Link-Belt debuts new APU on 85|RT

20 March 2023

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Auxiliary Power Unit on new Link-Belt rough terrain designed to increase efficiency and lifespan.

Link-Belt Cranes is displaying its newest rough terrain crane, the 85 ton (80 tonne) 85|RT, at ConExpo 2023 in Las Vegas, USA. The crane has a new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). Designed to improve the efficiency and the lifespan of the crane while reducing fuel consumption and minimising emissions.

“In our ongoing effort to produce products that are more sustainable, our engineering team has leveraged some of the latest, cutting edge technology to develop an APU unit that is lean, clean, and green,” said Kelly Fiechter, Product for Rough Terrain Cranes.

For Link-Belt, this patent pending APU design will be a new option that allows a crane to keep the operator ‘cab comfortable’ by maintaining the integrated HVAC system while the engine is off. The APU will run from a self-charging lithium-ion battery power source.

Once the engine is started the APU will go into charge mode and the crane’s engine takes over as the power supply. The APU when used in combination with the 85|RT’s auto idle/shutdown feature provides the operator with uninterrupted comfort regardless of engine status.

According to Link-Belt, a study of shared telematics data concluded that almost 70 percent of rough terrain crane engine hours are logged at engine idle. This APU system is designed to help reduce idle time, reduce engine hours on the crane, reduce engine emissions, and potentially reduce required regular service. The APU is also very quiet, compared to main engine run sound levels, adds Link-Belt. Testing for the APU is underway on the 85|RT and should be complete by end of summer 2023.