--- title: Picking a Rough Terrain Crane for Versatility description: Numerous design features are required to make the rough terrain crane the versatile harsh-condition workhorse it is. image: https://blog.smequipment.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Rough_Terrain_Color.jpg --- [![logo](https://blog.smequipment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_assets/images/logo.png?width=257&name=logo.png "logo")](https://www.smequipment.com/) When Service Matters - [Home](https://www.smequipment.com/) - Cranes - [New Cranes For Sale](https://www.smequipment.com/new-cranes-for-sale/) - [Used Cranes For Sale](https://www.smequipment.com/used-cranes-for-sale/) - [Crane Rental](https://www.smequipment.com/crane-rental/) - [Crane Inventory](https://www.smequipment.com/crane-inventory/) - [Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts) - [Online Parts Ordering](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/parts-ordering) - [Tadano Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/tadano-parts) - [Tadano Mantis Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/tadano-mantis-parts) - [Broderson Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/broderson-parts) - [Tadano Demag Crane Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/demag-parts) - [Kobelco Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/kobelco-parts) - [Terex Parts](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/terex-parts) - [DICA Outrigger Pads](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/dica-outrigger-pads) - [LUBE-A-BOOM® Lubricants](https://www.smequipment.com/parts/lube-a-boom-lubricants) - [Services](https://www.smequipment.com/services) - [Gunnebo Johnson, Greer And Cummins](https://www.smequipment.com/services/cummins-engines/) - [Locations](https://www.smequipment.com/locations) - [Houston](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/houston) - [Corpus Christi](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/corpus-christi) - [Dallas](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/dallas) - [San Antonio](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/san-antonio) - [Midland / Odessa](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/west-texas) - [Tulsa](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/tulsa) - [Houma](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/houma) - [Baton Rouge](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/baton-rouge) - [Oklahoma City](https://www.smequipment.com/locations/oklahoma-city) - [About](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us) - [History](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/history) - [Lifting Equipment And Crane Safety](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/safety) - [Employment](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/employment) - [News & Events](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/news-events) - [Blog](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/contact) - Share - [Blog](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/contact) # Blog - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/scott-macon-equipment) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Macon-Equipment/935503479835638) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/SMEquipment) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scottmaconequipment/) # Picking a Rough Terrain Crane for Versatility [Scott-Macon Equipment](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/author/scott-macon-equipment) Jun 20, 2019 ![Tadano GR-350XL-2](https://blog.smequipment.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Rough_Terrain_Color.jpg) ## Why a Rough Terrain Crane? Numerous design features are required to make the rough terrain crane the versatile harsh-condition workhorse it is. A single engine powers the undercarriage and boom. This allows the necessary compactness to work in small spaces and permit access to confined lifting areas. These cranes often travel over the rough and rugged untouched territory at new job sites. Hydraulic booms and hoists are necessary to give heavy load capabilities and also the ability to "pick and carry" the load, if needed. Originally, back in the 1950s, a rough terrain crane featured little in the way of operator comforts and features, but they've come a long way since then. Let's look at a few of the other characteristics that make these cranes suited for the toughest jobs and especially attractive purchases or rentals. ## RT Crane Features - They are two-axle, wheel-mounted cranes with telescoping booms. - They feature all-wheel drive. - To face the challenge of rugged, uneven terrain, these cranes are outfitted with powerful engines that allow them to keep moving under severe conditions. - The steering allows for three modes: front-wheel steering, all-wheel centric and all-wheel crabbing. - Larger tires permit better control of the crane and better maneuverability. - These cranes also feature a tighter turn radius for greater maneuverability. - They low enough to the ground for a more stable center of gravity, yet high enough for good ground clearance. - The beefy, H-pattern hydraulic outriggers can be extended independently, which gives an RT crane greater stability and the ability to work in uneven spaces and in tight quarters. When you add up all these capabilities, you have a crane that's adaptable to the harshest conditions and exhibits the most versatility of any type of crane. These cranes can go anywhere and do almost any job. They're easily transportable by truck and offer quick set-up times. To make sure the right crane for your job site is available, Scott-Macon Equipment offers a number of rough terrain crane choices. ## Which RT Crane Is Right for You?  ### Tadano Rough Terrain Crane Tadano also offers a range of choices (all featuring Cummins engines), including a rough terrain crane that's made for the really big jobs. Which Tadano rough terrain crane is right for you depends on your specific needs and load limits. Available new and used choices range from smaller "pick and carry" cranes with a 35-ton capacity all the way up to the 160-ton capacity of the GR-1600XL. As the industry's largest capacity rough terrain crane, the [Tadano GR-1600XL](https://www.smequipment.com/cranes/tadano-gr-1600xl-rough-terrain-crane/#description) is built for the biggest rough terrain jobs. ### Broderson Rough Terrain Crane Meanwhile, Broderson specializes in the smaller rough terrain cranes. These are often construction site and plant workhorses. Durable, with the Cummins engine and all the other rough terrain features you'd expect, they range from the 15 to 20 tons in capacity. Broderson rough terrain cranes are especially suited for smaller capacity loads and plant applications. We carry both [new and used Broderson rough terrain cranes](https://www.smequipment.com/cranes-catalog/broderson/rough-terrain-cranes).  ### **Terex Rough Terrain Crane** Terex rough terrain cranes are available for many different load capacities and come in a range of sizes up to 130-ton maximum capacity. They feature the three-mode steering for increased maneuverability, high-strength outriggers which can be deployed independently, and excellent ground clearance. The always-reliable Cummins engine is standard. Every Terex rough terrain crane is built for operator comfort as well, with fully-adjustable seats and climatized cab. We have a variety of used [Terex rough terrain cranes](https://www.smequipment.com/cranes-catalog/used/terex/rough-terrain-cranes)available. ### Scott-Macon Equipment Offers Versatility Scott-Macon Equipment carries a rough terrain crane to fit any specific need. In business since 1973, we can help you decide which RT crane is the perfect addition to your job site. We both sell new and used and rent these rough terrain workhorses. Plus, we specialize in maintenance, with service centers conveniently located in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, and trained technicians available to provide service to customers 24/7. [Contact Scott-Macon Equipment professionals](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/contact) today for more information about any aspect of crane operation and service. [crane parts](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/topic/crane-parts), [crane service](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/topic/crane-service), [crane repairs](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/topic/crane-repairs), [crane safety](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/topic/crane-safety) [Equipment Spotlight: Terex T780 Truck Crane](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/equipment-spotlight-terex-t-780-truck-crane) [Bob Dimmitt's Photography Featured in July Issue of ACT](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/bob-dimmit-photos-featured) ### About Author ![Default Author Image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/476360/Blog%20Template/Images/default-author-thumbnail.jpg) Scott-Macon Equipment Related Posts [![Maintaining Your Crane for Increased Performance and Lifespan](https://blog.smequipment.com/hubfs/Crane%20Maintenance%20Shop%20Photo%20-%20Blog.jpg) Maintaining Your Crane for Increased Performance and Lifespan](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/maintaining-your-crane-for-increased-performance-and-lifespan) [![How Does Summer Heat Affect Crane Safety - and What Can You Do?](https://blog.smequipment.com/hubfs/twitter%202.jpg) How Does Summer Heat Affect Crane Safety - and What Can You Do?](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/how-does-summer-heat-affect-crane-safety-and-what-can-you-do) [![How to Improve Your Mobile Crane Safety](https://blog.smequipment.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Crane_Safety.jpg) How to Improve Your Mobile Crane Safety](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/basic-crane-safety-for-crane-operations) - - - ### Comment - [History](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/history) - [Safety](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/safety) - [Employment](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/employment) - [News & Events](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/news-events) - [Contact](https://www.smequipment.com/about-us/contact) - [Blog](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog) ### Popular Posts ### Blog Archives - [June 2019 (4)](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [August 2017 (3)](https://blog.smequipment.com/blog/archive/2017/08) - 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