The two most interesting new cranes shown by Terex, Westport, Conn., at ConExpo-Con/Agg last month in Las Vegas were the Roadmaster 9000, a new concept for the company’s truck crane line rated at 100 tons, and the Crossover 6000, a 60-ton boom truck mounted on a commercial chassis. The Roadmaster 9000 is different from other Terex truck cranes in that it features an X-outrigger pattern. This design lowers the overall center of gravity and takes stress off the transport chassis by transferring all weight through the center turret to the outriggers. It shares an upper structure with the AC 100/4 all terrain crane.
“The telescopic pin-boom system from our all-terrain crane line is proven in the marketplace,” said Jay Barth, product marketing manager. The crane is equipped with two engines. The second engine is sized specifically to power the crane only.
The driving cab, which is sized for two people, is also borrowed from the company’s all-terrain crane line. On highway, the crane achieves 65 to 68 mph. For states that require it, a pusher axle is available as an option.
A prototype was on display at the show and production is expected to begin in May, according Barth.
The Crossover 6000 utilizes the same X-pattern outriggers, which is central to achieving a 60-ton rated crane on a commercial chassis. At the show it was mounted on a Freightliner, but according to Barth, a number of different chassis options are possible. A hydraulically self-removable counterweight system enables multiple configurations and increases the boom truck’s roadability.
In addition, the company also showed the latest addition to the Super Stinger BT series of boom trucks. In 2010 the company released an all-new design for its truck mounted cranes. The new BT 28106 is the latest in that offering. With capacities to 28 tons, the BT 28106 is equipped with a 10-foot boom. The crane can be mounted behind the cab and has dual operator control. Other features include 370° non-continuous rotation without the use of a front outrigger and an electronic load moment indicator with work area definition.
The other road-mobile crane on display and making its U.S. debut was the AC 350/6 all-terrain crane, first introduced at Bauma in Germany last year. This compact 54.8-foot long, six-axle all-terrain crane is rated at 400 tons. A superlift main boom guy provides additional capacity increases.
It has a 210-foot main boom length and can achieve a maximum of 412 feet with jibs, which include a folding swingaway, several fixed jib options, and a luffing fly jib. It features a state-of-the-art fall arrest system for safe access during work at height and patented luffing jib rigging system. Additional attachments can be loaded onto conventional trucks within a width of 8.4 feet.
A total of 165,600 pounds of counterweight comes in eight pieces. A maximum of 17,600 pounds can be carried on board.
The carrier is powered by a Tier 3 Daimler engine with 612 hp. A ZF AS-tronic transmission features 12 forward speeds and two reverse speeds. Axles are arranged 12 x 8 x 10 with 2, 4, and 6 being driven and equipped with selectable transverse lock. Axles 4 and 5 have selectable longitudinal lock. Axles 1, 3, 5, and 6 are steered.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
