Jekko boosts crawler range

The JF990 is compact (6.75m x 2.14m x 3.45m), has a maximum height (with jib) of 41m, maximum reach (with jib) of 38m and maximum lifting capacity of 21.5t.

Alberto Franceschini, export sales manager at Jekko, said: “We’ve won the first part of the bet, which consisted in investing in an innovative product still not present on the market. We’ve developed a new machine, a stabilised crane truck on tracks that operates as if it was a minicrane. We’ve merged the experience deriving from the JF545 and the JF365 and have therefore responded to the market requirements for more performing yet compact-size machines.”

The JF990 weighs 21.8t without counterweight, therefore it can be transported on a regular truck without requiring an “exceptional load transport”.

This machine can use a 2.1t standard counterweight for stabilisation on an area of 8.5m x 8.5m (28 x 28ft) as well as a 3t extra counterweight reducing the crane footprint to an area of 7m x 7m.

The disassembly system – a fast and automatic quick release system similar to that of much bigger cranes - is managed via the radio remote control.

Jekko has developed software managing stabilisation in endless combinations. Each outrigger can take any angle and extension and the software will continuously calculate the operating pressure considering the position of the outriggers and the deriving tilting line. Five stability levels will be displayed on the screen for a user-friendly reading of the loading charts.

This crane can be entirely managed by a single operator via the radio remote control. Starting/stopping, crane operations, stabilisation, jib or counterweight installation can be carried out by the operator all by himself.

The JF990 is fitted with both a Deutz TCS3.6 L4 55 kW (Stage V, Tier 4) electronic Diesel engine and a 13 kW three-phase electric motor.

Jekko said this crawler crane is independent from its truck and reaches confined places. “It can be transported to and used on all those places where a truck cannot reach: industrial sites, small places, narrow city centres, fenced parks etc” the manufacturer added.

Franceschini said: “We intend to market this crane mainly in North America and in Central and Northern Europe, where there’s a large demand for machinery able to differentiate from other products.

“I’m thinking of Norway as an example, where new regulations provide for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions also for yard machinery starting from 2021. The JF990 can operate in electric mode therefore it brings many advantages in highly environmentally-friendly countries. Rental will be another interesting segment because the JF990 has limited weight and excellent performance compared to similar cranes.”