As manufacturers were shoring up their strategies to unveil products at ConExpo-Con/Agg in March, Link-Belt Construction Equipment had set its plan in motion months earlier. By invitation, Crane & Rigging Hot Line editors traveled to the company’s headquarters in Lexington, Ky., where they received a rundown on the latest cranes the company will unveil next month. Among the machines were two RT models that will meet the needs of contractors looking for cranes that are easy to transport and ready for takeoff when they reach the work site.
The capacity spectrum for rough-terrain cranes continues to broaden, and Link-Belt will unveil a machine that tops its current RT product line. The 150-ton RTC-80150 Series II stands among the biggest RT cranes available in North America and is one of three in this capacity class. Link-Belt’s second largest, the RTC-80130 Series II, has been a huge success since it was introduced at ConExpo 2008.
“This is a very active and growing segment that’s replacing small four- and five-axle ATs in refineries and industrial sites,” says Bill Stramer, vice president of marketing, sales, and customer support. He notes that back in 2002 before the first three-axle from Link-Belt debuted, the market was in the low double digits. By comparison in 2013, large RT shipments were more than 10 times that amount, and three-axle RTs were a major part of that. “Rental houses make money with these cranes in mobilization and de-mobilization operations,” he adds.
Driving Excitement
Like the RTC-80130 Series II, the RTC-80150 Series II incorporates a hydrostatic drive system. Advantages of hydrostatic drives over mechanical or electrical variable-speed drives and gear-type transmissions include fast response, precise speed under varying loads, and infinitely variable speed control.
Instead of drive lines and axles, the crane’s hydrostatic drive runs six individual wheel motors. The 6x6x6 hydrostatic drive and steer system delivers a remarkable turning radius—less than 22 ft.—for a crane with a 30’2″-long carrier. By comparison, the turning radii for other units in this class range from 28 to 33 ft. The RTC-80150 Series II also offers four steering modes: independent front, independent rear, combination, and diagonal steering modes.
Another key feature is the precise drive control provided by the hydrostatic drive. The RTC-80150 Series II is rated for on-tire capacity over the rear tandem axles of more than 46 tons. When running the boom over the rear of the crane, the controls directionally correct so they are always oriented with the operator.
Powering the RTC-80150 Series II is a 345-hp Cummins QSL 8.9L Tier 4 Final diesel engine that offers 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Stramer, 40% of Link-Belt’s engineering resources have been devoted to engine updates to meet emission requirements.
Combine the smooth hydrostatic drive system, powerful Cummins Tier 4F engine, and a tight turning radius, and operators will be running a crane with impressive jobsite maneuverability.
Reaching the Job
The RTC-80150 Series II features a 42.3- to 195.3-ft., six-section, full-power latching boom that is formed at the company’s manufacturing facility in Lexington. A key feature of the boom is its pin/latch telescoping system, which has a superior telescoping load capability and five boom extention modes. In order for the boom to extend and retract with ease, Link-Belt adds Teflon pucks impregnated in the wear pad surfaces, which eliminates the need for greasing.
The crane is equipped with a 55-ft. on-board offsettable fly with four manual offset positions at 2°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, and a hydraulic offset ranging from 2° to 45°. Additionally, there are three 18-ft. fly extensions. In total, the attachment length is 109 ft., and combined with the main boom, the RTC-80150 Series II offers a 311-ft. maximum tip height. With this setup, there is no need to haul a separate fly to the job and install it—everything is stowed on the crane.
When the crane is ready to be hauled off the job, it breaks down in less than an hour. “Transportability is a great characteristic of this crane,” says Brian Smoot, Link-Belt’s rough-terrain crane product manager. Six lower profile tires versus four higher clearance tires make for a low 12.5-ft. overall height. The RTC-80150 Series II can be transported at less than 100,000 lbs. on a conventional lowboy trailer while maintaining a 9’10” width.
Operating with ease
Six points of access are available to reach the flat, aluminum deck of the carrier frame and approach the cab. Views from the operator’s cab are made through a large window that minimizes blind spots. Link-Belt’s Pulse crane operating system, which has a user-friendly display that is graphically oriented for continuous monitoring of crane functions and conditions, is included. Link-Belt Pulse shows maximum allowable load, load on hook, and crane geometry. It warns of an approaching overload or two-block condition and shuts down relevant operations when necessary. It also monitors wind speed, warning the operator with a visual alarm. Preset alarms can assist in avoiding obstructions on the job.
For boom operation, Link-Belt Pulse shows the boom’s mode of extension, as well pin and latch status and telescope cylinder travel. All telescope operation information can be viewed in real time.
Other productivity features for the operator include standard winch and right-side swing cameras, and a standard LED nighttime lighting package that enhances safety on lifts made overnight.
The first production units of the RTC-80150 Series II are currently being manufactured in Lexington. For buyers at ConExpo, this means Link-Belt cranes on display will be ready for purchase at the show.
Sharpening the Cutting Edge
The industry got its first glimpse of the 80-ton RTC-8080 Series II rough-terrain crane and its progressive range of features at Link-Belt’s CraneFest event in 2012. The 80-ton capacity crane replaced the RTC-8075 model and fits between the 65-ton RTC-8065 Series II and 90-ton RTC-8090 Series II. In 2014, the company has updated the crane and will unveil the RTC-8080 Series II changes to ConExpo attendees.
Changes made to the RTC-8080 Series II will indicate the future of the Tier 4 Final drive line for Link-Belt’s two-axle rough-terrain lineup.
When it was first introduced, the RTC-8080 Series II was powered by a 270-hp Cummins QSB 6.7L Tier 4I emission-compliant engine. Today, the Cummins engine has been replaced by a newer Tier 4F version.
Adding to operator productivity and enhancing crane safety, Link-Belt has equipped the crane with winch and right-side swing cameras and has maintained six points of access to the carrier frame despite the addition of new emission requirements.
An LED standard lighting package is another new feature. As more overnight construction work takes place, cranes with bright LED light packages help illuminate dark work areas and provide workers in and around the crane with better visibility.
Aluminum decking saves weight for transport and also keeps operators safe by providing a non-slip surface when accessing the cab and surrounding areas.
A telematics system has been added to the crane as a standard feature for managing crane performance and maintenance.
