The five axle 175|AT is, Link-Belt says, the company’s most versatile and compact design yet.
“We set out to create the most operator friendly crane in the industry: we think we’ve done it!” says Rick Curnutte, senior product manager for telescopic truck and all terrain cranes. “This crane is, from the ground up, all new and introduces product features that will be very appealing to all AT buyers.”
Purpose-built and proprietary to Link-Belt, the 175|AT features a two-person cab, designed to include all the comforts an operator could want. Using new techniques, the cab is constructed of a lightweight powder-coated aluminium extrusion frame and fiberglass external skin. As part of the design phase, extensive destructive testing took place to confirm the robustness of the lightweight construction. The cab successfully passed tests that included side impact, front impact, and roof crush.
“Our development team placed an emphasis on improving efficiency behind the wheel and reducing driver fatigue—understanding that a driver can spend several hours a day driving to and from the jobsite,” said Curnutte.
The interior features amenities such as automatic climate control, blue tooth radio, cell phone charging and LED lighting. An air ride seat with lumbar support, heating and ventilation will provide optimum comfort while driving. A multi-functioning steering wheel gives the operator fingertip controls for engine compression braking and cruise control.
“A focus on driver’s efficiency is not a new concept for Link-Belt; we have raised the bar with this new cab,” says Curnutte.
Link-Belt is introducing Pulse 2.0 to the driver’s cab with a 7-inch full-colour, touch-screen display that doubles as the monitor for the Vision camera package. Pulse 2.0 continuously monitors carrier operations that include engine and transmission data, tyre pressures and temperatures, suspension cylinder pressures, and even alerts the driver that the crane is ready for transport in dolly configuration.
A 535hp (398.9kW) 15l Cummins QSX15 tier 4 final off-highway engine will power the 175|AT, in line with Link-Belt’s single engine hydraulic truck cranes. Considering critical factors like weight and multi-functioning power, Link-Belt says it was a clear choice to continue the single engine philosophy to this five-axle all terrain.
The 175|AT is standard full time 10X8X10 drive with on-highway speed-dependent steering and five jobsite travel steering modes.
Through Pulse 2.0, V-CALC (Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities) is the solution that allows the operator 81 different asymmetrical outrigger positions to best suit the needs of the jobsite. Confined space on jobsites will often prevent an operator from using fully extended outriggers. The operator can preview available capacities for all outrigger configurations on the Pulse display.
Standard carrier features that operators are accustomed to include: four points of access to the flat carrier deck, a comprehensive camera ‘Vision’ package, and the premier lighting package on the market for night-time operations. Expanding on these features, Link-Belt will introduce a new slip-resistant paint coating on all designated walking surfaces to mitigate exposure to slips and trips.
The operator’s cab is tailored for all terrain operations. Pulse 2.0 with its 10in (25.4 cm) touch display is at the heart of this crane with features and controls that are designed to be intuitive, adaptable, and in easy arm’s reach. The view from the seat is uninhibited in all kinds of weather with large sweeping wipers in the front and top, and strategically-placed vents for fast-acting defrost.
The 175|AT is equipped with a six section 42.7–197ft (13–60.1m) pin and latch greaseless formed boom and an optional three piece 10/32.5/55ft (3/9.9/16.8m) on-board hydraulic or manual offset fly and three 18ft (5.4m) lattice extensions. The maximum attachment will achieve a tip height of 315.1ft (96m) making this crane suitable for many applications ranging from steel erection to cell tower service.
The 10ft (3m) integrated heavy lift fly provides robust capacities and line separation for two load line operation in applications like precast wall panels. Time tested and proven features such as greaseless sheaves and Teflon wear pads cut maintenance and service costs. Additional standard boom features include wireless wind speed indicator, single-hand operation rope guard, and three work lights on the boom base section.
The 175|AT will also feature the proven ‘Sure Lock’ fly erection system. The Sure Lock helps ensure proper fly erection and stowage sequence while minimising work at height. Link-Belt fly procedures have been embraced in the market on Link-Belt truck cranes and telescopic crawler cranes for their ease of assembly and one-person operation.
175|AT transports to the job with full 81,000lbs (36,700kg) of counterweight in just two overflow loads.
With standard boom dolly provisions, including dolly camera, the crane was designed for travel in all geographical markets. The 175|AT is capable of traveling under 26,500lb (12,020kg) per axle with 11,000lb (4,989 kg) of counterweight on the crane and boom over the front. In dolly configuration, the counterweight can be stowed in several different configurations to meet different weight requirements.
“We do our homework—things like no cheek counterweights, giving options on hydraulic versus manual fly—we set out to provide our customer’s a comprehensive list of options in this tonnage class,” says Curnutte.
