INNOVATION Reaching out
Swedish crane manufacturer, Cranab, has broken new ground with its latest range of cranes made specifically for forestry applications
W
orld-leading crane manufacturer Cranab from Vindeln in Sweden
is in the process of launching what it considers to be the next generation of cranes for forestry machines. Those close to the company have associated the new range with “intelligent steering, sensors and world class versatility”. The world premier took place at Skogsnolia 2011 from June 16-18, when the cranes were presented to a captive audience of keen forestry professional who, from all reports, were impressed by the latest features included on the Cranab series. Cranab Marketing Manager Micael Olsson said presenting the fresh crane concept was, understandably, a point of considerable pride. The creation and development of the new generation have taken place over the course of two intensive years and the fruits of that labour will soon become obvious to anyone who takes advantage of the extensive list of added features on this new series. The opportunities offered by sensors and intelligent steering represent some of the most exciting new features. Cranab also presented an improved lifting geometry, updated protected hose routing and an innovative brake solution between the crane nose and rotator. “Users will recognise all the high-performance characteristics that were there before, but we have also developed a great many new attributes,” Olsson said. “Throughout all the development work, the needs of the market have been central. Functionality, ergonomics and service- friendliness are top of the list. “We have polished up the driving properties and ensured a pleasant driver's environment.
And the opportunities offered by sensors and intelligent steering, which entail less adjustment for the driver, are incredibly interesting.”
Some examples of the possible uses for the sensors include active end position damping and control of the co-rotating driver's cab in conjunction with the crane's slewing movement. Cranab has made preparations for the use of sensors in the slewing motor, main boom, outer
boom and telescopic boom. “We know that this is the
future, and an area that will expand rapidly on the market. The way these sensors will be used is a blank sheet, and we believe that
the market will develop solutions for this,” Olsson said. The first sub-series to be launched is the medium-sized range of forwarder cranes. The cranes being launched have the
designations FC 6, FC 8, FC 10 and FC 12. These first cranes are currently undergoing field tests, and mass production will begin in 2012.
The requirement specification entails that we
have to be at the highest level in the sector and this is permeating the entire development of the new crane generation – this is where we should be – Micael Olsson, Cranab
Technical improvements Better lifting capacity when working with branches and tops
The new crane pillar is now angled backwards, while at the same time the main boom has been extended. This means that the crane does not end up in the top position as often when working at close range, which means that the driver does not need to be quite as attentive.
The major benefit when working
with branches, tops and brush is the improved lifting and loading capacity, and thanks to the improved geometry it is therefore easier to load directly against the gate and to achieve a better distribution of the weight of the load.
The new crane has been dimensioned to satisfy the European standard, which is based on the estimated number of load exchanges for a crane during its service life
60 International Forest Industries | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
New brake solution Cranab has developed a brake solution that is based on known technology and is already used in Cranab's innovative subsidiary company, Vimek. The solution comprises a double brake at the crane nose that can be used
World-leading crane
manufacturer Cranab from Vindeln is launching the next generation of cranes for forestry machines
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