New 300USt Link-Belt crawler

Cummins QSL 9 350 hp Tier 4 Final and Tier III engine options are available, and deliver power to a Kawasaki pump and motor package. Dual swing motors provide dynamic control, while the operator can also dial swing speed up or down with volume speed controls in the cab.

Matching hydraulically driven main and auxiliary hoist drums use Link-Belt designed gear drives for either straight power-up/power-down auto brake mode, or can also 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 28mm hoist rope an extra-large circumference, extending rope life and offering maximum line pull of 53,306lbs (24,179kg).

The new Series II ECO winch system offers greater fuel economy. 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” allowing the engine to shut down automatically after extended periods of inactivity, so long as critical operating criteria are met.

A new attachment on the 348 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. Maximum heavy duty boom length is 300ft (91.4m) and maximum heavy duty jib combination is 240ft plus 140ft. Maximum long range boom length is 355ft and maximum long range jib combination is 295ft plus 140ft. A maximum combination of 180ft of luffing boom and 240ft of luffing jib provides 420ft of attachment and a tip height of 419ft.

In order to provide quick conversion from conventional style lifting to a luffing configuration, assembly has been simplified with the introduction of the following: 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. The transport package also 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.

The 348 Series 2 has a live mast cylinder for self-assembly and lattice extensions can be mixed and matched with existing conventional boom of 348 H5 models so owners can use heavy duty, transition, and long range boom on the 348 Series 2.

Two position track gauges offer owners variable track positions depending on the application: extended position provides a wide base for operations where conditions allow 22ft and retracted at 19ft 2in compliments 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 – top counterweight slab weighs 17,000 lbs and lower weighs 20,000 lbs – 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.

To accommodate varying transport regulations throughout North America, the 348 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 227,00lbs of upper counterweight.

First shipments of the new 348 Series 2 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018 following final testing in Lexington, Kentucky.