Mobile cranes are constructed onto a number of different mountings. Some mobile cranes are designed to rest on the bed of a truck where they are driven wherever needed, and other mobile cranes feature their own set of wheels. Some mobile cranes have no traditional rubber wheels; they creep along terrains on crawler tracks.
There are essentially two types of boom systems that mobile cranes use. Telescoping booms feature closed tube sections which are extended and angled by a hydraulic cylinder. Lattice booms employ cables that are let out or retracted to change angles. These booms can only extend by adding boom extensions (jibs).
Cranes are staples in the construction industry. Mobile cranes are some of the most versatile cranes available. They can be constructed with lifting capacities up to 1,000 tons, according to Louisiana State University. They can also feature booms that extend up to 600 feet.