Terex crane cab design caught on camera

An IC photo exclusive reveals what looks like a new cab design for Terex mobile cranes. Spotted by a sharp-eyed observer travelling by road near the Terex factory in Zweibrücken, Germany, both cabs on this all terrain crane look like they are camouflaged with disruptive pattern film to break up the detail of the shape, lines, panels and glass area.

The main cab appears more streamlined than previous types with rounded edges, faired-in amber lights on the top corners of the cab and a full undertray type panel underneath. The plain central section could allow the design to be easily widened for use on larger, 3 m wide, cranes. It is interesting to note that all the main cab glass looks flat and, therefore, easier and cheaper to replace than curved pieces. White LED running lights at the top of the headlamp clusters add to the contemporary feel of the design.

This crane is likely to be the new 100 tonne capacity AC 100-L long boom version all terrain on four axles due for launch at the Bauma exhibition in Germany. It is also likely that, if this is a new cab design and not just a one-off, concept or design study, it will also be announced there. Look out for this and, no doubt, many other surprises at the show in Munich from 19 to 25 April.

The self adhesive vinyl film as applied to this crane cab is widely used by car makers to disguise new model prototypes that are out on public roads for testing prior to launch. Various patterns are used, mostly ones that confuse the eye along the lines of the type popularised in the Optical Art (Op Art) movement of the 1960s. These typically alternating black and white spirals and other patterns had effects on the viewer ranging from making your eyes dance to nausea and falling over. The patterns for car disguise range from black and white alternating squares through "Fishies", which are a sort of "writhing rhombus" shape, to the more sophisticated "Flimmies." This latest type is designed to confuse digital camera auto focus and image processing engines as well as prying eyes with its moiré effect.