Contractors Crane Company took deliver of the new Badger CD4415 earlier this month; the company was among the first to place orders for the new cab-down unit. Badger said that at just over 11ft (3.3m) tall, the low-profile crane was designed with input from operators in the oil and gas industry who need to confidently perform pick-and-carry jobs in very tight spaces.
"Most manufacturers build what they think you want. But Badger really listened to us and to our customers," said Contractor’s Crane President and CEO Mike Daniels. "We invited Badger to visit our largest customers in Texas and Louisiana to learn what users wanted from a new crane. The CD4415 design was based largely on those operator specifications and, as a result, we expect this to be a very good line."
"The features of this new crane include four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, multiple boom configurations, highly visible, ergonomically engineered two-door cab with joystick controls, and integrated safety features, such as steps and handrails," said Badger Equipment Company General Manager Ed Samera. "These features are in high demand by our dealers in today’s marketplace."
Manitex subsidiary Badger said that the crane will go to market as both the Badger CD4415 and the Manitex M150. At an event in Minnesota, where the crane was launched, Badger announced $1M of dealer orders, for versions of the crane configured for refinery operations.
Contractors Crane initially ordered three of the new cranes and expect to place additional orders once the company begins to demonstrate the CD4415 for its customers. "Ours is a ‘kick the tires’ customer base," added Daniels. "They need to see it and touch it before making a purchase. But because Badger gave us such personalised attention during the design of this unit, and the CD4415 is meeting all of our expectations, we should do very well with this crane."
