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Product development is a huge part of an OEM’s strategy for success. New product introductions and existing product enhancements are a year round effort for almost every manufacturer, but they generally save their most exciting product launches for the global tradeshows, such as ConExpo in Las Vegas and Bauma in Munich, Germany.

Successful product launches are often identified by the tradeshow in which they were introduced. Such was certainly the case for Manitowoc’s roll out of its VPC technology crawler cranes at ConExpo two years ago, and similarly Terex’s CC3800 that same year.

So it’s that time of year when we begin to look forward to the new products that will be shown April 11-17 at Bauma. Whether you are traveling to Germany or not, ACT plans to provide readers with as much information as possible about the cranes, transport systems and other ancillary equipment that will be shown at Bauma, the largest construction equipment tradeshow in the world.

Triple-Boom System
For almost a year Tadano has been spreading the news about its new flagship ATF 600G-8 all terrain crane. With a 600-metric ton capacity, it’s the largest crane Tadano builds. But apparently the big deal about this crane is what Tadano describes as “the revolutionary Tadano Triple-Boom System, which does not require the transportation or handling of a separate boom suspension system.” The company said for this crane, they have developed a complete “discard the boom suspension system” with a new type of main boom system. Many Tadano customers from Europe and North America have seen a prototype of the crane, which made its debut at the Tadano plant in Germany last June. But in April everyone will have the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at this newbie.

What if?
As per the norm, Terex is secretive about its Bauma plans, and we respect their desire to go for the surprise element. Their “What If ” ad campaign is quite intriguing; it leads us to believe the Terex product development team has been pretty busy, and that they will generate some major oohs and ahhs in Germany. Terex will show a new global rough terrain crane, an updated five-axle all terrain family and some other product enhancements. Terex’s new Superlift Boom Booster is sure to get a lot of attention, as this kit can increase the lifting capacity of the Terex Superlift 3800 by up to 30 percent. Also on display from Terex Cranes will be the IC-1 Plus control system, which also helps to boost lifting capacities.

Home turf
Bauma is pretty much home turf for Liebherr, and they always go above and beyond when it comes to showing new machines. According to sources close to Alex Dahm, editor of sister magazine International Cranes & Specialized Transport, new Liebherr cranes “will be its smallest; a new tower crane series, and one of its largest – a wheeled mobile telescopic crane in the eight-axle class with a very long boom.” There will also be a new crawler and wheeled mobile cranes, plus a synthetic fiber hoist rope.

The new crawler will be the 100-metric ton LR 1100. The newly designed steel fabrication of this crawler resembles a tubular structure so it has a high recognition factor but also allows for optimum force transmission over short distances, Liebherr said.

Fresh from Kentucky
Link-Belt Construction Equipment will show several of its most recently introduced cranes including the TCC-1400, 100|RT and RTC-80150 Series II, as well as a brand new truck crane – the HTT-86110. The HTT-86110 telescopic truck terrain crane features simple, all-wheel steer capability for optimum crane maneuverability in congested spaces. Steerable rear axles with super single tires are what make the HTT-86110 so agile, and with four steering modes – independent front, independent rear, combination and diagonal – this crane can move in and around jobsites with ease. The HTT-86110 features a 164-foot main boom that outreaches truck crane competition and challenges European-built all terrain cranes in its tonnage class, the company said.

Moving forward
Marking the first time it will participate in a tradeshow as a standalone company, Manitowoc Cranes will not disappoint. Manitowoc will show three new Grove ATs, at least one new RT and a new MDT CCS tower crane. There will also be some surprises as Manitowoc is always wont to do. The MDT 389 is actually the largest in the new line of topless cranes from Potain, all of which are equipped with Manitowoc’s Crane Control System, or CCS. CCS is a revolutionary, user-friendly operating system that will eventually be featured on all new Potain tower cranes, as well as all new crawler cranes, ATs and RTs. The standardized system will enable operators to learn just one interface that can be used across all crane ranges, according to Manitowoc.

Towering above
Linden Comansa will show three models of its tower crane range. A luffing-jib crane and two flat-top designs will be exhibited at the stand that Linden Comansa will share with BKL Baukran Logistik, one of Europe’s largest crane rental, sales and service companies. The demand for luffing-jib tower cranes is rising in many parts of the world, and one of Linden Comansa’s goals at Bauma will be to promote its extensive range of luffers, which consists of 12 different models, with maximum load capacities between eight and 30 metric tons. On show will be the LCL280 luffing-jib crane with maximum load of 18 metric tons. This unit also has versions of 12 and 24 metric tons.

The Wolff package
With the Wolff 7534 clear, Wolffkran is introducing its biggest and most powerful flat-top crane. The company described the crane as easy to assemble, spacesaving, powerful and economical. North Americans will be particularly interested in the U.S. tower crane versions of the Wolff 355 B and 700 B luffing cranes. With their load capacities of 28 tons (355 B) and 50 tons (700 B), these cranes feature electronics that were adapted to meet U.S. tower crane regulations.

Among the minis
Maeda will be displaying eight mini crane models, including four of its MC series models, the MC174, MC285, MC305, and MC405. All of these cranes feature spider-leg outrigger design, telescoping booms and dual power options. New to the series is the MK1033 with telescopic luffing jib and articulated boom and jib attachment. Three telescopic crawler-style mini cranes, the LC785, LC383 and the new CC1485, will also be exhibited at the Maeda stand.

Good as Goldhofer
German transportation trailer and transport system manufacturer Goldhofer has a lot of secrets they are keeping on tap for Bauma, including the new MPA-K series “with its unique range of possible combinations,” the company said. Another big attraction will be something associated with a new kind of auxiliary drive for self-propelled heavy-duty modules. Again Goldhofer wouldn’t get specific with the details.

For North American customers the Faktor 5 high girder bridge will vie for a lot of attention. To date there’s only one of these giant transport systems in the U.S., owned by Edwards Moving & Rigging, which recently completed its first job with its Faktor 5.

An eye on TII
The TII Group is going to impress with a range of new machines as always, and it’s likely a lot of North American customers will be hanging out at the TII booth. The PowerBooster SPMTs, with their lightweight attributes on public roads will be of interest, as will the new lighting package for SPMTs that Scheuerle developed with Mammoet. The Kamag K25 and related innovations will also be an attention getter.

This is just a first glance at what will be on display in Germany. We anticipate many more product launches of cranes and transport equipment, components and services. We are especially looking forward to product offerings from Kobelco, Manitex International, Lift Systems and other companies with a strong North American following. Look for the full Bauma Show Guide in the April issue of American Cranes & Transport. ■