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While there isn’t a standard definition for rough terrain cranes, there is widespread agreement about some of their characteristics. Among them, for example, is the ability to maneuver in tight spaces and over uneven surfaces while carrying a load. Another feature is a single cab for both driving the crane and operating it on job sites.
To discuss the factors that operators should consider when specifying a rough terrain crane, the latest technologies from manufacturers and their outlook for the market, Crane Hot Line recently spoke to six providers.
Panel of Experts
What factors should a company consider when specifying a rough terrain crane?
Fiechter: Rough terrain owners want reliable, efficient, high-performance cranes and they are also looking for something that is simple to operate and transports easily. If a rough terrain crane is being bare rented, it may or may not be rented with an operator, so you need a setup that is quick and easy to navigate.
Smoot: Most cranes are bare rental, so simplicity and ease of operation are key. Focusing on safety and operator comfort are critical factors as well.
Bair: When it comes to rough terrain cranes, customers want versatility, reliability and ease of operation. For instance, a versatile crane would not only include strong load charts and a long boom but also ease of transport and setup, as well as compact dimensions for excellent mobility on site. Ease of operation is critical because these cranes are typically bare rented so making the operating systems simple and intuitive is very important.
Ernst: Dimensions, ease of operation, capacity at standard radius, the ability to maneuver in confined spaces, support and ease of transportation should all be considered.
Pocock: Safety, reliability, transportability and ease of use are important factors when choosing a crane.
Rydbom: Operator comfort, reliability, ease of transportation and assembly/setup, as well as cost of ownership are factors to address.
What are the latest technologies you’ve introduced for rough terrain cranes and how do they benefit crane companies and operators?
Smoot: SANY cranes are outfitted with full light and camera packages to make the jobsite easier for operators to navigate and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Onboard diagnostics and a 10.1-inch color load moment indicator (LMI) show CAN bus, pulse width modulation, hydraulic pressures, and digital inputs and outputs. In addition to diagnostics, we have the capability to adjust every function on the crane through the LMI and fine tune any function to an individual operator’s needs.
Rydbom: The latest generation of Tadano rough terrains have upgraded operator access to the cab with improved ladders that extend from the chassis to create a stair effect. There is also a backup sensor to let the operator know when there’s an object behind them and several cameras to show winches and blind spots.
The cranes also have a new cab with more space and less obstructions and 20° tilt. On some models, there is a smart counterweight system that lets the operator utilize two positions for the counterweight for improved capacities. The smart chart feature optimizes capacities over the outriggers allowing the operator to take advantage of improved capacities and longer radii.
Pocock: Liebherr’s rough terrain product line includes available wind charts in the LRT 1130 model, multiple cameras covering all blind spots and winches, list charts for uneven terrain and 360° operation in up to two-degree inclinations and heated and cooled seats for operator comfort.
The cranes also feature an assembly jib that allows up to four parts of line so operators can turn loads with the added capacity of two load blocks. For transport on the boom, a special swing-away jib is folded to the left side allowing simultaneous transport of the special swing-away jib, double swing-away jib and rooster sheave.
Ernst: New generation Terex TRT cranes features the Terex operating system (TEOS) that improves usability and information flow using a 10-inch full-color touch screen display with an intuitive interface to maximize efficient and safe operation and maintenance.
The cranes also have a synchronized full power boom which gives the operator lifting performance irrespective of boom length. Additionally, there is an extra-wide, tiltable cabin with a large glass surface for visibility and comfort, and Terex t-link telematics, which provide real-time information on the performance of the crane, is standard.
Bair: The Manitowoc intuitive crane control system (CCS) allows for simple and fast operation and provides advanced on-board diagnostic tools that ensure maximum uptime. We’ve incorporated our MAXbase asymmetrical outrigger system that not only provides easier access to congested job sites, but also stronger lift capacities compared to traditional 360° load charts. Being able to set up in odd outrigger configurations while still maximizing the load chart can reduce the need to rent a bigger crane, which keeps the overall project cost down.
We’ve added on-board diagnostics capabilities through our oCSI (on crane service interface), which allows for faster troubleshooting and repairs directly through the crane control system without the need for additional service connections. We are also in the process of incorporating our Grove connect system into the GRT line of cranes. This new fleet management system provides real-time location data but also provides remote accessibility for troubleshooting, as well as crane usage metrics, which helps ensure proper utilization and timely routine maintenance.
With our GRT line of rough terrain cranes, we’ve fully integrated our CCS that provides a boom configurator mode for on-board lifting planning or eco mode for reduced fuel consumption.
Fiechter: Link-Belt SmartFly for rough terrain models is easy to erect and stow because of simple, yet unique design elements. Color-coded spring-loaded latches indicate which length fly is being erected or remaining stowed. A hydraulic cylinder and ramp release the fly and return it to its stowed position. For rough terrain cranes, front carrier-mounted boom controls allow for raising and lowering the boom at ground level throughout the procedure.
Link-Belt’s V-CALC (variable confined area lifting capacities) system features virtually infinite outrigger configurations with real-time 360° charts. Once outriggers are set, the user-friendly pulse 2.0 system indicates the crane’s available capacity. The system then previews the operator’s real-time capacities given the crane’s current configuration as well as the next five radii for a set boom angle.
What is your outlook for the rough terrain crane market and the industries that use these machines?
Ernst: Mega projects and infrastructure spending and new manufacturing companies locating their factories in the U.S. will continue to drive the market for rough terrain cranes.
Rydbom: The outlook for rough terrain cranes continues to be positive. Infrastructure, wind, petrochemical and oil and gas projects are steady and require rough terrain cranes.
Fiechter: In North America, the state of the general construction market is very good. As such, the rough terrain crane market is strong. Rough terrain rental fleet usage is high and the outlook for continued demand is strong.
Smoot: The rough terrain market has been down the past couple of years, but it has slowly started to recover. With the addition of more infrastructure projects, this class of cranes will continue to increase in numbers year after year.
Bair: Currently, rough terrain crane utilization is strong. Infrastructure and energy markets are key drivers, and we are seeing many large projects that are just getting started and will demand a lot of rough terrain cranes over the next several years.
In addition, we are seeing many fleets that are going through replenishment cycles where they are transitioning out of older equipment and looking to purchase new equipment to stay current with the latest technologies.
