With the SC&RA rigging workshop in Louisville, Kentucky, the so-called ‘Gateway to the South’, Link-Belt took the opportunity to invite delegates to its sprawling plant in nearby Lexington. The day took in a tour of the plant, and the launch of three new cranes.
A new member of the family
The RTC-8080 is the latest in Link-Belt’s Series II family of rough terrains, replacing the RTC-8075. It offers a maximum lifting capacity of 80USt, with a full power four-section boom, controlled with Link-Belt’s Pulse crane control system.
Telescopic crane product manager, Rick Curnutte, says, "The new RTC-8080 Series II hits the mark between the RTC-8065 Series II and RTC-8090 Series II." The RTC- 8080 adds to the features of the Series II range with new platform guardrails and a three-piece bi-fold fly.
The RTC-8080 Series II features a 41-127ft (12.5-38.7m), four section, full-power, formed boom. To make maintenance easier, the design incorporates Link-Belt’s standard Teflon wear pucks impregnated in the wear pad surfaces so the boom requires no grease.
An available remote control boom floodlight attached to the base section of the telescopic boom can be used as a spotlight in nighttime settings. The boom, combined with removable, modular counterweights, helps reduce the transport weight to under 90,000lbs (40,823kg).
Nifty mover
On the crawler crane side, Link-Belt extended the options open to customers for its medium capacity cranes by launching a new 200-tonner, and upgrading the load chart on its 298HSL from 230USt to 250USt.
The HSL range is aimed at US customers who favour a workhorse crawler, designed for easy transport and mobilisation. The modular upper counterweight removal system of the new 248HSL lowers the counterweights to the ground from the remote control station.
The hydraulic cylinders detach in one piece with the base counterweight to reduce the weight of the main transport load. The upper counterweights consist of a 20,000lb "A" counterweight and six 15,000lb biscuit counterweights. Main counterweight release and engage pins simplify the assembly/disassembly process.
For even quicker mobility, the 35,000lb side frames attach via hook and pin. The main load with base and self-erection equipment weighs less than 87,000lbs (39 462.5kg). Two 17,650lb (8,005kg) carbody weights help provide a strong lift chart in a compact package.
