Terex crawler revealed

In a range of spectacular pictures, IC exclusively reveals what looks like a new model large capacity Terex crawler crane.

Reminiscent of Hans Lehmann's groundbreaking spy-style photos, which became famous in the 1970s exposing new car models before they were officially announced by the manufacturers, IC's trusted source presents an intriguing report based on pictures he took at Terex Cranes manufacturing facilities in and around Zweibrücken in Germany.

Details revealed in the exclusive photos suggest that the crane is in the 600 tonne capacity class, possibly a successor to the popular CC 2800-1 lattice boom crawler. When IC approached Terex Cranes with this information it did not deny that a model with these characteristics was being tested.

"We might have a very interesting launch in the upcoming months, a product in the class that the observer is suggesting," said Rüdiger Zollondz, Terex Cranes director of product marketing, "You will have to wait and see," he added.

The following is a picture-by-picture analysis of the crane, as supplied by IC's contact, who lives close to the factory in Zweibrücken, but wishes to remain nameless.

Photo 1 appears to show the main boom at about 140 metres long, and incorporates the manufacturer's fall protection system, (see the protruding supports that run along the length of the boom with the wire support running between them). Another interesting detail is the cylinders of the variable superlift.

Photo 2 shows that the capacity of the crane, based on the amount of counterweight, is likely to be around 600 tonnes, and it has a different, wider cab from other crawlers, resembling those on the recently launched Challenger all terrain crane range. The crane could be a successor to the CC 2800-1, which is interesting because the 2800-1 did not have variable superlift.

In Photo 3 we can see a very long back mast, much longer than the one on the CC 2800-1. This could mean that the superlift radius is increased. Also, there is about 160 tonnes of counterweight on the upper and 50 tonnes on the chassis.

In the close-up (Photo 4) of the same picture we can see that the hydraulic track drive motor is mounted at 90° to its gearbox so it does not protrude outside the track frame. The design helps protect components from exposure to damage during transport and operation.

Close-up Photo 5 shows that the backstop cylinders are mounted on the foot section of the boom instead of the chassis as before, meaning that there is less weight when transporting the chassis. A rigging cylinder is mounted on the A-frame, which seems to be quite wide. It could allow easier removal of the winches. Also, there are handrails all over and around the crane to enhance safety.

The close-up Photo 6 reveals a centred reeving winch, which makes reeving easier. Interestingly, there are two slewing gears instead of one. Presumably this will give better slewing control with long booms. Using two slew drives should mean less play or slack than with only one slewing gear.

For Photo 7 I followed some trucks carrying crane components to a quarry 50 km from Bierbach, where I took the previous photographs. Here I found another prototype apparently being tested. I presume they are testing the tracks or drive mechanism, but I was asked to leave. I only took this photo.