A prototype of the crane is due later in 2007. The crane is to be the first of a new range that is expected to contribute a major part of sales in 2007-2010, the company said. A luffing jib, counterweight tray and remote monitoring system are being considered for the crane, although no more specifics were available by press date.
Overseas demand for large crawler cranes used for construction work on power station facilities will increase, given the background of the activation of energy development, the company said, It added that there will be an increase in the product array of large crawler cranes, which was a weak point.
The crane is being built at Sumitomo Heavy Industries’ Ehime Works – Saijo Factory because HSC’s Nagoya works has no more space. The factory is “ideal” for the production of large crawler cranes, according to Hidehisa Nakanishi, HSC president, because it has its own private pier, which simplifies shipping. It and Sumitomo Heavy Industries will each invest JPY 100m ($830,000) in the factory.
Saijo factory engineers will make the cranes under HSC supervision. Founded in 1973, the factory makes chemical equipment, bridge and steel structures. The factory already manufactures some units and parts for HSC.
Hitachi-Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co is a 50:50 joint venture between Hitachi Construction Machinery and Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
