Link-Belt Fields New 100-Tonne 218 V Lattice Boom Crawler Crane
Link-Belt recently debuted its fifth-generation lattice boom crawler crane in the 218 series. The new 218 V, the successor to the 218 HSL, has a 99.79-tonne (110-U.S.-ton) lifting capacity. Its main boom has a maximum length of 70 metres (230 feet), but with a jib it can reach a tip height of 85 m (279 ft). Extra counterweight gives the 218 V approximately 5% greater average capacity over its predecessor. Link-Belt showed off the new crane at the ConExpo-Con/Agg convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the U.S.
“Larger cranes often get more publicity for making eye-catching big lifts, but the daily, versatile workhorse in the industry is this size of machine,” says Link-Belt Product Manager for Crawler Cranes, Brian Elkins.
Eyes On The Job
Link-Belt improved the operator’s visibility from the 218 V’s cab by lowering its foot pedals. The manufacturer also installed a new 12-inch touchscreen and load moment indicator operating system. The new display furnishes a live readout of stacked counterweight, swing angle, list and trim, engine rpms, upgraded diagnostics, and other data.
A variety of high-resolution cameras with night vision give the crane operator views of the winch, rearview, and non-cab side swing. For even greater visibility, a new optional lighting package places LEDs on the upper and lower cab side, as well as on the front of the cab.
New Car Body Counterweights
The 218 V is a self-assembling crane that comes with a remote control for single-user operation of its counterweight removal system, which it has in common with Link-Belt’s telecrawler family. The crawler also has new front and rear car body counterweights, the former of which adds a convenient toolbox. The new weights have a hook-and-pin design and fit within the side frames, permitting extension and retraction.
Like the 218 HSL, the new 218 V has a two-speed travel drive and uses the same lattice boom extensions. Its fixed jib adds 9.1 to 22.9 m (30 to 75 ft) of lift height in 4.6-m (15-ft) increments, and can be offset to 5, 15, or 25 degrees. The new crane’s main load can be transported at a weight of 45,341 kilograms (99,960 pounds), and 48.7 m (160 ft) of its boom can be hauled on three 15.2-m (50-ft) trailers.
More New Features
The new Link-Belt 218 V comes with quick-deploying, swing-out axle extenders and new ladders and steps for access to the upper work platform. Power pack attachment points come as a standard feature; a P-Pack bracket kit is available as an option, as are floodlights for the boom.
A new boom head offers quick-reeve capability and button-type termination, which Link-Belt says facilitates easy removal of the block and ball from a 26-millimetre (1-in.) rope. Also, all sections of the main boom now include storage retainers for safe, secure transportation of the pendant assembly no matter how much boom the job may require.
Reduced Operating Costs
A 280-horsepower (209-kilowatt) Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel engine gives the new 218 V its power. The EU Stage V motor is ready to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), including as a mixture with regular diesel fuel. A Kawasaki pump and motor system makes the crane’s movements responsive even during simultaneous actions. The Link-Belt’s hydraulic oil service interval has doubled to 4,000 hours to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
The 218 V has an operator-activated Eco Winch feature to provide sufficient line pull for lighter loads at engine speeds under 1,000 rpm. This decreases operating cost and emissions. Another user-enabled standard feature automatically shuts down the engine after extended idling, subject to conditions.
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Source: Link-Belt