ConExpo show Guide from International Cranes and Specialized Transport

Wheeled mobiles
All terrain cranes are often perceived in the USA as a distinctively European product. Already addressing that is Link-Belt which now offers two models for the US market that are also designed and built there (see below for more details). While Terex Cranes says it is withholding further details until the show, the manufacturer says it will reveal a new mid-size all terrain that addresses the needs of the North American market.

Brand new from crane manufacturer Link-Belt is the 210 US ton (185 tonne) capacity ATC-3210 all terrain on five axles. The 200 foot (61 metre) fully curved profile boom is in six sections and there are seven extension modes to maximise capacities. Tip height for the fully extended main boom is 210.9 feet (64.3 m) and the maximum tip height, with all extensions and jib, is 326.7 feet (99.6 m).

Like the 250 tonne capacity ATC-3275 the new crane’s upper engine is mounted transversely to maximise space for a stowable fly jib. The 12 foot (3.7 m) heavy-lift fly has two-line, one-load lift procedures for concrete panel tilt-up work. An optional three-piece bi-fold fly jib has hydraulic offset between 2 and 45 degrees. Also available is a manual jib with four offset positions.

Easy road transport is a key factor so the ATC-3210 is designed to meet the toughest transport laws in North America and its Cummins engine meets Tier IV final and EPA 2013 on-highway engine exhaust emission requirements, the manufacturer said. Export versions of both models will also be available.

Multiple steering modes on the ATC-3210 are controllable from the single carrier cab and the drive/steer configuration is 10 x 6 x 10. Suspension is Link-Belt’s Hydrogas and there is traction control with a mud and snow setting. Also available are locking differentials between the wheels and between axles.

None of the counterweight slabs on the ATC-3210 weigh more than 22,000 pounds. (9.98 tonnes) and they can be grouped with other components for transport. With maximum counterweight, rigging, matting, and fly jib extensions it can move in three 45,000 pound (20.41 tonne) truckloads, the manufacturer said. At just under 145,000 pounds (65.78 tonnes) the ATC-3210 can transport in a three-axle dolly configuration, including three-piece hydraulic fly jib, auxiliary lifting sheave, hook block and ball, main and auxiliary winches. Maximum axle load in that configuration is 20,000 pounds (9.07 tonnes).

For easier maintenance the Link-Belt has large doors designed for good access to engines, filters and other regular maintenance points. All connections and service points are centralised and easily accessible, the manufacturer said. The pressure for hydraulics in the upper can be checked from one place. Centralised lubrication with manual override is available.

While not new models, there are several other notable all terrains on show. From further up the capacity range is Tadano’s 400 tonne capacity ATF 400G-6, its largest all terrain crane. Its 5-section boom extends to 60 m and can have fixed or hydraulically extending luffing jibs to 78 m. The Japanese manufacturer is also showing its 220 tonne capacity ATF 220G-5 on five axles.

From its Grove GMK all terrain crane range Manitowoc is showing the 400 tonne capacity GMK6400 and the 300 tonne GMK6300L. Both are on six-axle carriers and the 300 tonner offers an 80 m (262 foot) boom.

In the same capacity range, Liebherr’s LTM 1300-6.2 all terrain is the successor to the LTM 1250-6.1. The newer model’s telescopic boom is longer by 6 m (20 feet) at 78 m (256 feet). Load capacity is also greater, making it the most powerful mobile crane in the 300 tonne (360 US-tons) class, the manufacturer says.

Instead of the twin-engine concept normally used on cranes this size, the 300 tonne (360 US ton) capacity LTM 1300-6.2 is powered by a single engine with a mechanical shaft drive. One 450 kW V8 diesel is mounted in the carrier. Advantages include simpler design with reduced maintenance, lower cost and reduced weight, the manufacturer says.

Rough terrains
As a mainstay of many US crane fleets, rough terrains are plentiful at ConExpo. One on show from Terex is the Quadstar 1075L, a 75 tonner with five section 41.8 m boom giving a maximum hook height of 43 m.

A highlight in the RT sector is Tadano’s new 160 ton (145 tonne) capacity GR-1600XL-2 on three axles. A single cylinder 6-section 200.1 foot boom and 59.1 foot bi-fold off-settable jib give a tip height of 256.6 feet and the cab tilt system improves visibility at extended reach. Of the two units on show one will be configured showing the crane in transport mode with the quick self-removing front and rear outriggers. The other will be rigged as a general purpose RT. The other Tadano RTs on show are the 100 ton GR-1000XL-2, 75 ton GR-750XL-2 and the 15 ton GR-150XL-1.

New from Grove are the RT770E and RT540 rough terrains. The 65 tonne (70 USt) RT770E has a five-section, full-power boom with a single hydraulic cylinder. It offers a reach of 42 m, making it the new class leader in the 60 to 70 US ton category, the manufacturer said.

Paul Cutchall, Manitowoc Cranes rough terrain product manager in North America, said, “We’re launching the RT770E into probably the most popular capacity class, so we knew we had to make it stand out from the crowd, and with its boom design I believe we’ve done that,” he said. “We were able to lengthen the boom without adding more size and weight to the chassis.” Power for the RT770E is from a 6.7 litre Cummins diesel engine. It can have a 10.1 to 17.1 m bi-fold swingaway jib to give a reach of 59.1 m and extend the working radius to 43.9 m.

The 35 tonne capacity RT540 is an updated version of the RT540E. The 31 m four section full power boom has a rectangular section and gives a maximum tip height of 47 m. There is an improved slewing system, a new cab and the updated Crane Control System (CCS) operating system introduced in 2013. CCS has the same software and uses a standard set of displays, joysticks, control units and a jog dial which simplifies maintenance and fleet management.

The RT540 is the third crane with CCS, a standardised operator interface that will be used on all new Manitowoc, Potain, National, Shuttlelift and Grove cranes. Mike Herbert, Manitowoc Cranes director of product planning and marketing in North America, says, “The intuitive and easy-to-use system reduces the need to train people on every crane we produce, so contractors and operators can move between crane models with ease.”

Also new in the 65 ton RT class is the Zoomlion RT65. It has a 27 foot longer boom, greater tip height and stronger chart than the RT55. “It is over 30 % cheaper than competing cranes like the Grove RT685,” according to distributor Global Cranes. Also on show are the RT35, RT65, RT75, and RT100.

Truck mounted
Other ubiquitous crane types in the USA are truck cranes and boom trucks. Under wraps until the show from Terex Cranes is the Crossover 8000, a new high capacity truck mounted telescopic crane. It will be the largest boom truck in North America. First Terex boom truck to habve the new Terex Crane cabin. While Manitowoc is quiet on new Grove truck cranes, it is launching a pair of National Crane boom trucks, including the largest ever built by the company.

The 54.4 tonne capacity NBT60’s 39 m boom is claimed as the longest in its class. Despite its size, the NBT60 will still be roadable without the need for additional permits in most parts of North America, Manitowoc says. The other new National Crane boom truck is one unit from a series of three models from 9.1 to 16.3 tonnes capacity: the NBT 14, NBT15 and NBT16.

Boom trucks on show from US manufacturer Altec Industries range from 18 to 45 US tons capacity. Latest on show is the 45 ton capacity AC45-127S. It has a lower winch control, front entry cab and engine start/stop at the tail shelf, designed to minimise slip, trip or fall hazards. The LMI reel is mounted at the boom heel and protected by a metal cover and the A2B cable is routed through the boom to improve reliability. Following introduction of the tilting cab to boom trucks at the 2011 ConExpo, this time another new cab is promised. Other Altec cranes on show include the AC18-70B and AC23-95B.

Elliott Equipment said it is launching new cranes, including high capacity boom trucks with boom length of more than 142 feet on federal bridge-legal chassis for the US market. Also new will be wireless remote controls. Target industries include oilfield service, electrical transmission construction, mining, general construction and facility maintenance.

In addition to a 40 tonne-metre articulating hydraulic crane, manufacturer Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) is showing a crane-mounted TireHand manipulator for large off highway tyres, a Dominator II mechanic truck and a SiteStar lube truck.

Crawler mobiles
The crawler crane sector will be well represented overall. Many of the models on show have been introduced over the last year or so. A notable exception is the telescopic boom sector where there are at least two brand new models. Whether or not Manitowoc’s promised two new models include one with a telescopic boom was undisclosed at the time of writing.

New in the telescopic crawler category is the 130 US ton capacity Tadano Mantis GTC‐1200. It is the largest in the company’s range and “represents the first blank sheet design since Mantis was acquired by Tadano in 2008,” according to Ed Hisrich, vice president, sales and customer support.

The GTC-1200 has a full power, 5‐section 12.8 to 47.2 m rounded section boom designed for lifting but it is also capable of out‐of‐level, pick and carry, and foundation work. A 3.8 m heavy lift jib with a capacity of 39.9 tonnes is part of the standard bi‐fold jib that has lengths of 10.3 m or 18 m. Optional are 7 m lattice inserts (a maximum of two). Maximum tip height is 82 m. Power for the GTC‐1200 is from a Cummins Tier 4 Final, QSL9 diesel engine rated 261 kW. Unladen it can negotiate a maximum gradient of 52 %, the manufacturer says.

All new from Link-Belt in the market for telescopic crawlers is the 50 US ton (45 tonne) capacity TCC-500, which has already been built and tested at the Lexington plant and will be shown for the first time in Las Vegas. The third crane in Link-Belt’s telescopic crawler line is described by the manufacturer as a solid piece of equipment. A primary target market is the power utility industry. Deliveries are due to start around the time of the exhibition.

“We think this crane will get a lot of attention from the utility market,” says Pat Collins, Link-Belt product marketing director. “It has a 110 foot [33.5 m], full-power boom and 50 tons of capacity, which is more in line with what the utility market is looking for. It’s also been designed for ease of transport. We’ve engineered it to hit the weight targets so transportability is easy and efficient.”

Collins says the TCC-500 “gives customers a second option below our TCC-750 for less demanding and/or more cost-sensitive jobs. It’s simple to operate, tough and rugged.” Its capacity chart rivals lattice crawler cranes with a similar base rating, the manufacturer says. The four-section, full-power boom uses high tensile steel and is a box-type construction consisting of one base section and three telescoping sections. Fly jib options include a stowable 28.5 to 51 feet (8.7 to 15.5 m), two piece bi-fold lattice fly, offsettable to 2, 20 and 40 degrees. Maximum tip height is 165.5 feet (50 m).

The TCC-500 is designed to move quickly and easily on or off the jobsite. With a standard counterweight package of 25,000 pounds (11 metric tons), the TCC-500 transports in just one load while staying under 100,000 pounds (45 tonnes) in most cases, the manufacturer says. On the trailer, the TCC-500 travels at a height of 9 feet, 10.55 inches (3 m) and a width of 11 feet, 5.24 inches (3.5 m).

For flexibility on site, an hydraulic cylinder mounted in the lower frame of the TCC-500 extends and retracts the all-welded, machined steel track frames. The TCC-500 can work at three track widths: 15 feet, 2.37 inches (4.6 m) fully extended; 13 feet, 6.11 inches (4.1 m) intermediate; and 11 feet, 5.24 inches (3.5 m) retracted.

Power for the TCC-500 is from a 215 hp Tier IV final Cummins QSL engine driving a variable displacement piston pump package. It can have pole claw, earth auger and man basket attachments. “The TCC-500 is an excellent general contractor crane, and its moneymaking potential is huge,” Collins says. Link-Belt has also developed an export version of the crane with a Tier II Cummins engine. “We feel really good about this crane and we are excited to show it off at ConExpo,” Collins says.

Maeda USA and its parent company is showing examples from its range of mini-crawler cranes with a reach up to 68 feet (21 m) and capacity up to 4.2 US tons (3.8 tonnes). Limited access and tight work space lifting are specialities for these Japanese cranes. Three models from the MC series will be shown, including dual power versions. A new optional auxiliary winch will be introduced with high rope capacity for work from rooftops up to 330 feet (100 m) below the machine. Jib style searcher hook boom extensions, fly jibs and a remote controlled vacuum manipulator for placing glass, steel plate and smooth stone. All MC models are shown with radio remote control. Also on show is the 5.4 ton (4.9 tonne) capacity LC785M-8 telescopic boom slewing crawler crane with operator cabin. Maximum tip height is 67 feet (20 m) and it boasts near-zero tail swing, the company says.

Moving to lattice cranes, at the top end of the size scale on show is the 1,000 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 11000. Introduced in 2012 it fits in the range between the 750 tonne capacity LR 1750 and the LR 11350 which is rated at 1,350 tonnes. A particular focus, the manufacturer says, is optimising the design for quick setup and to have minimum component dimensions and weight to be efficient for transport. Maximum component weight is 60 tonnes and there are possibilities to reduce this to 45 tonnes, Liebherr says. Allied to this is a compact design to allow operation in constricted areas. The range of boom options includes derrick systems, special wind power equipment and the PowerBoom parallel boom capacity enhancement system is available for the LR 11000.

A Terex crane that will have people talking is the Superlift 3800 lattice boom crawler. It will be exhibited in a larger configuration than its first public showing at the Bauma show last year in Germany. The Superlift is designed to redefine performance in the 650 tonne capacity class and is a more than worthy successor to the highly regarded CC 2800-1, the manufacturer says.

The Superlift has a capacity of 650 tonnes at 12 m radius and its maximum load moment is 8,426 tonne-metres. Maximum hook height is 190 m and it requires up to 30 % less counterweight for long boom erection. All components weigh less than 40 tonnes and are below 3 m in width and height for easy transport.

On display from down the Liebherr range is the 250 tonne (275 US ton) capacity Liebherr LR 1250 lattice boom crawler crane. Versatility is the aim and it is designed for a range of applications from simple light lifting to clamshell work. Each of the two hoisting winches have 12 tonnes (13 tons) of line pull and high rope speeds, the manufacturer says. Free-fall 12 tonne winches are optional.

The LR 1250 can be transported mounted with boom and counterweight by retracting the track width to 5.8 m. This “taxi crane” feature is especially beneficial for short-term work, the manufacturer says. Maximum width for transport is 3 m (9 feet 10 inches).

Making its US debut from Manitowoc is the 165 tonne capacity (762 tonne-metre) MLC165 lattice boom crawler crane. First shown at the 2013 Bauma show in Germany it is designed for the global market. Jerry Maloney, Manitowoc global product director, says the MLC165 is a versatile crane for contractors and rental houses, “This self-rigging crane is very easy to assemble and disassemble. It can install and remove its own counterweights and tracks without the need for an assist crane. In addition, it has a 3 m (10 foot) component width and modular assemblies for easy transport over the road.”

Steven Dick, Manitowoc technical sales support co-ordinator, says the crane’s design makes it suitable for many applications. “Our engineers designed the MLC165 to facilitate general contractor activities, like pile driving and moderate clamshell or grapple work,” he said. “The MLC165 is built to be a versatile tool.”

Maximum boom on the MLC165 is 84 m and there are fixed and luffing jib options. The maximum boom and fixed jib combination is 93.4 m (69 + 24.4 m). The longest main boom and luffing jib combination reach increases to 102.8 m (51 + 51.8 m).

Kobelco’s presence is led by a strong showing from the G-Series lattice boom range up to 250 tonnes capacity. The G-series cranes lifting capacities range from 85 to 275 U.S. tons for North America and 60 to 250 tonnes for Europe. Features include a nested boom for easier transport, and a small footprint for better manoeuvrability. All G-Series models have “G Mode” to help conserve energy. To reduce exhaust emission and to save fuel the Auto Idle Stop function stops the engine when there is no demand for power. The Tier IV Interim diesel engine reduces fuel consumption by a claimed 30 %.

On show from Kobelco are the 110 US ton (100 tonne) capacity CK1100G, 160 US ton (150 tonne) CK1600G and the 275 US ton (250 tonne) CK2750G. Maximum boom length on the CK1100G is 200 feet (61 m). Its fixed jib offers a capacity of 24,000 pounds (5.4 tonnes) and the maximum combination length is 250 feet (76 m). Power is from a 285 hp Hino diesel. Main and auxiliary winches have a maximum line speed of 390 feet per minute, and a rated single-line pull of 46,800 pounds-feet.

The main boom on the Kobelco CK1600G is up to 250 feet (76 m) long and the maximum main boom and jib combination is 300 feet (91 m). The engine is a 363 hp Hino diesel. The nested boom on the CK2750G can be configured from 50 to 300 feet long. Its fixed jib offers a capacity of 373,400 pounds (169 tonnes), and has a maximum reach of 100 feet (30 m). The maximum boom and jib combination is 350 feet (107 m).

All Kobelco G Series models have the Remote Observation Satellite System, KCross. It allows remote monitoring of the unit from the owner’s desktop. Daily, weekly, and monthly reports are available that the owner can print. Via an internet connection the owner can get a one-page report showing, among other information, the hours the unit worked, how much fuel was consumed, how many minutes the crane idled, and how long the main winch was used. Also on show from Kobelco is the new G-series service training simulator.

Crawlers on display from Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion are the 260 tonne capacity QUY260 lattice boom and the 110 ton capacity ZCC1100H.

Tower cranes
One of two Liebherr towers on show is the 542 HC-L 18/36 Litronic, a large luffing jib model with a capacity of 36 tonnes (79,366 pounds). For situations where several cranes need to be set close together, the luffing gear can be optimised according to lifting capacity to allow shorter adjusting times.

Infinitely variable frequency drives are standard on the 542 HC-L. The entry-level model 542 HC-L 18/36 Litronic includes a 110 kW FC hoist unit, 110 kW FC luffing gear with secondary brake, plus two 11 kW FC slewing gear units.

From its flat top tower crane range Liebherr is showing its 380 EC-B 16 Litronic. Maximum radius for the 16 tonne crane is 75 m (246 feet) and it can lift 3,400 kg (7,496 pounds) at the end of the jib. Easy transport was a primary consideration in the design, which has a distinctive appearance and four-chord counter jib. The compact superstructure with full jib can be loaded onto only five trucks, Liebherr says. In addition, it is designed so that the dimensions of each individual part meet the requirements of container transport for easy loading onto ships. The whole EC-B head, including the IC slewing ring support and full jib, will fit inside a series of 40 foot shipping containers.

Spanish tower crane manufacturer Linden Comansa is exhibiting with Linden Comansa America. It reports many developments since the previous show in 20111. Product highlights for discussion include the new LCL 165 luffer which completes the five model LCL series. It is available in 8 and 12 tonne (17,640 and 26,450 pound) capacity versions. Also completing a range is the new 21LC 660 flat top tower crane in the LC2100 series. Four versions are available, with 18, 24, 36 and 48 tonnes capacity. This model has the manufacturer’s longest jib at 84 m.

Largest in the range are the LC3000 series. A pair of models, the 30LC1100 and the 30LC1450, are available in in three versions, with capacities of 32, 48 and 64 tonnes. Two steps down the product range is the LC1600 series of three flat top towers. The 16LC185 comes in three versions, with 8, 10 and 12 tonnes capacity. The 16LCL220 and the 16LC260 are available in two versions, 10 and 12 tonnes.

New from Comansa is its PowerLift control system which allows an improvement of the load chart by up to 10 % at reduced speed. It is a standard feature on all the company’s flat top models.

Manitowoc’s Potain tower crane brand will be represented by a new luffing jib tower crane and what the company claims as the world’s largest self erecting crane. The MR 418 luffer is the first unit in a range under development with more units coming later in the year. All will have frequency converter drives. Application includes power station or super high-rise (200 m and taller) building construction.

The MR 418 lifts 24 tonnes and maximum jib length is 60 m. It can be fitted with the 201 kW (270 hp) 270 LVF 120 hoist winch (designated 320 LVF 120 in North America) with up to 830 m of rope. For greater productivity the maximum line speed is 254 m/min. Mounting the luffing mechanism and the hoist inside the counter jib reduces the amount of space the crane needs on site and simplifies assembly, Potain says.

Alexandre Chanteclair, Potain product manager for top slewing tower cranes, highlighted the design benefits of the new luffing jib crane. “For luffing jib tower cranes, two of the most important considerations are its out of service radius and the counter jib length,” he explains, “The cranes are designed to work on extremely congested sites, so the less space they take up the better. With the Potain MR 418, we have an extremely compact crane that’s quick to assemble, quick to commission and capable of extremely fast lifting speeds on high-rise job sites.”

High speed operation is another feature of the MR 418. It luffs the jib from the horizontal position to the vertical in 1 minute 16 seconds, well under the 2 minutes that most luffing jib cranes of this size would require, Potain says. New is the auto-levelling function to allow loads to be moved horizontally using only the luffing motion, rather than the luffing motion combined with the hoist.

With the MR 418 a free-standing height of 90 m can be achieved on a 10 m x 10 m base when fitted with 35 m of jib. Only three anchorages are needed to reach a working height of 170 m. When anchored to a building, the crane’s mast can extend 53.2 m above the last anchorage point, the manufacturer says.

The Potain Igo T 130 self erecting crane has a 50 m jib to cover small and medium job sites. Working height can be altered according to project requirements. Manitowoc says it will appeal to customers with experience of the older Potain HDT 80, a popular self erecting crane in North America.

Alternative and industrial lifting
Enerpac is demonstrating its 1,200 US ton (1,100 tonne) capacity SBL1100 hydraulic telescopic gantry lifting system for the first time in the USA. This three stage system is the largest in the company’s range. For easier transport the boom can be folded down. Hydraulics are self-contained and there is the Intellilift radio remote control. Also on show is the new Enerpac EVO synchronous lifting system and the Enerpac HSL strand jack range. The EVO will be demonstrated levelling a container using its computerised control.

Mobile gantry crane manufacturer Shuttlelift will be promoting benefits of its SB series. An advantage over electric overhead travelling cranes is that the SB series can move all through a factory and outside without having to switch from one crane to another. It means more of the factory area can be covered by a crane and there is less rehandling. While other types of pick and carry crane can also do this, issues with them, compared to the Shuttlelift SB Series, are capacity and stability, the manufacturer says.

Manitowoc’s Shuttlelift CD5520 industrial pick and carry crane has been redesigned, boasting the highest capacity and longest reach in the class, the manufacturer says. The 18 tonner has a 16.6 m four section, full power boom. It is the first in a new generation of industrial cranes. “With this project, we completely redesigned the industrial crane from the ground up,” says Thomas McCallum, Manitowoc director of industrial crane sales and crane remarketing. “The end result is a wholly innovative, superior machine that builds on the Grove and Shuttlelift tradition.”

Also available is the Grove Yardboss YB5520, which has the same features and specifications as the Shuttlelift CD5520, and is available through Grove dealers. It replaces the YB5518 while the CD5520 replaces the CD5560B. For the first time on an industrial crane, Shuttlelift is offering two jib options: a 4.6 m extension or a telescoping 4.6 to 7.6 m swingaway.

Specialized transport
A highlight in the transport equipment sector for German manufacturer Scheuerle, part of the TII Group that includes Kamag and Nicolas, is the display of its first Highway Trailer manufactured in the USA. It is the result of a co-operation with the Precision Companies PFC, PEI and PMI. The first unit has been built and tested by Precision Fabricating & Cleaning in Florida. Precision Enterprises Inc has been selling and servicing Kamag equipment for more than 30 years. It is planned to build further products in the USA.

Also on display from Scheuerle is a four-axle Wide Combi Power Booster. The Wide Combi has been customised to fully comply with US legislation and to deal with road conditions there, the manufacturer says. It uses proven pendulum axle technology where the hydraulic cylinders in the axles provide a damping action, compensate for ground unevenness and offer a high lifting range to drive under and lift loads. A steering angle of up to 60 degrees is possible.

Another TII Group exhibit is the Scheuerle-Kamag K25 Power Booster. It has drive axles and can be towed at 80 km/h as an additional platform trailer or it can be used as an auxiliary drive with a Power Pack Unit (PPU) to boost traction on inclines. Where the tractor unit needs help the PPU cuts in automatically. A further option for in-plant transport is the mechanically coupled parallel combination where the Power Booster is laterally coupled as a platform trailer unit. Its broad base allows transport of loads with a high centre of gravity.

US trailer manufacturer Rogers Brothers is showing two new trailers, one of which is the latest 35/40 ton capacity No Foot unit with detachable gooseneck. It has a 24 foot (7.3 m) platform deck and a loaded deck height of 20 inches (500 mm). Lowered cross beams in the rear frame and at the rear of the deck allow better loading of excavators and other plant. Also on show is a 60 to 65 ton (54 to 59 tonne) modular trailer with interchangeable platform, I-beam and drop-side decks. The decks attach to the new Cobra Neck, a multiple ride height detachable gooseneck.

The Cobra Neck is designed to make unhooking and delivering safer, faster and more convenient. It allows increased ground clearance, when necessary, while saving time that would be spent in changing ride height settings, the manufacturer says. It will be available on all Rogers 55 ton (50 tonne) and larger detachable gooseneck trailers.

New from Talbert Manufacturing is the 6-axle steer dolly which, the company says, offers versatility, additional steering control and extra capacity to handle self-supporting superloads. The 60 ton dolly is suitable for everything from heavy, low-riding materials, for example, bridge beams and steel girders, to tower sections for wind turbines, the manufacturer says. It has two groups of three axles with the axles in each group spaced at 60 inches (1.5 metres). With a bunk between the two groups that is connected to the rear-axle bearings through a tie rod system, the total spread is 16 feet, 1 inch (4.9 m). This configuration allows operators to carry more weight and complies with US federal bridge laws, the manufacturer says.

A hydraulic power pack on the dolly allows operators to override mechanical steering with a manual, wireless remote. This option is useful for pilot car drivers escorting superloads. In addition, truck operators can adjust the bunk height from 40 to 50 inches (1 to 1.3 m) to clear overhead obstacles such as electrical lines and traffic signs and obstructions beneath the unit, for example, speed bumps. It also has Ridewell Model 240 air ride suspension. The dolly can be picked up using its four D-rings and stacked on a trailer or the front jeep for easier transport after load delivery.

Components, accessories and services
Engine manufacturer Cummins is showing its new, Tier 4 Final-compliant, 63 to 98kW QSF3.8 engine and the larger, 250 to 382 kW QSG12 models, as well as its after treatment technology to help the engines comply with the stringent emissions limits. Cummins says it will also showcase some of the first Tier 4 Final ready power packs in the industry, together with a power rental trailer.

Hirschmann MCS is presenting its new qSCALE I2, a load moment indicator for mobile cranes. Its Crane Configuration Tool is designed to be easy to use and eliminates the need for programming. The system also has a simplified calibration procedure and a superior HMI graphic interface.

LSI-Robway will roll out its new wireless GS085 Anti-Two-Block Switch and line of wireless Underhook Load Cells. The lower-cost GS085 Anti-Two-Block Switch features an impact resistant, waterproof and UV stabilized nylon enclosure, with a mechanism life of over 250,000 cycles.

With a line of sight range of 4,000 feet, LSI-Robway’s latest wireless A2B switch uses two-way radio communication with market-leading RF immunity. The GS085 also has up to four years battery life from one lithium D-cell. It consists of the radio transmitter, battery and switch mechanism, which mounts at the boom tip. A weight-and-chain assembly is attached to the bottom eye-bolt of the A2B switch. When the weight assembly is lifted by the ball or block, an internal switch triggers an alarm to warn the operator.

Also new from Link-Belt, in partnership with A1A Software, is a telematics program for its new crane models that have the Link-Belt Pulse operating system. The new technology, known as Link-Belt Pulse Telematics Unit, (PTU) monitors all of a crane’s operations, providing upper and lower engine information, diagnostics, GPS location, and crane faults, according to Bruce Kabalen, Link-Belt’s manager of marketing and technical communications.

In the field of training, to help NCCCO candidates and current CCO card-holders make the most of their time at ConExpo, Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) will be holding NCCCO mobile crane operator preparatory training and volunteering services for NCCCO exams. A one-day refresher training programme on 3 March is for recertification candidates, and a three-day CCO preparatory programme for new candidates will be held 3 to 5 March.

Moving to certification, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators will have live equipment demonstrations, nationally accredited certification examinations, education sessions, and practical examiner training. New candidates and existing certificants alike will be given an opportunity to take a wide variety of ANSI-accredited and OSHA-compliant CCO written, practical, and recertification exams. NCCCO has a “Visit ConExpo – Leave Certified” programme with onsite scoring and immediate test results so that successful candidates can leave the event certified.

To make it easier for corporate trainers to maintain ongoing training at their facilities, Crane Institute of America has introduced a new train-the-trainer combination programme it calls The Complete Package. In two weeks trainers can become a Crane Institute of America certified instructor and an authorised practical examiner for Crane Institute Certification (CIC), a nationally accredited, OSHA-recognised certification for crane operators, riggers, and signalpersons. In addition, trainers can lease Crane Institute of America’s online training materials. Limited and unlimited licences are available.