CITB adds the new Kobelco CKE900G to its fleet

The CKE900G was assembled and tested over four days at CITB’s Bircham Newton headquarters, with Kobelco Cranes Europe’s engineers providing on-site service training and operator induction.

The Tier 4/Stage IV compliant, 213kW Kobelco CKE900G, which has a maximum lifting capacity of 100t at 3.6m and 90t at 3.9m, will be used to train both adult students and apprentices at Bircham Newton.

Chris Bushell, Curriculum Innovation Manager for CITB Plant Team, said: “The crawler crane market is growing and we’re seeing increased demand for our courses. The addition of the new Kobelco CKE900G to our fleet gives students experience operating the type of crane they’ll be using once they join the industry.

“CITB will continue to identify the best training equipment and technology, to help provide the industry with the skills they need.”

Crawler crane courses offered by CITB include crawler crane CPCS Code A02 Endorsement B, which entitles successful students to a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card. For apprentices training using the CKE900G also forms part of the SQA Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations.

“Students who use CITB’s new Kobelco CKE900G will also benefit from the G Series’ generic operator cabin once in the workplace, because each cabin features the same operator layout and controls, including a safe load indicator system. This will help speed up familiarisation when moving from one G Series crane to another,” explained Kobelco Cranes Europe’s sales manager, Mark Evans.

Using CITB’s new Kobelco CKE900G, students will also be able to familiarise themselves with Kobelco’s KCross remote operation management system, which helps to maximise machine efficiency and uptime.

“Machines fitted with KCross system transmit working conditions, location and maintenance history to provide owners with fact-based information that gives tremendous advantages for their asset management,” said Evans.

“The KCross system is based on satellite mapped images, an internet connection and other means to remotely monitor a crane’s working condition and its location. This information is useful in planning maintenance schedules and providing guidance to operators, helping to ensure that crane owners can increase their fleet efficiency,” he explained.

The new Kobelco CKE900G also includes an Orlaco boom tip zoom crane camera system. Evans says that by using the system blind spots normally associated with crane handling and rigging operations can be eliminated.

“This feature not only improves safety, but also productivity thanks to the operator’s possibility to see the load at all times and to position precisely materials,” he said.