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Sept. 9, 2020 – Starting this month, Boomtrux Inc., Tampa, Florida, is adding a 35-ton, 130’-tip-height model to the lineup of XCMG brand boom trucks it offers the U.S. lifting industry.
Boomtrux owner, Carlton Calfee Jr., is a long-time veteran of the boom truck business, having been trained by Ray Pitman, and later having led successful dealerships that sold Terex, National, and Manitex boom trucks.
Boomtrux is the exclusive U.S. importer of XCMG boom trucks, which are manufactured in China, then mounted onto U.S. commercial truck chassis at the Boomtrux facility in Tampa. Right now, Boomtrux is mounting the cranes on Kenworth T-880 truck chassis, but they will also use Peterbilt or Freightliner chassis to suit a customer’s preference.
“If you sell boom trucks, you have to be in the installation business,” said Calfee. “The XCMG comes complete, ready to install on the trucks. We put them on the chassis, do the build out, and thoroughly test them. Installation takes about five days.”
The new XCT 35120U joins the 40-ton capacity 152’-tip-height XCT 40142U, which Boomtrux began offering last fall. “We are currently installing four cranes every month,” said Calfee, “two 40142Us and two 35120Us.” He expects that pace to pick up. “In total, we have 45 of the new XCMG cranes available through 2020,” he said.
Key Features
According to Calfee, the XCMG sub-frame is 25% larger than that on traditional American-made boom trucks. All the swing-cab cranes come with enclosed cabs equipped with air conditioning and heat.
In addition, the XCMG boom and hydraulic system were designed by a world-class German manufacturer of larger cranes. The strong and efficient U-boom design is already being used in Europe, said Calfee.
“The boom combines two telescope systems so that lighter boom sections can extended first for maximum capacity at radius if a lift calls for it,” said Calfee. He gave the example of the XCMG 40142U lifting 2,600 lbs. at a 100’ radius, compared to 1,790-lbs. by a competitor. “The boom lengths and capacities are particularly useful for applications where it’s not desirable to use a jib, for example tree care,” said Calfee.
Three More Models Coming by Early 2021
XCMG will introduce three more models later in 2020 and early in 2021.
The 45-ton capacity XCT 45142U is almost ready to ship and will be available in November.
A 30-ton capacity behind-cab crane that leaves 22’ of flat bed and is available with out-and-down outriggers as well as an auger is due to roll out in December.
And a 60-ton capacity model with 160’ boom on a tandem-tandem chassis is due early next year.
New Sales Offices
In addition to its headquarters in Tampa, Boomtrux will by November open new sales locations in Celina, Ohio, Baltimore, and Boston. All locations will offer delivery and training. Calfee noted that in-house financing is available and that customers have the option of outright purchasing or of leasing with the option to purchase.
Boomtrux already has 19 service locations through the eastern U.S. Its market area is currently the 26 easternmost U.S. states. Parts depots are at Boomtrux’s Tampa headquarters and at XCMG’s North America headquarters in Las Vegas.
Calfee says Boomtrux’s goal is to ship parts within 24 hours. “There are currently more than 3,000 parts in Las Vegas, and about 350 of them are coning to Tampa in the next few weeks,” he said.
Currently, 14 XCMG boom trucks are sold and working in the U.S. Eight more are being assembled through the end of September, said Calfee. Most of the XCMG cranes have been sold to crane rental companies or tree removal firms. “Our first customer, who is in Jacksonville, Florida, has recommended the crane to five other potential customers,” said Calfee.
Options Available
The swing-cab cranes all have jibs available as options. Radio controls for outriggers come standard. Work platforms are available through a proven US supplier. The XCT 30105 behind-cab crane will be available both with jibs and a 20,000-lb. auger for highway sign work and powerline installation.
Easy Travel, Fast Setup
“All XCMG cranes up to the 40142U are road legal without permits,” said Calfee. “The 45-ton and 60-ton models are in test now. We will know by November if any permits will be needed.” Calfee said that Boomtrux tests show that one person can put the outriggers down and be ready to raise the boom in just 3.5 minutes. “The leveling system in the cab helps setup, it’s not automatic,” he said.
