Altec and Iveco raise new opportunity for crane operators26 May 2010

Altec Worldwide has built what it believes is a new type of mobile crane – on an Iveco Trakker AD340T41K 8x4 rigid chassis supplied by Hendy Van and Truck.

The vehicle, which it displayed at last month's BAUMA exhibition in Munich, is now available for trials by crane operators in the UK.

This is one of the first telescopic cranes to be mounted onto a standard heavy truck, and Altec Worldwide reckons operators will find it a more affordable and flexible option than dedicated crane chassis.

The demonstrator incorporates a 38m long boom, with an operating height to 42m and a lifting capacity of 36 tonnes. Operators can also specify an additional jib that increases the lift height by 16.5m. An optional manned platform can also transform the crane into a versatile access machine, allowing two people to work at heights of up to 58.5m.

The Altec crane uses hydraulic legs to lift the Trakker chassis off the ground when the crane is in operation, so that the crane's sub-base takes the weight, without any stress being placed on the truck.

In fact, the crane is driven via a power take-off from the Trakker's 12.8 litre Euro 5 Cursor 13 engine. On the road, this engine delivers up to 410hp between 1,515 and 1,900 rev/min, ensuring maximum power is available from intermediate speeds to allow smooth driving even over rough terrain.

Also worth noting is the 1,900 Nm of torque available between 1,000 and 1,515 rev/min, which aids manoeuvring in adverse operating conditions.

Beyond that, the Trakker's specification includes single reduction Meritor axles and all-round vented disc brakes. It has also been fitted with an 'Easy-Clean' cab, which removes much of the cloth-covered trim and replaces it with a wipe-clean finish.

According to a spokesperson for Altec Worldwide:"Where this vehicle will really come into its own is with the speed at which it can work, coupled with its manoeuvrability on-site. Unlike many construction cranes that can take three to four days to rig, and require additional counterweights to be delivered on-site, the Trakker allows operators to drive at normal motorway speeds between jobs. This allows the potential to work at several different sites in the same day."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Altec Worldwide LLC
Hendy Truck
Iveco

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