Link-Belt Cranes is promising “a lot to like” about its soon-to-be-released 348 Series 2, 273-tonne lattice crawler crane.
First shipments of the new 348 Series 2 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018, following final testing at the company’s Lexington, Kentucky facility.
The lattice crawler crane is equipped with a Cummins QSL 9 350 hp Tier 4 Final or Tier 3 engine option, which deliver power to a Kawasaki pump and motor package for fast, responsive, fingertip control providing simultaneous operation where it is needed.
Dual swing motors provide dynamic control for the smooth free swing all Link-Belt HYLABS are known for. As well, the operator is able to dial swing speed with volume speed controls in the cab.
Matching hydraulically driven main and auxiliary hoist drums utilize Link-Belt designed gear drives for either straight power-up or down auto-brake mode. As well, it’s able to incorporate an optional wet clutch free fall feature, if required.
New ultra-wide hoist drum laggings, an integral part of the drum itself, provide the standard 28 mm hoist rope an extra-large circumference, extending rope life and offering maximum line pull of 24,179 kg.
The Series II ECO winch system improves upon fuel economy, resulting in lower operating cost, less engine rpm under load and reduced emissions without compromising line pull with a 28 mm rope. When activated by the operator, ECO hoist provides maximum line speed with lighter loads all with the engine under 1,000 rpm. Also, standard equipped is operator-selectable auto-engine shutdown, which allows the engine to shut down automatically after extended periods of inactivity, so long as critical operating criteria are met.
Cabin
The crane operator is assisted by on-board high-resolution winch-view, rear-view and non-cab side swing-view cameras to enhance jobsite visibility from within the cab. Inside operators will find a full LED system monitor and adjustable armchair-mounted controls. The ergonomic design offers the operator improved visibility, more room and a six-way adjustable seat.
An audio/visual travel and swing alarm system alerts crew members on the ground when the crane swings or travels. The capacity limiter monitoring system provides the operator with all lift information, and allows the operator to set swing and other control parameters creating virtual walls with audio, visual alarms and function kick out. The 348 Series 2 has telematics in place to give current data to forecast maintenance and service needs of the crane.
Attachment
The new attachment on the Link-Belt Series 2 allows the heavy-duty boom top section to remain in place to transition from conventional mode to luffing configuration, eliminating the need to change out tops.
The maximum heavy-duty boom length is 91.4 metres and maximum heavy-duty jib combination is 73.1 metres plus 42.7metres.
The maximum long-range boom length is 108.2 metres and maximum long-range jib combination is 89.9 metres plus 42.7 metres. A maximum combination of 54.8 metres of luffing boom and 73.1 metres of luffing jib provides 128 metres of attachment and a tip height of 127.7 metres.
In order to provide quick conversion from conventional style lifting to a luffing configuration, assembly has been simplified with the introduction of semi-bore weldments for pin locations; point of use storage provisions for all components; and stop cams for quick pin alignment.
A new luffing jib transport package with lifting lugs simplifies and expedites luffer assembly.
The rear post will scissor into place by means of alignment links. Also, the transport package comes assembled with nylon rope reeving to assist with initial luffing jib wire rope hoist reeving.
Once the rear post is in working position, all luffing jib pendant connections are made and the luffer is ready to be raised for work. All assembly is done from the ground with no work at height exposure.
Variable track positions
A pair of position track gauges offer owners variable track positions depending on the application. The extended position provides a wide base for operations where 6.71 metres of space is available, and the retracted position reduces the footprint to 5.84 metres for tighter, more restricted environments.
Front and rear lower counterweights feature hook and pin style car body design and consist of two stacked weights at the front and rear. The top counterweight slab weighs 7,711 kg and lower weighs 9,071 kg – fitting neatly between the side frames even in fully retracted gauge.
The upper superstructure and lower carbody of the new 348 Series 2 comprise the main transport load, requiring no undecking or assist crane.
Transport
To accommodate varying transport regulations throughout North America, the Link-Belt Series 2 is equipped with car body jacks and quick disconnects for lower hydraulics for quick and easy installation and removal of side frames when needed. Counterweight and lattice sections of the 348 Series 2 are also configured for minimal overflow loads. A new counterweight removal system can lift up to (102,965 kg of upper counterweight.
