Terex-American Bolsters Product Line with New Crawler Crane

Wilmington, N.C.-based Terex Cranes is scheduled to release a new 230-ton crawler crane, the HC 230, in the second quarter of 2007. Preliminary specifications for the machine include a maximum boom length of 240 feet with a 77-inch hammerhead tip to 270 feet with a 77-inch or 92-inch offset tip. An 85- or 90-foot jib is also available.

Two identical independent main and auxiliary load hoisting drums are capable of a max line speed of 540 fpm, and the maximum single line pull is 54,060 pounds. The rated single line pull is 40,850 pounds. Drums are grooved for 1-1/8-inch diameter rope, and each drum has power up/down. Ample work space in front of the drums allows for access for cable installation and maintenance. Load hoists are further controllable in stepless mode. The high-speed hoist also features external contracting brake, internal expanding band clutch, and 1.7 rpm swing speed.

The open-circuit hydraulic system has two variable displacement piston pumps that supply power to the travel and hoisting functions, three gear pumps that provide power for swing, hydraulic cylinders, and pilot pressure. The hydraulic reserve has a 90-gallon capacity and 10 micron filtration. System capacity is 150 gallons.

The 37-inch wide operator's cab on the HC 230 is designed to provide excellent viewing and quiet comfortable operation. Features in the cab include modular, ergonomically-designed controls; a load moment indicator with interactive screen and shockless stop; and wide curved windows. Operators also have an adjustable operator's seat, radio, air conditioning, overhead window, sun visor, fan, overhead and front windshield wipers, and drum rotation indicators.

A six-cylinder, Tier-III compliant 325-hp Cummins QSL9 turbocharged after-cooled diesel engine powers the HC 230. The two travel speed settings for the machine achieve top speeds of 0.55 and 0.37 mph, and the HC 230 is planned to have 30% gradeability. A fabricated steel carbody is deep box constructed with square axles for the crawler side frames. A precision machined top supports an anti-friction swing circle and a multiple pass hydraulic swivel joint. The travel mechanism is set with the width of the 48-inch crawler shoes. Optional 42-inch track shoes are also available. The side frames extend or retract via cylinders inside the carbody. A 180-gallon fuel tank provides the engine with ample amounts of fuel.

The standard configuration for the counterweight system is 128,000 pounds, made up of a 39,000-pound base and eight 11,143-pound overlays. This eight-piece pin connected system can be assembled or disassembled within minutes. The hydraulic counterweight removal system comes standard with the HC 230. As an option, an extra 35,200 pounds of counterweight can be added to the crane.

With the basic 260-foot boom and the standard counterweight package, the HC 230 can be transported with the use of nine trucks. At 11'6”x11'3”, the basic HC 230 will transport on a standard lowboy trailer. The hydraulic counterweight removal system also assists in the ease of transporting this crane.

Other options for the HC230 include a third drum, a single sheave extension, and a reeving winch.