With the new AC 5.250L-2, Tadano is literally going one better: With its 259.2 foot-long main boom, this 5-axle machine is at the top of its class. And the maximum main boom extension of 98.4 feet is also “best in class”. Remarkably, all available main boom extensions from 19.0 to 98.4 feet are self-erecting. The available maximum system length of 357.6 feet makes the compact AC 5.250L-2 the ideal crane for urban applications, for example for lifting air conditioning units over obstructions onto tall buildings. Additionally, it is also ideally suited to the assembly of large tower cranes.

“Our AC 5.250L-2 is also top of the class when it comes to load moment, which at up to 736 mt is one of the best on the market,” explains Peter Kleinhans, the responsible project manager, with pride. This high load moment is achieved with a working radius 23 feet, a 44.3 foot-long main boom and a load weight of 231,920 pounds. In addition, Tadano offers an optional heavy-lift attachment for even heavier loads up to 305,780 pounds on the short boom with additional sheaves.

Economical use as a taxi crane

Like the basic AC 5.250-2 model, the “main boom long version” also impresses with its outstanding transport configurations. The crane with 10 x 6 drive can be moved on cost-effective 16-inch steel wheels on public roads while complying with the 26,500 pounds axle load limit with a considerable amount of equipment including a 32-tonne Vario hook block and outriggers with a total weight of less than 132,300 pounds, transport brackets for extensions, and up to 550 pounds of equipment in the rear box.

In compliance with the 36,400 pounds axle load limit with a total weight of exactly 181,900 pounds, the AC 5.250L-2 can even be driven on public roads with a 10 x 8 drive on 16-inch steel wheels. It can not only carry a 35 US tons hook block, outriggers and a 39.4 foot extension including transport brackets, but also 44,100 pounds of counterweight and up to 1,100 pounds of equipment in the rear box.

Sophisticated counterweight concept

The AC 5.250L-2 can pick up its maximum counterweight of 176,400 pounds in three lifts: 109,300 pounds with a radius of up to 22.3 feet at a full radius of 360° and two 33,500 pounds with a radius of up to 42.7 feet divided into 22,050 and 11,500 pounds for hanging on the right and left of the basic package. If required, the counterweight can also be divided into smaller pieces. For example, the 12,150 pounds base plate can be picked up from a distance of up to 75.5 feet in a full radius. “Thanks to the standard IC-1 Plus crane control system, the possible radius can be increased considerably in certain areas of the slewing angle,” emphasizes Peter Kleinhans. Maximum flexibility in transport logistics is also ensured by the division of the counterweight, with no element weighing more than 22,050 pounds. This means that smaller trucks can be scheduled for transportation if space conditions on the construction site require it.

On board: IC-1 Plus and Surround View

Tadano has also equipped the AC 5.250L-2 with a comprehensive range of standard features that benefit all current cranes in the Tadano AC family. This includes the innovative IC-1 Plus crane control system, for example. It determines the maximum load capacity of the crane in real time for each boom position depending on the slewing angle of the superstructure. This means that the crane can always use the maximum available capacity – especially when lifting over the outriggers. This advantage literally comes to the forefront when the counterweight is reduced, and the outriggers are not fully extended. The AC 5.250L-2 benefits greatly from this, as its outriggers can be extended asymmetrically in five positions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent.

The unique Surround View camera system is also available as an option for the Tadano AC 5.250L-2, making it easier for the crane operator to optimally position the crane on the construction site. This patented system uses six cameras to display the maximum possible extension widths of the outriggers at the crane’s current position in a computer-aided display. “With Tadano Surround View, the crane operator can see on a display in the cab exactly how he needs to position the crane on the construction site in order to extend all outriggers sufficiently and ensure the required slewing radius. This eliminates the need for tedious and time-consuming measuring and trial-and-error when searching for a location, so that the crane is ready for use more quickly,” explains Peter Kleinhans. The system also helps to better recognize pedestrians and cyclists on the way to the construction site when turning.

Comfortable and safe workplace

When developing the AC 5.250-2, Tadano did not disregard the needs of the crane operator – and the AC 5.250L-2 naturally also benefits from this: all noise-emitting hydraulic components are positioned away from the upper cabin, making it pleasantly quiet. In any case, the generous amount of space in both cabs ensures a high level of operating comfort and pleasant working conditions. Safety is ensured by well-placed access steps, attachment points for the driver’s personal safety equipment and a step that can be extended from the undercarriage for safe and convenient entry and exit to the upper cab.

The optional pendant light and a load view camera also ensure greater safety during operation. These can be mounted alternately on the boom head and on the extensions so that one system can be used for all configurations. When lifting over interfering edges with an extension, the repeater, which is also available, is recommended for mounting on the boom head to ensure a wireless connection to the camera in such cases.

Ecological and economical in operation

On the engine side, the AC 5.250L-2 has the same drive that already delivers a convincing performance in the AC 5.250-2: The modern Mercedes-Benz engine with 530 hp output and a maximum torque of 1,917 lbf-ft ensures decent acceleration and strong lifting performance. The HVO-compliant diesel engine meets the current EU Stage V and US EPA Tier4 Final requirements. Thanks to Eco Mode, it is also particularly economical: the engine only delivers as much power as the crane needs at any given time. The corresponding calculations are made via the IC-1 crane control system, which also includes a fuel-saving start/stop function. This switches off the crane engine at the touch of a button without deactivating the control software – and the hill start assist, which is also fitted as standard, ensures stress-free driving when starting off and maneuvering on inclines.

Conclusion

With the AC 5.250L-2, Tadano has added a convincing variant to the proven AC 5.250-2 basic model, which significantly extends the range of applications of this already versatile crane even further thanks to the 259.2 foot long main boom. The high load moment of up to 736 mt in combination with the long system length of 357.6 feet makes this crane an extremely interesting option for many applications where heavy loads have to be lifted to great heights – and thanks to its good taxi crane properties, it is also definitely a convincing economic option.

Source: Tadano