Demag Mobile Cranes has begun marketing its all new 200t capacity all terrain, with a prototype expected by the end of the year and first deliveries planned for early 2003. The AC 200-1 replaces the AC 200, which was itself an upgrade (in 1999) of the 180t rated AC 180. The AC 200 was available on five axles but was more commonly sold in its standard six-axle. The new AC 200-1 is on five axles only.
The seven-section main boom of the new crane extends to 68m. A three-section 33m fixed offset swingaway boom extension gives a total reach of 101m. This compares with a 60m main boom and 96m maximum reach for the Liebherr LTM 1200/1 and 60m main boom 98m maximum reach for the Grove GMK 5200, the two machines with which the AC 200-1 directly competes.
The boom uses the Unimec telescopic system with side pinning of the boom, familiar to owners of the AC 100. The crane is still in development, Demag quotes certain highlights from the lifting chart. It says that with the main boom fully extended, this crane can lift 12.1t at a working radius of 20m. ‘This makes it ideal for assembling and dismantling big revolving tower cranes,’ Demag says.
The hydraulic system installed in the superstructure is powered by a 125kW DaimlerChrysler engine and allows up to four independent working movements to be performed simultaneously.
The upper cab is tiltable to an angle of 18° and has air conditioning and a self-contained hot water heater. A major feature is the new IC-1 crane control system that Demag has developed has a large, colour screen which can be adjusted to the operator’s height and position for maximum comfort. All operational information is provided on a screen that is as clear as a PC, Demag says. Load charts are also stored on the computer. Operating information is also provided by a voice output.
Demag describes IC-1 as ‘revolutionary in terms of its system intelligence as it is easy to use’.
The carrier of the AC 200-1 is 12.6m, compared to 13.21m for the GMK 5200 and 13.16m for the LTM 1200/1. By having a seven section boom, instead of six like the competition, boom overhang is kept to 1.45m, giving an overall length of 14.1m, a metre shorter than the Liebherr. Turning circle is 11.4m radius, compared to 12.9m for the Grove. The speed-dependent rear axle steering of the fourth and fifth axles further contributes to the manoeuvrability of the AC 200-1. At speeds below 45km/h the rear axles steer in response to turns of the steering wheel.
The carrier is powered by an eight-cylinder 380kW DaimlerChrysler OM 502 LA diesel engine. Maximum travel speed is 85km/h. The ZF transmission has 16 forward and two reverse speeds with automatic clutch engagement.
In the carrier cab the instrument panel has been revamped and all controls and instrumentation are positioned to give the driver a better view. The driver’s seat is air-suspended (as it is in the upper cab) and heated, and includes head and arm rests. The steering wheel is vertically adjustable and the outside mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable. A radio/CD player and electric windows on both sides are also standard.
An important market for this class of crane is the USA, so the AC 200-1 will be available in a special version with modified spacing between the third and fourth axles and a boom dolly to meet the permit regulations of most US states.
To meet European regulations gross vehicle weight without counterweight will be less than 60t (12t per axle) but how much below, and therefore exactly how much equipment can be taken to a jobsite on the crane has yet to be determined.
