Looking c&a loader cranes further

World Power’s largest crawler mounted knuckle East… boom crane is the ER-115.000 For many years the market leaders in the loader crane sector - Palfinger, Hiab and Fassi - have remained unchallenged although it has not all been plain sailing. Last year we highlighted Denmark’s HMF - probably the fourth largest loader crane manufacturer - and looked at its recent expansion and developments. However, lurking in the background are a number of manufacturers from a country with a predilection for very large loader - or should we say knuckle boom

- cranes. The country is Turkey and it appears to be Hidrokon’s Barry Chester making inroads in western Europe, possibly assisted with the new fully folding Hydrokon’s new 110 tonne/ by the recent depreciation of the currency. HK110 at Bauma metre HK110 Walking around Bauma you could crane. On top of all this it builds tensile SSAB steel,” says Barry as something larger than the 110 hardly fail to notice the growing vehicle recovery equipment, marine Chester of Hidrokon. “All materials tonne/metre HK110.” number of Turkish manufacturers. cranes and provides special project supplied are examined for quality “Some of the larger knuckle boom In the loader crane sector solutions. and continuity using state of the cranes may breach maximum gross this included Hidrokon, World At Bauma the company launched art testing equipment, while the vehicle weights in some markets, Power Erkin and MPG (Makine the new HK range of ‘fully folding’ manufacturing process involves in which case they would be Prouduksiyon Grubu) which loader cranes which includes the 20 plasma laser cutting machines and limited to special use cases such exhibited a 450 tonne metre tonne/metre HK20, the HK65 and the robot welding. Each completed as rail, off road vehicles, marine knuckle boom crane on a seven HK110. The HK20 can lift just over a unit is then painted in a three and site based trucks. For the UK, axle chassis. tonne at its maximum 12.58 metres part process to meet the higher units up to 165 tonne/metres can Hidrokon expands reach including manual extension or standards of a marine crane finish be mounted on standard truck before being passed for final test and Hidrokon was formed in 1993 when 1,285kg at 10.46 metres on the full chassis.” approval.” it began building large knuckle boom power telescopic version. The unit As part of its expansion Hidrokon or, if you prefer, articulated cranes. has multiple options and is said to Features of the HK range include has opened a new distribution and Its current range is topped by a be ‘very competitive’. 25 degree negative boom angle, a parts centre in Denmark - Hidrokon 345 tonne/metre mode, but also The 65 tonne/metre HK65 can lift progressive stability control system Europe - and more recently a manufactures truck cranes from almost 500kg at a maximum of with visuals of the crane’s position satellite operation in the UK. It is 10 to 60 tonnes, truck mounted 31.63 metres while the 110 tonne/ available on screen and on the also looking to appoint distributors platforms to 60 metres and has metre HK110 has a maximum remote control unit, simultaneous throughout Europe and says recently launched a new All Terrain capacity of 21 tonnes and can multi-function feather control with discussions are already under way handle two tonnes variable speed hydraulics, a control in some key markets. system to govern sequential boom Hidrokon launched its HK on its main boom at “To support the European markets, range which includes the extension/retraction as well as up to 25.36 metres. service personnel from Denmark 20 tonne/metre HK20 a wide range of options to suit With jib extensions, and the factory in Turkey are individual customer preferences 510kg at 34.56 available to provide hands-on such as restricted movement metres is possible. support and training. spare parts parameters, auto-levelling and one “The new fully can now be ordered from Denmark touch automatic folding. folding range for overnight throughout Europe. was designed “With more investment and a new In the UK we have already signed completely in house determination to enter new markets, up key partners for installation and and manufactured new products are being developed after-market support to cover most using the latest rapidly,” he said. “The fully folding of England and Wales. Scotland and technology, best in range will be expanded to cover the Ireland are yet to be determined but class components market’s most popular sizes with we anticipate this will be in place and high grade the imminent addition of 15, 35 soon.” and 85 tonne/metre units as well

June 2019 cranes & access 35 Palfinger’s largest crane is the 150.7 loader cranes c&a tonne/metres PK 200002 L SH High Performance

The 450 tonne/metre MPG 450 on a seven axle carrier

More MPG Like the other larger MPG loader Another Turkish company MPG cranes from the AC 130 TM up, the located in Konya - south of Ankara MPG 450 features two stabilisers to - produced its first loader crane in the rear of the chassis adding to lift 1998 having manufactured truck capacity and stability. cranes since 1990. It currently offers World Power Erkin a range of 20 loader crane models Probably the most recognised ranging from the AC 20 TM to the knuckle crane brand from Turkey is monster 430 tonne/metre MPG 450 World Power Erkin which produces mounted on a seven axle carrier cranes from nine to 450 tonne/ combination stowed to the front over equivalents, but their ranges are - the machine that was shown at metres and claims to have been the chassis cab shortening the overall growing. Bauma. The Danish Crane Import the first to produce such a large travel length. The MPG 450 however Group based in Roskilde, has been knuckle boom - the ER-450.000. Palfinger’s largest crane is the the master distributor for mainland stows the crane to the rear, reducing 150.7 tonne/metres PK 200002 The company was formed from Europe for the past three years, the overall height but increasing L SH High Performance with a the 40 year old Erkin Hydraulic while JHKran is the local dealer for overall length, which necessitates a maximum outreach of 47.9 metres company and has become known Denmark, between them they have further two axles. The ER-450.000 (25.6 metre hydraulic) and a for heavy-duty custom-built sold eight large machines. uses an eight section boom with maximum capacity of 40 tonnes. machines. It also claims to have six section jib, the MPG has a nine Hiab’s largest loader crane is the The MPG 450 has a maximum designed and built the world’s section boom and similar jib. X-HiPro 1058 - a 90 tonne/metre capacity of 77 tonnes at 5.15 metres first 360 tonne/metre knuckle Maximum lift capacity favours the crane with a horizontal outreach and 6.5 tonnes at 33.25 metres. If boom crane which can operate World Power machine - with 92 of 34.5 metres and 38 metres using the two manual extensions it in restricted headroom situations tonnes at 4.6 metres compared with vertically. Fassi comes closest with can take 3.5 tonnes to its maximum making it particularly useful for the MPG’s 77 tonnes at 5.15 metres. its 160 tonne metre F2150RAL xhe- horizontal reach of 40.48 metres. moving and assembling machinery. At 17.5 metres both machines lift dynamic which has a maximum With jib the unit has a lift height In addition, it produces three about the same, however on the full outreach with jib of 41.3 metres. of almost 70 metres and can lift crawler mounted knuckle boom hydraulic boom reach the ER-450.000 310kg at its maximum radius of 65.7 cranes with lift capacities to Hiab Effer can lift 13.3 tonnes at 22.3 metres, metres. 37 tonnes, marine cranes, boat Hiab’s lack of big capacity cranes to whereas the MPG can reach 33.25 The crane has a touch screen movers, recovery tow trucks and compete in this niche but growing metre with 6.5 tonnes. Both have control panel showing cylinder scrap loader cranes. market sector was certainly one two manual extensions with the MPG pressure, boom length and angle, of the reasons for acquiring Italian 450tm machines winning this comparison by almost 13 truck stabilisation and automatic manufacturer Effer from the CTE compared metres - 40.48m/3.5 tonnes versus counterweight. Other features group last year. At the time Hiab It is interesting to compare the two 27.8m/5.6 tonnes. include radio remote control, and its parent Cargotec said the 450 tonne/metre cranes - MPG’s electronic Crane Control System Big cranes acquisition would be a key factor in 450 and the ER-450.000-L - as there and Crane Diagnostic System, from the leaders its aim to become the clear loader are several major differences. Active Stability Monitoring, remote The market for these mega loader crane market leader. The Effer range technical support, automatic All the larger World Power cranes is very small, so it is not significantly boosts Hiab’s range lubrication system and winch. It can machines are mounted on five surprising that market leaders like over 100 tonne/metres where Effer also be fitted with a work platform. axle carriers with the boom and jib Palfinger, Hiab and Fassi do not have is a leading player with models

(L-R) Viggo and Dorte Burin-Rasmussen of the Danish Crane Import Group, Veysel Soylu of MPG and Jan Hansen of JHKran at Bauma The World Power ER 450.000-L

36 cranes & access June 2019 The Effer 2255 can lift 3,720kg at 26.12 metres c&a loader cranes

“With FrameWorks we reduced the installation times of frames for our heavy range cranes by 75 percent and have now reduced installation time for bodies by the same amount. Using the ready to go T-Body kits, a light range crane can be installed in just four hours up to 300 tonne/metres, including our offering to customers that Hiab BodyWorks - for heavy cranes - reducing costs significantly.” special application truck cranes and require these larger cranes. We significantly reduces installation time. marine cranes. are also focusing on models that adding to the vehicle payload, while New loader cranes With the acquisition now sorted complement and offer additional lowering fuel consumption when not Hiab has also launched several Hiab affiliates have been looking at advantages to our current product fully loaded. new loader cranes. The ‘building handling Effer cranes. The UK is a range. For example, Hiab doesn’t “When customers buy a crane, material’ cranes range from 13 to prime example of this, the marque offer continuous slewing until 35 they want it on the road as soon 20 tonne/metres include the L-HiPro has been handled by commercial tonne/metre cranes, whereas Effer as possible, while bodybuilders 145, L-HiPro 195 and L-HiPro 235. vehicle bodybuilder Martin Williams cranes have greater reach and want to serve as many customers All new models are equipped with for some time and will remain as a continuous slewing with its smaller as possible. Our new modular Hiab’s top end control systems, key service and installation provider 20 tonne/metre cranes.” installation for Effer products, but Hiab’s nine Hiab launches system reduces locations will now also service and Hiab continues to develop new installation time support Effer cranes. products recently launching two significantly and Hiab managing director for the new modular installation systems the weld free UK and Ireland Ian Mitchell said: for truck bodies - Hiab BodyWorks construction “The Effer acquisition gives Hiab for heavy cranes and Hiab T-Body makes them a great opportunity to expand and for its T series light range cranes. easier to strengthen our offering in the UK, The modules are pre-manufactured maintain,” particularly in high-end cranes.” and reduce body installation times says Marcel Boxem, director Product manager Alastair Evans and costs. Both have a weld free heavy loader added: “Hiab has never had cranes bolted construction with parts Hiab BodyWorks is only compatible with cranes and FrameWorks and installation is done at Hiab’s factory over 100 tonne/metres before that are said to be easy to remove FrameWorks. installation centre in Meppel the Netherlands so the addition of Effer opens up and replace. They are also lighter

June 2019 cranes & access 37 loader cranes c&a

Kurko Crane has mounted a Fassi F2150RAL.2.28L816L onto the back of a five axle Volvo FH13 540 10x4 chassis

World’s biggest “It is basically a mobile crane and rear mounted Fassi registered as such,” says Kimmo Several years ago, there was Koponen of Kurko Crane. “Thanks a ‘phase’ in some countries of to the five tonne counterweight, replacing small truck mobile the central chassis stabilisers at Hiab has launched three ‘building the back of the truck need only to material cranes from 13 to 20 tonne/metres cranes with large loader cranes on dedicated trucks. Kurko be lowered to the ground but not extended. This makes it possible high speed boom extension and the remote control’s capabilities as Crane of Finland is one of the an operating tool in crane handling. latest companies doing this to lift objects three metres away optional HiPro remote control from the centre of the crane. The system. Using the CAN-BUS connection and has mounted the largest eliminates the need for connections Fassi loader crane - the Fassi counterweight also means that The cranes feature Crane Tip Control of different devices on both the F2150RAL.2.28L816L - onto the outriggers only need to be extended (CTC) - which the company claims truck and crane. back of a five axle Volvo FH13 540 80 percent to get full lifting allow even novice operators to 10x4 chassis. The unit has an overall capacity. More of this type of crane perform complicated movements With FX-Link, information will be weight of 39 tonnes without the trucks are coming to the market - and the Load Stability System exchanged from the crane to the jib or the five tonne counterweight. and it looks like they will be a big which automatically compensates truck and vice versa. Switching the This gives a maximum capacity of competitor to small capacity mobile for unintentionally excessive lever truck off and on, setting the engine 28.7 tonnes at 4.75 metres radius, cranes.” operation, protecting the operator, speed, limiting the air suspension, a vertical reach of 45 metres and New Hyva range the surrounding environment and the switching on the headlights and 50 metres with manual extensions. crane. other warning lights, activating Dutch loader crane manufacturer the horn and activating the The crane has an overall length of Hyva has launched its new Edge Fassi FX-Link parking brake are all controls that 10.3 metres an overall width of 2.55 crane range featuring 40 models The loader crane sector is without are also available on the crane’s metres and is 3.8 metres high. ranging from nine to 66 tonne/ doubt the most innovative of all remote controller. Meanwhile, the Mounted at the rear of the chassis metres, offering 360 degree the equipment segments in terms extremely clear interface on the the unit can slew 360 degrees with continuous slew, up to eight of technology and structural truck dashboard warns the driver its maximum capacity - even when extensions depending on the model, fabrications - driven by the constant when the crane outriggers fail to the outriggers are down but not and a choice of jibs, winches and demand to reduce weight, while close and of any height-related extended. Kurko claims this is the accessories. increasing performance and obstructions. The FX-Link system world’s biggest rear mounted Fassi The first and largest model improving productivity. As well as can be installed on all Volvo FH, FM crane and it has full CE certification launched, the 66 tonne/metre sophisticated electronics controlling and FMX vehicles equipped with for the crane, truck and reinforced HC661, features Hyva’s new all aspects of the loader crane there CAN-BUS technology. frame. Auto Stabilising System (ASS), is an increasing move towards integrating control functions both on the crane and the truck. The Kurko unit can lift 28.7 tonnes at 4.75 metres and has a At the end of last year Fassi vertical reach of 50 metres launched a new system to optimise connectivity between the crane and truck with various functions controlled from the crane remote control and from the truck. Developed by Fassi and Volvo Trucks Italia it gives the driver better, quicker feedback on the crane when behind the wheel. This is done by fully integrating information into the vehicle’s dashboard and enhancing

With FX-Link, information will be exchanged from the crane to the truck and vice versa.

38 cranes & access June 2019

loader cranes c&a Tadano’s largest Tadano has also launched its largest loader crane to date - the TM-ZX1505 - initially aimed at the Middle East and south east Asia markets. With a maximum capacity of 15 tonnes at a two metre radius the TM- ZX1505 has an 18.5 metre boom with a maximum Some of the Hyva Edge cranes at Bauma radius is 18.07 metres. The Collett & Sons has taken delivery of a 115 tonne/metre Fassi TM-ZX1505 is equipped F1150RA.2.26 mounted on a MAN TGS 41.480 8x8 tractor unit allowing for the truck to be levelled with Tadano’s Automatic Moment Welsh landscaper M&D Services is automatically, and the Active Limiter (AML), which includes Awareness Radio Remote (AARR), using its Palfinger PK 19.001 SLD5 a stability monitoring function loader crane mounted on a farm which alerts the operator through in addition to being an overload tractor for utility work joystick vibrations of any potential indicator. The crane also features hazards. a digital operator display which The new range features a new shows actual and rated loads, and control station for high visibility an optional remote control among and easier operation, as well as the other features. The system includes Dynamic Load Diagram system, the newly developed load weight which confirms the available lifting function which calculates and capacity based on the truck’s actual displays load weight during loading stability at the time, and the Magic and unloading. Touch feature that allows automatic Fassi for Collett boom stowage and unfolding from UK heavy lift and haulage company travel to ready to work position. Collett & Sons has taken delivery IMTs largest of a 115 tonne/metre Fassi US-based loader and service crane F1150RA.2.26 loader crane. manufacturer and distributor Iowa Mounted on a MAN TGS 41.480 Mold Tooling (IMT) has launched the 8x8 tractor unit, the crane can 42684, its largest loader crane to handle 22 tonnes at a radius of AET Transport Services has date, with a maximum load moment 4.15 metres, or 5.6 tonnes at 15.45 added a new rear mounted of 46.5 tonne/metres and a radius of metres. The four axle unit has a 65 tonne/metre Palfinger PK65002D SH to its fleet 25.2 metres. The remote controlled Gross Vehicle Weight of 90 tonnes crane also features IMTs Progressive and can be used as a ballast tractor a maximum radius of 12.6 metres. Big Palfinger for AET Crane Control (PCC) for smoother to push or pull heavy loads as well The bespoke model was designed by UK heavy haulage and machinery crane movements and Priority Flow as towing heavy trailers. Collett Welsh equipment dealer David Evans Control (PFC). runs a fleet of loader cranes topped removal company AET Transport Agri and allows for the crane to be Services has added a new rear Other features include Electronic by a 205 tonne metre Effer 2055. easily detached from the tractor if mounted 65 tonne/metre Palfinger Vehicle Stability (EVS) system which Tractor mounted Palfinger required. PK65002D SH loader crane on a monitors the tilt angle of the truck’s Welsh landscaper M&D Services M&D Services owner Mark Davis Mercedes Arocs 48LK ENA32 32 chassis, chassis flex and outrigger is using its Palfinger PK 19.001 said: “In the countryside around tonne, four axle chassis. The new pressures into the fully integrated SLD5 loader crane mounted on a south Wales utilities companies truck has been assigned to AET’s Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) to farm tractor for utility work. Fitted need to install poles, pipes and factory relocation team operating maximise lifting capacities. IMT is to a Fendt 936 Vario chassis, the cables in areas which truck mounted throughout Europe for companies the North American distributor for PK 19.001 SLD5 has a maximum cranes can’t reach, my tractor such as Airbus, Britax, Rolls-Royce HMF, which supplies the larger IMT capacity of 18.5 tonne metres and mounted crane solves the problem.” and Sunseeker. The AET group - cranes on an OEM basis. which includes AET Andover, Curvin The 46.5 tonne/metre 42684 is IMT’s Transport, Dorset Crane Hire, and The Tadano TM- largest crane to date ZX1505 is initially Eaton Transport divisions - runs aimed at the Middle a combined fleet of 66 vehicles East and south east including three 32 tonne 8x2 trucks Asia markets. with cranes positioned behind the cab.

40 cranes & access June 2019