Hammerhead with bite

Terex Cranes said it has upgraded its line of tower cranes with the addition of the new Terex SK 452-20 hammerhead tower crane. The SK 452-20 is based on Terex’s SK 415-20 hammerhead tower crane and, as such, shares up to 90 percent of its parts with the previous model. However, according to Terex, the new model features a number of key mechanical and structural enhancements.

The SK 452-20 hammerhead tower crane has a maximum capacity of 20 tonnes (22 US tons) and a jib tip capacity of 2.5 tonnes (2.75 US tons) at 262 ft, announced Terex. It can be erected on two different tower systems - the TS212 and HD23 - and has a maximum free standing height of 88 metres (289 ft). Terex says the counter jib platform has been redesigned to improve ease of access and maintenance.

Terex claimed the SK 452-20 offers increased performance and quick setup via a new control system via which the operator can set the crane’s configuration. The speed of hoisting, trolleying and slewing can all be customised. Trolley speeds range up to 312 ft/min while slewing can reach up to 0.9 rpm. A new hoist winch system allows for a hoisting speed of 190 m/min (623 ft/min) and a drum capacity of 990 m (3,248 ft).

Remote access is also possible, enabling actual crane data, historical crane data, weather conditions, working hours, active alarms, and an alarm history to all be remotely checked.

If specified, the SK 452-20 can be supplied equipped with Terex’s Transfer Mast system which enables users to connect any two tower crane systems from Terex (and/or its legacy brands, Peiner and Comedil) to form what Terex described as ‘a new versatile and productive tower crane system’ enabling users to maximise utilisation of existing equipment on site.

“The SK 452-20 is a new model based on our popular SK 415-20 and our customers had an important role on the development phase. We’ve increased winch speeds by 70 percent and the crane’s rope capacity by 90 percent - the equivalent of an additional 30 floors of working under hook. We’ve also made structural changes that will make set up and transportation faster and easier. These enhancements will help contractors lower operating costs while getting a high return-on-investment,” said Angelo Cosmo, product marketing manager at Terex Cranes.