More Than Operator Comfort

Enlarge Image Image 1: Purchased last year, this is McRay Crane and Rigging's first Tadano crane.

In North America, the 100-ton ATF80-4 is one of the most popular models sold by Tadano America, Houston, Texas, since its introduction here last year. While the crane boasts a number of features designed to keep the operator comfortable, I learned from one of the crane's owners just how impressive its other operational characteristics are. For a review of the crane's key features, read [Part One.]

 

Information central

Enlarge Image Image 2: The command center for the crane is the PDC350 control system.

The command center for the ATF80-4 (formerly the ATF-1000-XL-2) is the PDC350 load moment indicator (LMI) and control system, manufactured by Hirschmann Electronics, Germantown, Md. The PDC350 is a modular micro-processor based system that continuously displays the crane's maximum and actual load, boom length, boom angle, load radius, and parts of line. The central unit consists of the LMI, a fibre optic video coupling device, a network bus board for peripheral devices, and a module for system diagnosis. For operators, the graphic console provides a wide angle of vision, clear readability in sunlight, and adaptive display controls for different brightness and temperature conditions, along with an integrated bar graph that shows the cranes utilization to allow the operator to use the crane to its maximum potential.

 

In the hands of a seasoned crane operator, I was able to more fully appreciate the operational attributes of this AT crane. It delivers a lot more than just operator comfort.

 

Enlarge Image Image 3: It didn't take a pro, like operator Mike Goudy, long to set the crane up for operation.

The other perspective

McRay Crane and Rigging, Inc., a 20-year-old independent crane service and rental company in Houston, purchased its ATF-1000 XL-2 last summer. It's their first Tadano in a fleet of about 20 all-terrain and truck cranes. When asked why McRay Crane and Rigging decided to give Tadano a try, Jerry Pleasant, vice president and general manager, said it had a lot to do with the features found on this model.

 

“We are equally impressed with the commitment Tadano makes to support its products.” After seeing the massive inventory on hand at Tadano America's headquarters, he commented: “We can't afford downtime due to poor parts availability, and we feel Tadano is prepared to respond,” he said.

 

Mike Goudy, with more than 32 years experience, is the operator assigned to this crane. As you might assume, he has operated just about every type of crane ever built. Giving the ATF-1000-XL-2 high marks, Goudy is most impressed with the crane's ability to deliver precise operation. With a look of satisfaction on his face he proclaimed, “This is a crane you can finesse. When I have 159 feet of boom extended and I need to swing the load a half inch, I can do it.” He went on to brag about the swing brake, sharing that it was the smoothest he had ever experienced. Figuring there must be something he didn't like, I pressed him for any suggestions for improvement that he might have.

 

After a moment he responded, “I wish I could stop and start the carrier engine from the upper cab.” The carrier can be driven at a maximum 5 mph from the upper cab in order to reposition the carrier or to make on-rubber pick-and-carry lifts. Seems like a pretty reasonable suggestion.

 

Although it didn't take me that long to set the crane up for operation as I had previously done in Tadano's yard, I really appreciated watching a pro like Goudy do the job. He had the crane set up almost before I could get my camera out of the bag.

 

Controls are mounted on either side of the carrier, about mid-chassis. Electric throttle control allows RPM to be boosted in order to speed up the process; and four individual switches allow independent outrigger deployment. Walking around the base with Goudy, I spotted a couple of alterations that had been made.

 

Enlarge Image Image 4: Custom storage boxes and a repositioned rear bumper make this crane just about perfect for McRay Crane and Rigging.

Custom-built storage boxes for rigging gear were added because the crane has limited storage space. In addition, the rear bumper was moved up about 24 inches to prevent it from getting damaged. Goudy also uses a longer lanyard than the one supplied to secure the block when it is stowed. “If you use the lanyard they supply, a much shorter one, it can twist the block sideways. With a two-part line it sometimes causes it to jump the sheave,” he explained.

 

In the upper cab, the ATF-1000-XL-2 is equipped with a tilting cab floor instead of a tilting cab. The floor raised about 12 inches in the front, to allow a comfortable view skyward. In addition, electric controls allow the front window glass to be opened. Right-hand controls operate the main winch and boom lift/lower; left-hand controls manipulate swing and telescope functions. The left control console swings up to allow easy entry into the cab, then locks in place. No functions will work until the console is locked in position.

 

Enlarge Image Image 5: I was amazed by the precise control delivered through all boom functions.

A thumb switch on the right controller selects the auxiliary hoist. We were working with a two-part line, so hoist operation was at its quickest. But even in this configuration, I was amazed at the sensitivity of the controls. It was possible to spool out precisely one-tenth of an inch if I wanted to. The same was true of the boom.

 

I found myself looking at the LMI to see the elevation numbers grow in order to detect any movement. Mike quipped, “That's what I meant by finesse.”

 

Tadano's thumper device provides an added operator interface by sending a pulse or thump through the control handle as the winch drum rotates. As the spooling speed increases so to does the rate of the thump in the handle.

 

In all, about my only complaint inside the cab, is the position of the T-handle for the manual swing brake. It's in front of the seat on the floor; a perfect position for knocking my boney ankle against. In summary, the final verdict on the ATF80-4 (formerly the ATF-1000-XL-2) reflect both my and Mike Goudy's opinions.

 

Likes

• The ATF80-4 boasts extremely precise controls.
• A smooth hydro-pneumatic suspension didn't even disturb my neglected pen and paper.
• The on-rubber pick-and-carry load chart allows considerable reach and capacity options.
• The PDC350 is a highly flexible load moment indicator and control system.

 

Dislikes

• Inability to start the carrier from the superstructure cab is inconvenient.
• Storage space for rigging gear is limited.
• Swing brake handle is an ankle-bruiser.

 

Verdict

Ergonomic features of the ATF80-4 offer exceptional comfort for operators when on the road or picking a load, while its operational attributes are appreciated by owners and operators, alike.