HIAB HAS launched a family of loader cranes which it describes as ‘a massive advance in crane technology’. The picturesque setting of Hockenheim town hall, Germany was the venue for the unveiling of four models in the new XS range, new control systems and two new T-series models.
Billed as the biggest event for Hiab in 20 years, the XS range was unveiled on 21 September at the Hiab world conference. They were later shown at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Frankfurt.
The XS family comprises four multi model ranges and two new radio control systems. A modular approach is centred around choosing the model, boom configuration, control system, etc. for the job, rather than selecting a particular model by its tonne metre rating and then adding options. Each of the four basic ranges have four models with varying options. Basic model is the CL. Features are added to each level through the Duo and Pro models to the ‘fully loaded’ HiPro.
Smallest of the series is the XS 122 which spans the 11tm to 13tm range. Next is the XS 144, 13tm to 15tm, followed by the XS 166, 15tm to 17tm. Top of the range is the XS 700, a jump up to a 66tm rating.
An all-new steel structure for the XS range is combined with new features that Hiab says have been made possible by advances in electronics and their integration with hydraulics. Most significant of these, Hiab says, is Advanced Duty Control (ADC), an electronic system to increase efficiency. It identifies the type of work being done by the crane and then distributes power to the particular functions being used. Data for this is gathered from the crane’s operating system during the first few minutes of a job.
