactly as you envisioned it. No delays, no hassle and no mistakes when you choose the right crane for hire. So, how do you choose the right one? You should consider the following elements:
- Load: Start by understanding the weight you will need to transport, the radius, and the lifting height that you will need to complete the project. You’ll want to ensure that your crane can carry the loads you will be dealing with during the project.
- Site Conditions: Will your site involve stable ground, access restrictions or obstacles? Assess your site conditions to ensure that the right crane can navigate your site safely.
- Project Objective: What are the exact needs of your project? Is it a mining project, construction or landscaping project? Not all cranes are adequate for different industries and types of jobs, so it is important to determine the precise objective for your project.
Experience The Difference With Quinlan Cranes
We have a crane for each one of your needs. Not every project is the same, and our cranes ensure that your project succeeds on time, every time. And, we don’t let you figure it out alone. If you don’t know where to start or which crane you need, contact us on 03 8368 2800; we’ll get your project on the road.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can rough terrain cranes travel on the roads?
No. They are not road-registered, so they require to be transported via a low-loader.
What lifting capacities do rough terrain cranes have?
Rough terrain cranes generally range from 10 to 130 tonnes, covering the majority of lift requirements on projects.
Are rough terrain cranes suitable for urban sites?
Yes, as they are compact and can turn on a tight radius, they are well-suited for urban sites.
How do I know which crane to hire for my project?
It’s important to consider site conditions, lifting weight requirements, access requirements and your general project before choosing a crane. However, at Quinlan Cranes, we’re proud to help you choose the right crane every time, so you don’t need to figure it out all alone. Let our team handle it.