AC 55-1 is new from Terex-Demag

Terex-Demag has upgraded its AC 55 to AC 55-1, Improvements include a new boom telescoping system that reduces the axle loads and enhances lifting capacity. With the boom at 40 m and 10 m radius the increase in lifting capacity over the outgoing model is more than 20%, Terex- Demag said. Telescoping and setup times of the AC 55-1's fully hydraulic boom are 50% shorter than if a pinned boom was used, the manufacturer claimed, and the boom can be telescoped under load. A further benefit is lower weight which reduces front axle load - the crane will run at 12 tonnes per axle on 16:00 tyres, with 5.15 tonnes of counterweight, 15 m main boom extension and hook blocks, according to Terex-Demag.

Lifting capacity is increased the most (by between 10 and 20%) on longer combination lengths at medium operating radii. A new option is an 8 or 15 m hydraulically offsettable boom extension that can be controlled from the operator cabin under full load. This option is also available on the AC 35, AC 35L and AC 55L.

First sight of the new AC 55-1 will be at April's 2006 Intermat exhibition in Paris.

• The US Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Corps Systems Command has contracted Terex to supply it with military all-terrain cranes (MAC). Total potential contract value is up to $88.6 million, Terex said, and could be for up to 130 units of the Terex Mac-50, a model based on the Terex-Demag AC 50-1 all terrain. Features of the Mac-50 include a fording ability to 60 inches (1.5 m), compliance with US bridge law requirements, Cummins engine and Allison transmission.

The initial order, worth $5.9 million, is to produce four cranes with accessories, factory testing, logistics support and training. These cranes will be delivered to the USMC by July 2006 for verification testing, while Terex anticipates “full rate production and fielding approval” by 2007.