All terrain cranes take center stage at ConExpo

Grove GMK8700 CCS 2.0

In the past, big crawler cranes hogged the attention at trade shows like ConExpo and Bauma. Increasingly, however, the spotlight is on the all terrain crane. These versatile and highly technical cranes are a fleet mainstay, and the market for this class of crane is highly competitive. Grove, Link-Belt, Liebherr and Tadano, among others, showed all terrain cranes at ConExpo.

Range topper

The new Grove GMK8700 expands the range of Grove cranes from 50 to 800 US tons (700 tonnes) and sets new benchmarks for lifting performance and versatility, the company said. With an 800 ton capacity on an eight-axle carrier, the GMK8700 meets the demand for heavy-lift solutions across many applications.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce the GMK8700, a testament to the engineering and manufacturing excellence of our team in Wilhelmshaven, Germany,” said Manitowoc’s Andreas Cremer. “This landmark model underscores our commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that help customers achieve greater return on invested capital.”

Manitowoc’s Voice of the Customer process was used to develop this crane. Product versatility and on-site flexibility were a major focus. There are two boom options: a 177 foot (54 metre) boom and a 263 foot (80 metre) boom. Both are of the Megaform design with telescopic sections.

Transportability was a major design priority. Depending on local regulations, the GMK8700 can travel with the boom carried over the front or mounted on a dolly behind the crane. The new carrier incorporates Manitowoc’s MegaDrive system for efficient road travel. Five axles are driven, and the carrier supports two axle groupings – one optimized for road travel and the other for jobsite mobility. Other transport advantages include the MegaTrak suspension, a removable rear outrigger box and an adaptive electronic braking system.

In terms of lifting performance, the luffing jib of the GMK8700 extends reach to 351 feet (107 metres). The jib uses a single back mast and there are optional boom extensions. The self-rigging MegaWingLift capacity-enhancing system can be installed without an auxiliary crane.

The crane can have up to 385,000 pounds (175 tonnes) of counterweight, comprising slabs interchangeable with those of the GMK6400, GMK6400-1 and GMK6450-1 models. The GMK8700 has Manitowoc’s patented Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) technology that enables operators to adjust the counterweight position to boost lifting capacity without adding counterweight.

Manitowoc’s next-generation CCS 2.0 crane control system makes its debut on the GMK8700. It integrates with the on-board Grove Connect telematics platform which supports servicing and product support intuitively. It also integrates with Manitowoc’s Maxbase 2.0, the updated variable outrigger positioning system.

New control system

The new 110 US ton (100 tonne) 4-axle Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3 was a focal point at the Liebherr stand at ConExpo. This crane is an upgrade from the LTM 1090-4.2.

Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3

Incorporating the third generation of the LICCON control system, the new operating system features new software and programming language, faster data bus, more memory and higher computer performance, the company said. But the familiar operating concept ensures a high recognition value among operators, so that the switch to the new control unit is seamless.

The touchscreen function on the large display in the superstructure cab means easier control. LICCON3 is prepared for telemetry and fleet management as standard. Crane contractors will be able to view and evaluate all the relevant data using the MyLiebherr customer portal.

With this crane Liebherr also launched a new driver’s cabin, including a multifunction steering wheel, side roller blind on the driver’s door and improved instruments and modules. An option is central locking with remote key and a “Coming and Leaving Home” function. There is a new heating and air-conditioning system in both cabs.

The new AT can be driven with 22,050 pound, 26,450 pound and 35,275 pound (10, 12 and 16 tonne) axle loads. Using the quick-change ballast system, switching between the individual driving modes is quick. Like its predecessor, the LTM 1090-4.3 has a 197 foot (60 metre) telescopic boom, and performance has been increased when it is extended and in a steep position. This is an advantage for the assembly of tower cranes, one of its main applications.

With Liebherr’s ECOdrive and ECOmode, the crane benefits from lower fuel consumption and noise emissions. The VarioBallast adjustable ballast radius and VarioBase variable support base ensure increased performance and safety.

Important value adds

Link-Belt Cranes launched its latest AT, the all-new 225 US ton (204 tonne) 225|AT, which is strongly focused on the North American market.

Link-Belt 225|AT

“We’re excited to add the 225|AT to our all-terrain product offering,” said Link-Belt’s Andrew Soper. “I’m personally thrilled for customers to experience this AT platform with its new features, increased capacities and superior transportability.”

The 225|AT features a longer reach, larger capacities and more counterweight than its predecessor, the ATC-3210. It was designed to offer easy transportability. Designed, built and tested 100 per cent in Lexington, KY, the 225|AT is proudly American made, Link-Belt said.

The five-axle 225|AT includes a 46 to 202 foot (14 to 62 metre) six-section latching boom, a 42 to 71 foot (13 to 22 metre) two-piece hydraulic offsetable SmartFly, an 8 foot (2.5 metre) heavy-lift jib, one or two 25 foot (7.6 metre) lattice fly extensions and a 334 foot (102 metre) maximum tip height with maximum attachment.

Link-Belt technology innovations include the Pulse 2.0 operating system and a wireless rigging remote function.

Designed with a modular design to optimize roadability, the 225|AT has up to 118,000 pounds (53.5 tonnes) of counterweight, a 29,392 pound (13.3 tonne) maximum winch line pull and a maximum line speed of 450 feet (137 metres) a minute.

The crane is a single-engine platform, featuring an EPA-compliant Cummins X-15 engine coupled with a ZF TraXon automated transmission, offering a top speed of 55 miles per hour (88.5 km/h).

The 225|AT features a slip-resistant paint deck, fall arrest anchors at all maintenance points and Link-Belt’s lighting and vision package. The 225|AT is HVO-ready, including a dual-tank system with a 165 US gallon (625 litre) fuel capacity. Its SmartStack counterweight detection capabilities and Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities (V-CALC) system provides unlimited outrigger configurations, Link-Belt said.

Power and maneuverability

Tadano put two all terrain cranes in the spotlight at ConExpo, offering 300 and 350 ton capacities with the AC 5.250L-2 and AC 6.300-1.

Tadano AC 5.250L-2

The AC 5.250L-2 excels in the 5-axle class with its 259.2 foot (79 metre) side pinning main boom system. It has a maximum main boom extension of 98.4 feet (30 metres). Also shown on this machine was the new bi-fold jib (32.8 foot/62.3 foot + 3.6 foot adapter). Interestingly, all available main boom extensions from 19.0 to 98.4 feet are self erecting. The available maximum system length of 357.6 feet (109 metres) makes the compact AC 5.250L-2 the ideal crane for urban applications. It is also ideally suited to the assembly of large tower cranes.

The AC 5.250L-2 features optimized rigging solutions including remote control, self-leveling outriggers and automatic counterweight rigging. It picks up its maximum counterweight of 176,400 pounds (80 tonnes) in three lifts: 109,300 pounds with a radius of up to 22.3 feet at a full radius of 360° and two 33,500 pounds with a radius of up to 42.7 feet divided into 22,050 and 11,500 pounds for hanging on the right and left of the basic package. Maximum flexibility in transport logistics is also ensured by the division of the counterweight, with no element weighing more than 22,050 pounds (10 tonnes).

Tadano equipped the AC 5.250L-2 with the IC-1 Plus crane control system, which determines the maximum load capacity of the crane in real time for each boom position depending on the slewing angle of the superstructure. The optional Surround View camera system makes it easier for the operator to position the crane.

XCMG XCA275_U

Intelligent crane

The XCMG XCA275_U is a 275 US ton (250 tonne) capacity all terrain on five axles. It has a seven section, 262.5 foot (80 metre) telescopic boom to which can be added a fixed jib, up to 144.36 feet long, giving a maximum total reach of 354.3 feet (108 metres).

XCMG said this model was designed and certified to meet ASME B30 standards and OSHA regulations. The crane has one engine with the hydraulic pumps driven from the transmission and hydraulic power sent to the upper through the slew ring via an hydraulic swivel. The engine is Mercedes-Benz diesel with maximum net power output of 523 bhp (390 kW).

XCMG describes the crane as an intelligent crane in terms of travel and off-road performance. Maximum travel speed is 49.7 mph (80 km/h).