Compact truck cranes with remote control
Stellar Industries Inc has a new line of hydraulic cranes, called the TC Series. The TC Series is described as a combination of compact European design with an American approach to sensible crane control. The TC Series is a tall mast telescopic crane commonly referred to as a “T-Boom” crane. It is designed for to take up minimal bed space, yet offers 5.6m (18ft 6in) of hydraulic reach to maximise the load radius of the larger models.
This style of crane has historically operated with a manual control valve requiring the operator to be near or under a suspended load. Stellar has incorporated its proprietary Stellar CDT crane control system, which operates with a handheld proportional radio remote transmitter. This allows the operator to better position himself around the load and their work area.
Another new feature is the operator feedback system: the Stellar CDT crane control system will alert the operator to the percentage of load the crane is currently lifting using a series of lights and vibrating pulses in the handheld unit.
The Stellar T-Boom Cranes are powered by a PTO (power-take-off) and pump located on the truck chassis. An optional 12V power unit with an integral hydraulic reservoir is available. Suggested mounting designs for a flatbed installation, as well as integral base systems to mount in front of some bodies are also available
Currently Stellar is offering four different models of the TC Series ranging from 1068 to 1927kg (2400lb to 4520lb) capacities. The all-hydraulic reach varies from 2.6 to 6m (8ft 9in to 19ft 8in).
“We saw a need in the American marketplace for the use of a crane that had versatile mounting options,” says Tim Davison, product manager for Stellar Industries. “We’ve taken a proven European concept and, in Stellar fashion, added value by incorporating our proprietary radio remote system as a standard feature.
“Having a radio remote control takes the operator out of the danger zone and into the best position they deem necessary to get the job done, all the while getting feedback through the remote handle about the load being lifted.”