Böcker debuts electric truck crane

The fully electric version of the new AK 48, the AK 48e, premiered at the recent Bauma trade show in Germany. Built on a Mercedes eActros, the 27-tonner can travel to the jobsite using just battery power. It can also operate purely electrically in crane and platform mode via the E-PTO auxiliary drive. Böcker says its quiet drive means it can be used in built-up areas without disturbing residents.

The truck crane has a battery capacity of 336 kWh which enables it to cover distances of around 300 km without stopping to charge, although the range does depend on the topography, the driver's behaviour and the outside temperature.

The battery takes one hour and 15 minutes to fill the battery from 20 to 80 percent.

Like the AK 48, the AK 48e lifts payloads of up to 3 t (opt. 6 t) and offers extension lengths of up to 49 m (opt. 52). It offers a reach of 15.40 m at three tonnes with a lifting height of up to 30 m.

As a working platform, the new truck crane is designed for a load of up to 600 kg due to its stable mast. The powerful hydraulic system ensures rapid crane erection, a hook speed of 60 m/min and a high working speed. The mast system, made of high-strength fine-grained structural steel, guarantees great stability, and enables innovative mast geometry.

The mast can be erected completely vertically at a 90-degree angle to the vehicle. In addition, the over 14 m hydraulically extendable aluminium jib can erect in a 180-degree position with the joint fully extended. With the tower crane function, the crane telescopes loads directly into the building due to a right-angled jib position. Several variants are available when selecting the drive concept. The new AK 48 is not only available fully electrically, mounted on and driven by an electric truck, it is also available as a diesel truck with PTO drive or in a hybrid version (as diesel plus 400 V electric motor).

Other Böcker electric offerings on display at Bauma included the AK 37e truck crane, the AHK 36e trailer crane, and the Junior 24e inclined construction lift which are all equipped with battery electric drives enabling permanent electric operation. All these devices can be charged at any 230 V household socket.

In addition to the AK 48e, other sustainable product innovations took centre stage at the world's leading trade show for mechanical engineering. Permanent electric operation on any building was demonstrated by the AK 37e truck crane, the AHK 36e trailer crane and the Junior 24e inclined construction lift. Equipped with a battery electric drive, the devices can be charged at any 230 V household socket.

At Bauma Böcker also presented its Super-Lift MX-PM personnel hoist aimed at the scaffolding industry. With a high enclosed cabin and compact dimensions, it is designed to be used in elevator shafts during the construction phase before the building’s lifts are installed.