With a gross exhibition space of 375,000 sq m, more than 30,000 sq m of gross demonstration space, and almost 1,500 exhibitors, the numbers surrounding the 7th Intermat show are staggeringly large. Many of the big lifting industry suppliers will be there. Here are details of what some of them plan to display.
Ascorel
Stand 5a G 002
French crane safety device supplier Ascorel is now entirely independent thanks to its recent acquisition by entrepreneur Francis-Pierre Lemahieu. He aims to develop the business internationally in the original equipment manufacturer and retrofit market, and is currently looking for new distributors. He also plans to acquire similar companies, probably starting next year, once consolidation of the 50-employee Ascorel business is complete.
Among the products the company will show at Intermat are the MC320 safe load indicator, designed to calculate the actual load continuously to establish the safety status of the machine. A panel shows lifting parameters; when the maximum permitted load is approached, alarms warn the driver not to exceed the limit.
Meanwhile, Ascorel’s MC600 tower crane safety system can, it says:
• ï„·Prevent a single crane from over-flying forbidden zones.
• ï„·Manage the collision risk between up to 16 cranes whose working areas overlap.
Another Ascorel debut product is the corrosion-resistant Ascorel ALIZE3 wind speed meter. With a body in bronze, and stainless steel cups mounted on sealed ball rings, this device uses a digital output signal to ensure immunity to electrical disturbances. The signal it produces is connected to a computer to display wind speeds in km/h, m/s, or miles/h. The data can be repeated on a “slave computer” display using a direct or radio remote connection.
Autec
5A K 104
Autec will present its radio remote controls range including developments in the MJ joystick system, now available with a new programmable receiver. The Modular series, which includes a data-feedback option, is said to comply with “functional safety” requirements so that failure will not lead to dangerous situations.
Hitachi Sumitomo
E6 D 050
Hitachi Sumitomo will exhibit two new cranes – the SCX800HD-2 and SCX2800-2.
The SCX800HD-2 has a maximum lifting capacity of 80t, and is designed for duty work such as normal clamshell, with 196KN(20t) high line pull winch.
The SCX2800-2 is successor to the SCX2500 crawler crane, and has a maximum lifting capacity of 275t. Maximum transport weight is within 45t, transport width is 3m, and the crane is equipped with self-assemble and disassemble devices.
Kobelco Cranes Europe
E6 D 070
Kobelco claims to have maintained its position as crawler crane market leader with an estimated market share of 35-38% worldwide.
The company will use Intermat to show at least four crawler cranes including a:
• ï„·CKE2500-2, successor to the 250t CKE2500 (of which more than 220 units have been sold in the last five years). The CKE2500-2 on show has been sold to Dutch rental company PVE Cranes and Services, part of Van Es Holding. PVE will use the crane for a variety of applications from the construction of breakwaters to dredging operations.
• ï„·BME800HD, an 80t heavy-duty foundation crane, which has been sold to Spanish company SilsoiI SL, and will be used mainly with diaphragm wall bucket and clamshell attachments.
• ï„·CKE600, a 60t multi-purpose crane sold to UK crane rental company Weldex.
• ï„·CKE1350, a multi-purpose crane in the 135t class. This crane has been sold to UK crane rental company JH Johnson Crane Hire Ltd.
The main features of the new cranes are, says Kobelco Cranes Europe:
• ï„·Operating comfort – The cranes include a seven-way adjustable seat, and full free upper and lower view. The beamless roof construction of the front window is said to provide unobstructed upward field of view. An optional tilt-cab, up to 30 degrees, is designed further to enhance operating comfort.
• ï„·New Stage 3 engine – Power from the Hino water-cooled power plant with direct fuel injection has been increased by 5% as the 235kW engine has been replaced by a 247kW engine that complies with Stage 3 (EUR 3) American and European emission regulations. Engine speed, hydraulic flow, and pressure demands are co-ordinated by a computer-controlled engine speed sensing system.
• ï„·Doubled lifting performance – The performance of the auxiliary sheave of the CKE1350 and CKE2500-2 units has been increased from 13.5t to 27t by using two-line reeving.
• ï„·Easy, efficient transport, and fast assembly / disassembly – The crawler side frames and lower boom remain on the CKE600 and BME800HD during transport. With a transport weight of 40t (CKE600) and 44t (BME800HD), the crane can travel on a trailer. The lower boom, translifters and 35t hook block remain on the CKE1350 during transportation. At the jobsite, the crane can lift itself clear from the trailer and continue with self-assembly of crawlers, boom, jib and counterweight without the need for an assistance crane.
• ï„·Inching speed for precise control – This reduces the machine’s hydraulic functions (excluding swing) to one-third of normal speed to improve manoeuvrability.
• ï„·Powerful winches with oil-cooled multi-disc brakes.
• ï„·Large, extra-wide main and auxiliary drum capacities are designed to promote smooth operation and enhanced component service life, especially of wire rope and drum. The multi-disc brakes are self-adjusting and self-equalising. Free fall is standard on the BME800HD, and optional on main and auxiliary winch of CKE600, CKE1350, and CKE2500-2.
Liebherr
E6 A 050
The 62m telescopic boom on Liebherr’s new LTM 1160-5.1 mobile crane (successor to the LTM 1150-5.1) is 6m longer than the boom on the previous model, and lifting capacity is said to be up to 30% higher. The new crane can lift up to 11.5t with its telescopic boom, and has a maximum ballast weight of 46.5t. At an axle load of 12t and a gross weight of 60t, 6.5t of ballast can travel by road on the crane itself.
The chassis of the LTM 1160-5.1 is 12.3m long, which is said to permit a turning-circle radius of 10.6m, and the new crane is equipped with Liebherr’s active rear-axle steering. All five axles are steered, so that none needs to be raised for diagonal travel. There are six steering programs.
A Liebherr turbocharged six-cylinder inline engine with a data bus control system drives the LTM 1160-5.1. This new-generation Liebherr engine has an output of 370kW / 503hp at 1,900 min-1, and a maximum torque of 2,340Nm between 1,200 and 1,500 min-1.
The 62m telescopic boom comprises the pivot section and five telescoping sections extended and retracted by the TELEMATIK telescoping system. A 7m long lattice boom extension provides a raised pivot point for the 12.2m to 22m folding fly jib, which can be lengthened to 36m by installing two 7m intermediate sections. The LTM 1160-5.1 can then reach heights of up to 93m, and working radii of up to 70m. The folding fly jib can be attached at an angle of 0°, 22.5°, or 45°. Another option is hydraulic luffing of the fly jib between 0° and 45°, if necessary at full load. The bottom section of the fly jib can be used as a 5.4m long erecting jib by installing a set of pulleys available as an optional extra.
Liebherr is also introducing what it says is the most powerful two-axle crane on the market – the LTM 1040-2.1 – which has a maximum load capacity of 40t. The 35m long telescopic boom is 5m longer than that on the LTM 1030-2.1, and average load capacity is said to be approximately 8% higher, although at steep boom angles the additional load capacity can be as high as 25%, says Liebherr.
The four-section telescopic boom on the LTM 1040-2.1 is extended and retracted by a hydro-mechanical system. A single-stage, double-acting hydraulic ram, and a double rope and pulley mechanism are designed to extend the boom steplessly to the desired outreach, even with a suspended load. A 9.5m long folding fly jib is available for attachment to the boom. With it, the new 40t crane can reach lifting heights of up to 45m, and working radii of up to 39m. The folding fly jib can be attached at the customary angles of 0°, 20°, 40°, or also 60°.
The LICCON control system on the LTM 1040-2.1 includes a diagnostic system that monitors many functions. Up to four working movements can be made simultaneously, and controlled by the ‘load sensing’ hydraulics, says Liebherr.
The turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine develops 205kW / 278hp at 2,200 min-1. This engine complies with the latest emission limits according to 97/68/EG Stage 3 and EPA/CARB Level III. Its power is transmitted to the crane’s axles via an automatic power-shift gearbox with integral transfer box.
Both axles, which are driven and can be steered, can be turned in the same direction for diagonal travel movements. An anti-lock braking system and wheelslip control are standard.
Finally, the Liebherr EC-B Flat-Top tower crane makes its debut at Intermat. This series comprises 13 designs with ratings from 50 to 280tm. The central element of Series EC-B is a head, into which the hoisting and slewing gear, the complete ball slewing ring support, the switchgear cabinet, and the crane cabin are integrated.
On the 71 EC-B 5, for example, this head is 2.51m high, with a total weight of 3.3t, and can therefore be carried vertically on a suitable truck.
Liebherr adds: “To simplify erecting work, the connections to the jib and counter-jib have tapering slots. The two connecting plates are designed for easy one-person assembly.”
The new head is pre-assembled before delivery, and can, says Liebherr, be installed with a single crane lift. The modular cabin can be attached and detached at the quick-release fastenings. Options include air conditioning, and the EMS electronic monitoring system.
The EC-B crane series has been designed for loading into standard containers. For optimum transport by truck, new tower lengths of 3.9m, 5.85m, and 11.7m have been developed. As a result, only two trucks are needed for transport of the complete upper section of a 71 EC-B 5 crane, including counterweights and two 11.7m long tower sections.
Manitowoc Crane Group
E6 B 060
Manitowoc Crane Group plans its largest display ever at Intermat with 11 products including Grove mobile cranes, Manitowoc crawlers, and Potain tower cranes.
Grove will display three new all-terrain cranes – the GMK2035E, GMK4080-1, and GMK5220.
Largest of the new models is the five-axle GMK5220 (GMK5275 in the US. New in the four-axle category is the GMK4080-1 (GMK4100 in the US), which has an 80t (100USt) capacity rating, and a six-section 51m (167ft) main boom (see page 16).
The third new AT at Intermat is the GMK2035E, an updated version of the company’s 35t (39.2USt) GMK2035. The GMK2035E has the same 35t (39.2USt) maximum capacity rating, and 29m (95ft) main boom. However, it also makes use of rigid axles with hydrogas, and a manually offset jib (as opposed to the hydraulic luffing jib on the GMK2035), with the hydraulic luffing jib available as an option. Elsewhere, the crane boasts the ECOS electronic control system and EKS 5 Light load monitoring system.
Grove will also show its rough-terrain crane products now being built at the MCG facility in Niella Tanaro, Italy. On display will be an RT530E built in Italy.
Manitowoc’s Model 16000 crawler crane will make its European debut at Intermat 2006 following its introduction in America and Asia last year. The Model 16000 boasts a maximum lift capacity of 400t (440USt) and a maximum heavy-lift main boom reach of 96m (315ft).
The 16000’s maximum combination of main boom and luffing jib is 132m (432ft), using an optional luffing jib of 84m (276ft). According to Manitowoc, one of the crane’s most popular features is an optional 95t (105 USt), pin-on upper boom point, designed for applications such as wind turbine erection (see also page 53).
With the MAX-ER attachment, Manitowoc says, the Model 16000’s reach increases to 120m (394ft) of main boom or 84m (276ft) of main boom with an additional 84m (276ft) of luffing jib.
Drum performance has a line pull of 15.8t (35,000lb) and hoist speeds of up to 212m/min (697 ft/min) are available on the main drum. Two optional auxiliary drums offer with line pulls of 15.8t (35,000lb) and 13.6t (30,000lb), respectively, and corresponding line speeds of 173 m/min (570ft/min) and 127m/min (417ft/min).
Potain will exhibit three self-erecting cranes, and two top slewing cranes. The company also plans to show the new Dialog Wind Igo and Top Zone operating technologies.
The new Igo 22, which comes with a 26m (85ft) or 28m (92ft) jib, has a maximum capacity of 1.8t (2USt). The 26m (85ft) version has a maximum capacity of 1t (1.1USt) at its maximum radius. The maximum capacity of the 28m (92ft) version is 850kg (1,875lb) at its maximum radius.
As with other cranes in the range, the Igo 22 features Potain’s LVF Optima frequency-controlled hoisting, said to offer exceptional speeds and increased productivity. Four indicators (which monitor radius, height, load, and moment) are located on the transmitter box.
The Igo 11, meanwhile, has a maximum capacity of 1.3t (1.4USt), and a jib of 18m (59ft). It can lift up to 650kg (1,433lb) at its jib end, and has a 16m (52ft) height under hook.
Dialog Wind Igo and Top Zone are both available on all Igo models from the Igo 12 and above. The Dialog Wind Igo, which monitors wind speeds, sounds a pre-alarm if speeds increase above 50km/h (31mph) and a fixed alarm when speeds exceed 72km/h (48mph). Top Zone, is an optional extra for the remote control to prevent cranes over-flying.
From its top-slewing tower crane range, Potain will show the MD 238A, and the MDT 98 from the MDT. The MD 238A comes in two versions – the J10 with a 10t (11USt) maximum capacity, and the J12 with a 12t (13USt) maximum capacity. The crane has nine jib lengths up to 67.5m (221ft) and two mast options, either 1.6m by 1.6m (5ft by 5ft) or 2m by 2m (6.6ft by 6.6ft). The J12 version can handle up to 2.15t (2.4USt) at its maximum jib point, while the J10 version can handle up to 2.2t (2.4USt) at the same radius.
There are three mast lengths – 3.3m (10.8ft), for adjusting the hook height in small increments; 5m (16.4ft), which is the standard length used with the telescopic mast system; and 10m (32.8ft), which is a longer section. A choice of mechanisms is offered with LVF Optima (variable frequency) hoists from 22kW (30hp) to 55kW (75hp) for the J10, and from 37kW (50hp) to 75kW (100hp) for the J12.
Also on show at Intermat is the MDT 98, which Potain introduced just over a year ago. It has a maximum capacity of 6t (6.6USt). Maximum jib length is 55m (180ft) while the maximum tip load for the crane is 1.2t (1.3USt). The MDT 98 has two mast options allowing it to be mounted on either 1.2m by 1.2m (3.9ft by 3.9ft) or 1.6m by 1.6m (5ft by 5ft) sections.
Among the new products from Manitowoc Crane CARE is a camera designed for mounting on tower cranes. Potain will mount the camera on one of the tower cranes on the stand, and allow visitors to control and operate it from inside the booth.
Methocad
5a D 059
The MethoCAD computer program uses 2D and 3D graphics to help in lift planning for tower cranes. The latest version can animate the crane in 3D, allowing the lift planner to visualise the site more realistically. Says the company: “Often, the contractor doesn’t prepare the job site, and just draws a circle on the blueprint drawing. Using MethoCAD, it is enough to click on a button to see on the layout the crane and for each position of the hook, the loads allowed.”
The software checks the chassis position to ensure crane stability if it is located near a bank or excavation. It can also be used to:
• ï„·Check the clearance between the crane and existing buildings to allow passage of workers or the correct positioning of formwork.
• ï„·Check the clearance between the crane mast and a safety platform on the façade of the building.
• ï„·When cranes are off duty, they have to move freely, but also have a clearance of 2m between the jib, counter-jib, anchor cables, and mast. Once the operator has drawn the plan view of the cranes in MethoCAD, he or she can simply click on a button to get a front view of all the cranes, and automatically run the clash detection command.
The software has been nominated for the Innovations Award at Intermat.
Michelin
5b G 040
Tyre technology has remained fairly predictable over the last few decades, but perhaps Michelin’s new TWEEL concept reveals the shape of things to come. The TWEEL is a non-pneumatic combination of tyre and wheel said to be maintenance-free, puncture-proof, easily mounted and dismounted, and to offer a longer service life than radial tyres. It is made up of a rubber tread bonded to the hub by flexible spokes. The spokes are fused with a deformable wheel designed to absorb shocks and rebound.
Says Michelin: “Without the air needed in conventional tyres, Michelin TWEEL still delivers pneumatic-like load-carrying capacity, ride comfort and resistance to road hazards.”
The more conventional new Michelin 445/95 R 25 X-CRANE AT, meanwhile, is specially designed for 35 to 600t all terrain cranes with 2 to 12 axles. The service life of the tyre is said to be up to 20% longer than its predecessor, the Michelin 16.00 R 25 XGC.
The new tyre’s radial casing and tread blocks are designed to allow a progressive contact with the ground and result in less vibration and improved ride comfort. Michelin says: “The diminished vibration generates less mechanical stress, and thus increases the life of the machines.”
The tyre is homologated for 80km/h speed when carrying a 6.7t load.
Motec
6 J 109
Motec’s latest colour camera, the MC6000C, offers image angles of 70° and 90°, and is said to provide clear, high-contrast images, while an integral heating system is designed to prevent moisture generation.
The company adds: “The robust die-cast [aluminium] housing has been designed to withstand the adverse environmental conditions usually met in construction applications… The MC6000C is extremely robust and temperature-resistant (-35°C to +75°C), even withstanding high-pressure cleaning.”
www.motecgmbh.de
SMIE
E6 A 009
While anti-collision control for tower cranes typically works in two dimensions, SMIE says its products also work in other modes:
• ï„·One dimension to manage linear interferences between overhead and gantry cranes and other appliances on several parallel and/or vertically separated tracks.
• ï„·Three dimensions for variable geometry appliances or complex applications involving several types of appliances.
The company will focus on three products in particular at Intermat:
The AC 243 is an updated version of SMIE’s established AC30 anti-collision system designed to support up to 30 cranes with wire communications. Its tolerance to primary voltage fluctuations (400 VAC -15% to +40%) is said to make it ideal for companies using the system under varying power supply conditions. The AC 243 displays the travelling position of the crane. SMIE says it has enhanced the user friendliness of the product with a two-line by 16-character indicator in the cabin, and the possibility of using the programming unit anywhere on the CAN network. “Now, it is possible to re-program the anti-collision system at the crane foot,” says the company.
The second main product on show will be the AC 340, which supports anti-collision protection in 3D, visualising its surroundings on a graphic display. The operator dynamically knows where the crane is, and its load with reference to all potentially interfering moving or stationary items. Based on these parameters, the AC 340 determines the space needed to stop. The AC 340 is said to be ideal when there are interactions between overhead cranes and tower cranes, between several overhead cranes, between gantry cranes with several trolleys, each with a load, etc.
Finally, the AC 140 in an anti-collision system for overhead or gantry cranes that features real-time communication of all parameters between interfering cranes, and positive safety in case of malfunction. The AC 140 indicates the actual location of the crane on its rails, therefore controlling the end of travel, and avoiding the installation of dedicated equipment.
Terex Cranes
E5 J 040
Terex will display a range of construction equipment in an area of more than 3,600 sq m. Lifting equipment will include six mobile cranes and two tower cranes. The Terex Demag AC 70 City is described by the company as “the most compact 70t mobile crane, with a mere 9,96m transport length”.
At 52m, it is said to offer the longest main boom in its class. The maximum tip height is 70m, and the top boom section may be offset by 25°.
Also on display will be the new AC 160-2, a five-axle crane with a 64m main boom. The four-segment main boom extension ranges from 9m to 33m, and enables a total boom length of 96m. Terex says the capacity figures relating to the main boom extension have increased on average by 25% compared with the machine’s predecessor.
Terex PPM’s display will include the AC 55-1, a new edition of the AC 55 (launched in 2003), which has a lower axle weight and higher lifting capacity. At 40m main boom length, and 10m radius, the increase in lifting capacity amounts to more than 20 per cent, says Terex.
Also on display will be the AC 35 L, claimed to have the longest main boom in its class at 37.4m, and a tip height of 47m.
The two Terex Comedil tower cranes on show will comprise the CTT 121-5 and the CBR 24H-2. The CTT 121-5 flat top crane is a top-slewing machine said to be an excellent performer in congested sites or in the vicinity of airports. The CBR 24H-2 is a self-erecting crane.
Terex Bendini will present the 60t A 600 – its most powerful rough-terrain product, which has a 33m boom length. The RC 45 rough-terrain crane completes Terex Bendini’s presentation.
Terex will also show a new truck crane said to have easy road handling, and described as “an efficient alternative if mileage, apart from lifting capacity, is a decisive factor”.
TTControl
5a G 070
TTControl supplies electronic control systems for special vehicles and off-highway equipment. It claims to be the foremost supplier of event-triggered (CAN) and time-triggered (time-triggered protocol, TTP) communication systems for special vehicle electronics.
ZF
5b K 021
The ZF-AS Tronic for mobile cranes is claimed to offer considerable advantages over powershift transmissions in terms of weight, installation space, and fuel consumption. At up to 200kg, the ZF-AS Tronic is said to weigh less than a hydrodynamic powershift transmission.
“Thus,” says ZF, “the required installation space can be minimised which in turn generates vehicle weight savings.”
The automatic transmission system
is said to have won a crane vehicle market share of 50%. At the end of 2005, ZF delivered the 5,000th ZF-AS Tronic transmission for cranes to Liebherr.
