Link-Belt has introduced a new truck crane, the 45t (50 US ton) rated HTC-8650 Series II.
Features include removable slab counterweights, front and rear air-ride suspension, Caterpillar engine and ZF Astronic transmission. With full counterweight, gross vehicle weight is less than 36.3t (80,000 lb), which Link-Belt claims makes it ‘the most roadable, big capacity truck crane in North America today’.
The HTC-8650 is powered by the 250kW Caterpillar C-10, 10-litre engine and is matched up to the ZF Astronic automatic transmission with 12 forward and two reverse speeds, for travel at speeds of 97km/h (60mph). For travelling on the job site, it can get down to a creep speed of 2km/h (1.3 mph).
To achieve roadability in all 50 states, Link-Belt has fitted the machine with three hydraulically removable ‘slab-type’ counterweights. Weighing 1.6t (3,600 lb) each, hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the counterweight slabs onto the deck. This enables the operator to tailor the machine’s axle loads to meet local road regulations. Getting on the road is aided by four lightweight ‘Stow-N-Go’ pontoons that can securely store on the outrigger jack.
The crane is equipped with a 10.8m to 33.5 m (35.5-110ft) full power, four-section boom. Maximum tip height is 35.8m (117.4 ft). An optional 8.7m-15.5 m (28-51ft) fly attachment is offsettable to 2°, 20° and 40°. Maximum tip height of the boom plus fly is 50.9m (167ft).
The new HTC-8650 has a storage box in the right front fender with additional storage boxes on the left and right side of the carrier next to the side access ladders. The HTC-8650 has many features common to the HTC product line including: CALC (Confined Area Lifting Capacities) and Microguard 434 rated capacity limiter.
