Link-Belt Cranes has announced the release of its 5th generation 218|V lattice crawler crane.
The 218|V (five) represents the fifth generation crane since the original HYLAB introduction more than 35 years ago.
“Larger cranes often get more publicity for making eye-catching big lifts, but the daily, versatile workhorse in the industry is this size of machine,” said Brian Elkins, Link-Belt Cranes’ Product Manager for Crawler Cranes.
The 99.79 tonne crawler crane is powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7 Stage 5 engine that delivers 281 hp to a Kawasaki pump and motor package for fast, responsive, fingertip control providing simultaneous operation wherever it is needed. As well, the 218|V can be run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) which is also fully mixable with regular diesel fuel.
The Link-Belt Eco Winch system provides improved fuel economy, resulting in lower operating cost, less engine rpm under load, fewer emissions and all the line pull required with 26 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, the operator-selectable “auto-engine shutdown” is standard, allowing the engine to shut down automatically after extended periods of inactivity, so long as critical operating criteria are met.
Other new features from Link-Belt include:
- New access ladders and steps to the upper work platform
- Main load transports under 45,359 kg
- 48.7 metres of boom on three 15.2 metre trailers
- Standard power pack lug mounting brackets
- Extended hydraulic oil service interval of 4,000 hours
The 218|V comes with the same bulletproof undercarriage components and two-speed travel as the previous 218 HSL. However, the undercarriage is now equipped with quick deploy swing-out axle extenders. New front and rear car body counterweights feature a hook and pin design that fit neatly between side frames allowing access to side frames for extend and retract. The front car body counterweight has an attached toolbox for additional storage.
More visibility
The lattice crawler crane is equipped with a new 30 cm touchscreen LMI operating system that offers better visibility with improved sightlines. As well, ergonomic foot pedals are closer to the cab floor offering unobstructed views of ground level.
The new Link-Belt display features an operator interface with new counterweight sensing for live readout of stacked counterweight, live goundbearing, swing angle indicator, list and trim indicator, engine rpm monitoring and improved diagnostics.
The crane operator is assisted by on-board high-resolution winch-view, back-up and non-cab side swing-view cameras with night vision to enhance jobsite visibility from within the cab.
A new optional lighting package also adds LED light on the cabside upper, below the upper and on the front cab for jobsite settings that require additional early morning or evening cover.
Counterweight
The lattice crawler crane self-assembles with 30,844 kg of upper counterweight and 13,698 kg of lower car body counterweight. The counterweight removal system is common to Link-Belt’s telecrawler lineup and comes with a remote control for single person operation.
An additional 5,443 kg of counterweight provide a 5 per cent average capacity gain over the previous 218 HSL.
As well, the lattice crawler crane features a new quick reeve boom head with button style termination for easy setup for block and ball removal from a 26 mm rope. Lattice boom extensions on the 218|V are common to 218 HSL.
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Maximum main boom length is 70 metres and maximum fixed-jib length is 22.8 metres. The maximum boom-and-jib combination gives the 218|V a maximum tip height of 85 metres.
The main boom for the new 218|V will come with new pendant storage brackets for secure pendant storage when transporting any section of main boom, with optional boom floodlights.
