Franz Pichler, a truck-mounted crane rental company from Lower Austria, secured one of the first models of the new generation Tadano HK 4.050-1 – the follow-up model to Tadano’s established HK 40.
The new four-axle Tadano HK 4.050-1 has greater load capacity than its predecessor, additional features and assistance functions, plus enhanced driving characteristics, claims Tadano.
Pichler ordered the HK with a nine-metre boom extension, a 3.5-tonne hook block, and radio remote control.
“The HK 4.050-1 is the perfect taxi crane,” said Franz Pichler, owner of the crane rental company. “It is even more powerful than its predecessor and very economical thanks to the dual-engine concept. Now that it also features an H-outrigger, the crane is the number-one choice on construction sites where space is becoming increasingly tight.
“Having one engine that drives the crane from A to B and another engine that drives the boom and the superstructure means that the crane can be operated particularly efficiently.”
The H-outrigger allows different outrigger widths to be extended for each individual outrigger, enabling the HK 4.050-1 to adapt flexibly to on-site conditions. The outrigger can be vertically readjusted from the upper cab meaning it is no longer necessary to leave the cabin to re-level the crane. This, Tadano says, makes for a safer experience for the crane driver.
The HK 4.050-1’s drive and engine concept means two driven axles are designed to provide greater traction – even in poor road conditions. The steered rear axle aids manoeuvrability so that even narrow access roads can be tackled. The axles and working functions are driven by two engines. Having separate engines for the superstructure and carrier is designed to reduce fuel consumption and optimise maintenance intervals, said Tadano.
Franz Pichler has already used the 50 tonne capacity truck-mounted crane. “The first assignment involved concrete parts needing to be lifted and moved in the city of Wiener Neustadt,” said Franz Pichler. “This is the typical sort of project we will be carrying out regularly with this crane, and we were able to handle it quickly and accurately thanks to its enormous power reserves and the many practical advantages it offers.”
