New Link-Belt Cranes Easy to Transport

Enlarge Image Link-Belt's new RTC-8060 Series II

 March 23, 2005 • The RTC-8060 Series II rough-terrain crane was one of eight new cranes introduced at ConExpo by Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company, Lexington, Ky. The 60-ton RT crane features a completely new operator's station and a fully rigged transport weight of less than 90,000 pounds.

 

A large curved front window improves visibility from the cab with the operator in a six-way adjustable seat and working at high boom angles. All gauges and switches have been placed in the operator's forward line of sight and are backlit for low light operation.

 

A new full power, four-section boom extending from 38 to 115 feet is equipped with Teflon puck wear pads to automatically lubricate the boom sections. As a result, no boom grease is required. An optional 35- to 58-foot bi-folding offsettable fly attachment provides a maximum tip height of 180 feet. The fly has four offset positions of 2°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.

 

Winches deliver 17,182 pounds of line pull and 459 fpm of line speed. Spooled on the winch drum is 19 mm diameter 6x19 IWRC wire rope; rotation resistant rope as available as an option.

 

A 225 hp Caterpillar 3226B engine, coupled to a direct-mount Spicer power-shift transmission with six forward and six reverse speeds, powers the RT crane. Featuring four-link suspension with Hydro-gas Ride™, Link-Belt has applied automotive style four-Link suspension to a rough terrain crane carrier. The fully independent rear suspension greatly reduces the inherent bouncing at medium speeds and significantly improves handling and maneuverability in both on and off road conditions. To further reduce bounce, Link-Belt's patented Hydro-gas Ride™ suspension system is available as an option. This exclusive system serves as a shock absorber through a charged accumulator system.

 

Enlarge Image The 218 HSL is a result of the Hitachi-Sumitomo-Link-Belt alliance.

Also on display was the 218 HYLAB HSL lattice boom crawler crane. This 110-ton crane is the first design concept to come from the Hitachi-Sumitomo-Link-Belt alliance. Able to move in most states without removing the crawlers, the 218 HYLAB HSL features a seven piece counterweight design with an innovative counterweight removal system.

 

The system allows the hydraulic cylinders and integral device to be removed in one piece with the counterweights. Operator controls and counterweight pin releases are within easy reach for one person, expediting the whole assembly/disassembly process. The five piece, 62,840-pound counterweight and two 11,100-pound sideframe counterweights are designed for easy handling and blended load-outs. The crane transports in four loads, without the assistance of a helper crane. For information, go to www.linkbelt.com.