Loader crane manufacturer Hiab says it delivered 11,000 cranes in 2004, which is a record for the company and 10 per cent more than in 2003.
‘We would have been selling even more if our production facilities had been able to cope with the volume,’ said marketing communication manager Harm-Jan Riksen.
It attributes the rise partly to market growth but also to the success of its XS range of tailor-made cranes. The first XS cranes were introduced in 2000 but the whole product range of 40 models is being replaced by XS models, which is expected to take until the end of 2006 to complete.
The XS concept is that each model can be offered specifically tailored to customers’ specifications. Customers can choose different boom configurations, as well as the capacity level and control system technologies best suited for the application.
The newest models, recently presented to distributors, are the XS 099 (7tm to 10tm range), the XS 244 (20tm to 24tm) and the XS 322 (27tm to 32tm).
The XS 099 has an outreach of more than 14m with five hydraulic extensions, and comes with the CL, Duo or HiDuo control system. An optional second boom link makes the second boom move at a constant speed, resulting in smoother and more precise performance. The second boom link can also be complemented by a first boom link giving extra lifting capacity in high boom positions. The crane can also be ordered with a short outer boom, increasing the lifting height when for example loading a second-layer pallet close to the column.
The midrange XS 244 is designed for demanding applications such as trench excavation. Outreach with eight hydraulic extensions is 21m. A choice of CL, Duo, HiDuo or HiPro control systems are offered. This crane has an ‘E-link solution’ to enhance capacity when lifting close to the column. To increase capacity further, a ‘P-boom‘ can be specified as an option. The P-boom has up to five extensions specially dimensioned to carry maximum load. Each extension is slightly longer to give a greater outreach than with a conventional five-extension boom.
The XS 322 lifts 800kg out to 21m. The addition of an optional 70X-4 jib extends outreach to 26m. It is designed for high stress applications.
‘Hiab has been investing considerably in product development ever since the launch of the XS-series in the year 2000,’ said Harm-Jan Riksen.
See also the story on page 63.
