Terex has launched a new 65 US ton class rough terrain crane designed to trump Grove’s RT 760E.
The Waverley-built Terex RT 665 (65 US ton), from the RT 600 series, replaces the old 60 ton RT 160 that was built in Conway. The RT 160 was itself an upgraded 50 ton P&H unit.
Development of the new RT 600 was remarkably swift. Design work started in May 2002, had the prototype made in June, SAE tested in July and shipping began in September with five units pre-sold for a price 10% under that of a Grove 760E, Terex says. Cost of the RT 665 is $195,000 and the dealer price is $245,000, compared with $270,000 for the Grove RT 760E.
Terex keeps the price down by maximising commonality of components. The 38.4m (126ft) full powered boom is made from boom sections from the existing product line and both upper and lower are used (or will be) elsewhere.
The upper is the same as the 560 truck crane, while the lower is new and designed for a 75 ton rating. This carrier will be coupled with the upper of Terex’s T 790 truck crane (90 ton) – modified a little to avoid making it too front heavy – to create a 75 ton 700 series RT that will follow the RT 665 to market soon.
Although the carrier is heavier than that of the old P&H 75 ton RT, it is cheaper because it is easier to build and has common components with other models, says Terex.
‘Cost per pound, it’s the lowest cost carrier in our fleet,’ said Craig Lichty.
A key technical difference between Grove and Terex RTs and truck cranes is the boom telescoping system. The Grove boom extends by wire rope, Terex’s extends by chain. Terex’s view is that chain is safer and that the additional weight of chain over wire rope is not significant.
With new RTs at 65 US ton and 75 US ton taking the challenge to Grove, the next step for Terex is to re-new its 100 US ton class offering. ‘Whether we go for tonnage or boom length has yet to be determined,’ said Lichty. Boom length seems like a good bet, however.
