Crawler Cranes Garner Attention at Link-Belt’s CraneFest

Five cranes and a boom option were introduced to customers at Link-Belt's CraneFest '06, held last week at the company's Lexington, Ky., headquarters. Perhaps the most significant introduction is the 230-ton 298 HSL lattice boom crawler crane, which provides a modern replacement for many aging friction crawlers in the same capacity range and still in use in fleets across the country.

“In that capacity range, there haven't been many modern crane introductions,” said Pat Collins, Link-Belt's senior product manager for lattice cranes. According to Collins, the company was disciplined in its approach to maintain a simple design while offering the benefits of hydraulic operation. The crane fills a spot in the company's product line between its 200- and 300-ton models. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2007.

Key features of the 298 HSL include 55,000 pounds maximum line pull and a maximum line speed of 525 fpm, powered by a 365-hp Mitsubishi Tier 3 66M70-T3 engine. Front and rear hoist drums are driven by variable displacement hydraulic piston motors that power the double planetary drive. Hoist and lowering control is further enhanced by hoist drums with adjustable speed control.

Optional front and rear drum “freefall” is possible with a new wet brake design. The result of customer-driven research, the design allows precise control of even light loads in freefall mode.

To reduce the main transport load, which is less than 88,000 pounds, a counterweight removal system (patent applied for) removes the hydraulic cylinders and integral fame in one piece.

Boom is available in 60- to 300-foot tubular lattice with an up-to-90-foot jib as an option. The maximum tip height of 365.5 feet is achieved with 270 feet of main boom combined with the 90-foot jib. A luffer boom for this model will be on the test stand in January 2007.

Just as interesting as this lattice boom crawler crane was the TCC-450, a 45-ton telescopic boom crawler crane built in partnership with Hitachi Sumitomo Construction Crane Co. The first unit, which ships in December, goes to Gingerich Company Crane Rental in Morton, Ill. Featuring an already proven design, the TCC-450 is a North American version of a European model introduced in 2005. The crane features Link-Belt's exclusive four-section box boom, which extends from 33 to 105 feet.

Compared to a rough-terrain crane, the telescopic boom crawler features a lower center of gravity. And the lower track section is completely sealed with extendable side frames. With 32-inch, triple grouser track pads and retracted telescopic boom, this crane can navigate terrain a lattice boom crawler with flat pads cannot.

Other new products included:

• 250-ton ATC-3250 all-terrain crane
• 90-ton RTC-8090 Series II rough terrain crane and companion model rated at 80-tons for use in specific states with stiffer weight restrictions
• Angle lattice boom option for the 218 HSL lattice boom crawler model

For more information on Link-Belt Construction Company's new cranes, go to www.linkbelt.com.