The new 273-mt 348 Series 2 lattice crawler crane from Link-Belt is available with Cummins QSL 9 350-hp Tier 4 Final and Tier III engine options, delivering efficient power to a Kawasaki pump and motor package for fast, responsive, fingertip control to provide simultaneous operation wherever it is needed.
Dual swing motors deliver dynamic control for the smooth-free swing that all Link-Belt Hylabs are known for having. The operator can also dial swing speed up or down with volume speed controls in the cab. Matching hydraulically driven main and auxiliary hoist drums utilise Link-Belt designed gear drives for either straight power-up/power-down auto brake mode, or can also incorporate an optional ‘wet clutch’ free fall feature, if required.
New ultra-wide hoist drum laggings, an integral part of the drum itself, provide an extra-large circumference for the standard 28-mm hoist rope, extending rope life and offering maximum line pull of 24,179 kg.
Greater fuel economy is one of the highlights of the Series 2 Eco winch system, resulting in lower operating cost, less engine RPM under load, fewer emissions, and all the line pull that is needed with the 28-mm rope. When activated by the operator, Eco hoist provides a maximum line speed with lighter loads all with the engine under 1,000 rpm. The operator-selectable ‘auto-engine shutdown’ is equipped as standard, allowing the engine to shut down automatically after extended periods of inactivity, so long as critical operating criteria are met.
The crane operator is assisted by on-board high-resolution winch-view, rear-view, and non-cab side swing-view cameras to enhance jobsite visibility from within the cab. The operator’s cab is designed to be highly functional and comfortable, featuring a full LED system monitor and adjustable armchair-mounted controls. The ergonomic design offers the operator greater visibility, more room, and a six-way adjustable seat.
An audio/visual travel and swing alarm system alerts crew members on the ground when the crane swings or travels. The intuitive rated capacity limiter monitoring system provides the operator with all lift information, and enables the operator to set swing and other control parameters creating virtual walls with audio, visual alarms and function kick out. The 348 Series 2 has telematics in place to give current data to better forecast maintenance and service needs of the crane.
New attachment on the 348 Series 2 allows the heavy-duty boom top section to remain in place to transition from conventional mode to luffing configuration, eliminating the need to change out tops. Maximum heavy-duty boom length is 91.4 m and maximum heavy-duty jib combination is 73.1 m plus 42.7 m. Maximum long-range boom length is 108.2 m and maximum long-range jib combination 89.9 m plus 42.7 m. A maximum combination of 54.8 m of luffing boom and 73.1 m of luffing jib provides 128 m of attachment and a tip height of 127.7 m.
In order to provide quick conversion from conventional style lifting to a luffing configuration, assembly has been simplified with the introduction of several features: semi-bore weldments for pin locations; ‘point of use’ storage provisions for all components; and stop cams for quick pin alignment.
A new luffing jib transport package with lifting lugs simplifies and expedites luffer assembly. The rear post will scissor into place by means of alignment links. The transport package also comes assembled with nylon rope reeving to assist with initial luffing jib wire rope hoist reeving. Once the rear post is in working position, all luffing jib pendant connections are made and the luffer is ready to be raised for work. All assembly is done from the ground with no work at height exposure.
The 348 Series 2 has a live mast cylinder for self-assembly and lattice extensions can be mixed and matched with existing conventional boom of 348 H5 models so users can use heavy duty, transition, and long range boom on the 348 Series 2.
Two position track gauges offer variable track positions depending on the application: extended position provides a wide base for operations where conditions allow 6.71 m and retracted at 5.84 m compliments for tighter, more restricted environments.
Front and rear lower counterweights feature ‘hook and pin’ style car body design and consist of two stacked weights at the front and rear – top counterweight slab weighs 7,699 kg and lower weighs 9,340 kg – fitting neatly between the side frames even in fully retracted gauge. The upper superstructure and lower carbody of the new 348 Series 2 comprise the main transport load, requiring no undecking or assist crane.
To accommodate varying transport regulations throughout North America, the 348 Series 2 is equipped with car body jacks and quick disconnects on lower hydraulics for quick and easy installation and removal of side frames when needed. Counterweight and lattice sections of the 348 Series 2 are also configured for minimal overflow loads. A new counterweight removal system can lift up to 102,965 kg of upper counterweight.
The 348 Series 2 is manufactured and assembled in North America with support around the globe. First shipments of the crane are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Website: www.linkbelt.com
