A mobile crane that travels on continuous tracks instead of wheels. The tracks provide a massive footprint that distributes the machine's weight, allowing it to lift extreme loads and traverse soft, muddy, or uneven site terrain without outriggers. They are assembled on site and move very slowly.
Heard on the job
The crawler crane is bogged down in the mud near the deep foundation excavation.
Related terms
Crane operator
A certified tradesperson who drives and operates lifting cranes on a site.
Heavy machinery
Large industrial vehicles and equipment used to perform major construction and earthmoving tasks.
Earthmoving
The process of excavating, transporting, and grading soil and rock to prepare a construction site.