PICK & CARRY CRANES Ӏ SECTOR REPORT
lifting capacity of 28 tonnes, a four-section boom extending to 18.65 metres, and articulates 44 degrees either side of the centreline which, Tidd says, makes it the most manoeuvrable pick and carry on the market. It is only 2.5m wide and it can road its own 2.3t counterweight. An optional 1.1t Superlift counterweight is also available, fitted with Tidd’s ‘Safe Slew’ safety system. This, like Franna’s DLMI, is
improving safety and precision when lifting loads. Franna cranes are fitted with
its own patented DLMI (Dynamic Load Moment Indicator) system. A further addition to the range,
the AT44 US, is due to be launched later this year. Demonstrations are planned at the upcoming Utility Expo, from October 7–9, in Kentucky. Franna has also appointed
Mobile Cranes Canada (MCC) as an official distributor of Franna cranes across Canada. Based in Nisku, Alberta, MCC will represent Franna in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. This marks a significant step forward for Franna as it expands its global footprint. As part of the Canadian launch
MCC has acquired an AT24 US model. The AT24 US made its Canadian debut at Alberta Heavy Equipment Show, which took place April 24-25, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Tidd, manufacturing in Queensland, Australia, also favours the articulated pick and carry. Its latest model is the PC28-3G. It is powered by the Euro 6
Cummins ISB6.7 engine, claimed as the highest emission-control diesel available with up to 90% less emissions. The crane has a
30 CRANES TODAY
Franna’s FR19 US
because there used to be an inherent problem with articulating cranes. Back in the pre-digital days an operator could pick up a load over the front of an articulated crane and then drive it on sloping ground around a corner – at which point geometry could start playing nasty tricks. Articulation combined with side slope and a load dramatically affects the position of the centre of gravity and hence the stability of the machine. Many operators inadvertently moved into the ‘red zone’ – that is, outside the 100% load chart – by cornering on a slope with too great a load on the hook. It was a serious issue for the construction industry and resulted in several rollovers annually. Tidd’s Safe Slew system, and
Franna’s DLMI, warn the operator, and restricts the steering if they approach a situation that triggers such an overload, making this an issue that now belongs firmly to the past.
Returning to the northern hemisphere, and to Europe, Befard is a perhaps less familiar name in small cranes. It is a Polish company; its main products are mini crawler cranes, glass lifters, glass vacuum lifters, and loader cranes. Its pick and carry mini- crane range includes the XM 800, which has 900kg capacity and is small enough to fit inside a transit van for transport, and the XM 1200. Both are remote controlled and on crawler chassis. The tracks of the XM 1200
are extendable, up to 1.25m for stability in lifting and for travel over rough ground, and are non- marking for use indoors. When retracted the track width is 0.8m, which lets it fits through standard single doorways. Reach is over 7.5m, extendable with optional equipment to over 10m – which, as Befard points out, allows work at the height of a second floor. It can travel with 1200kg on the hook; when equipped with outriggers its maximum lifting capacity increases to 1500kg. Optional equipment includes a hydraulic winch. Interestingly, the crane has
three independent power sources – a 7.5kW combustion engine, a 1.5kW plug-in electric motor (230 V / 400 V / 110 V), and lithium-ion
Broderson’s IC400
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