Crane Guide June 2023

OPERATOR’S EYES Through the Cameras Help Entire Crane Team See Bigger Picture

By Lucy Perry CEG CORRESPONDENT

SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY ARE AT THE HEART OF CRANE OPERATIONS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE.

Improving and ensuring both are always the goals. Mitigating jobsite hazards is one benefit of a crane camera. Either on the tip of the boom or on the hook block, a camera is an essential safety device on any construction crane.

Because of their sheer size and moving parts, cranes can pose a number of hazards on a job site.

The Crosby Group notes the most common cause of fatalities in construction is being struck by an object that falls from a crane. The Tulsa, Okla., material handling solutions provider said other fatalities include being run over by and falling from a crane.

“When a crane operator is lifting and lowering loads, there are blind spots,” according to a Crosby white paper on crane camera technology.

They are unable to see the loads below the hook or boom or actively be able to gauge the surrounding area, said the company.

“A large number of accidents could be avoided with cranes with audio and visual systems installed.”

A camera affords the crane operator an unobstructed view of the

lift from their crane cab.

It also aids the operator in an awareness of where the load is below the hook at all times, as well as the surrounding area. Many hazardous situations can be prevented or mitigated through the use of a camera on the crane. For instance, an operator may not have a line of sight to the load, grounds crew, other equipment, nearby buildings or overhead power lines.

As Crosby points out, this situation can cause accidents to personnel as well as damage to expensive equipment. This hazard also can bring construction to a halt, incurring heavy costs for the contractor.

Camera technology allows the operator to visually see if a load becomes unstable and notice rigging failures before they happen.

Crosby said the device can help the operator accurately steer loads into tight or awkward spaces. It guarantees the operator receives clear instruction from the crew on the ground, whom they can now avoid.

A camera also can quickly alert the crew of a possible hazard involving the crane. The safety tool helps the operator avoid hitting buildings surrounding the lift site and can prevent damage to a contractor’s assets.

Finally, use of crane camera technology has been proven to improve efficiency in the crane operations.

continued on page 8

Tight deadlines force some crane end users to operate at night. A camera is a solution for operators working under the dim light of dusk and dawn.

In lifting and lowering loads, a crane operator has to navigate blind spots where they may be unable to see the load or the boom.

55-ton |50 mt Telescopic Crawler Crane

“With a camera system installed to the crane, construction sites will be a safer more efficient environment,” said Crosby.

With camera technology, a crane operator is able to see the loads attached below the hook or boom from any crane cab.

As Crosby explains, of its system, the sound and view from below the camera are transmitted and received wirelessly. The transmission takes place from the antenna system to a screen in the cab.

“This allows the operator to see and hear the load and surroundings,” said Crosby.

It also gives them an unobstructed, live, audio-visual feed of the critical areas that working in the blind would never allow.

Another application popular these days is using the crane’s height and viewpoint to capture real-time imagery of the complete job site.

“This imagery supports project teams with a variety of use cases in productivity, safety, quality assurance and coordination,” noted Sensera.

In this application, cameras can be mounted on the crane tower, or jib provided they are solar/battery powered and wireless.

With wireless technology, no complex wiring is required, said the company, whose devices are suited for this use.

High resolution images and real-time streaming video are provided to the entire project team simultaneously.

“It’s important that the system be rugged, lightweight, completely solar/battery powered and reliable,” advised the company.

“Any industries utilizing cranes can be affected by crane-related accidents,” said the company. “Research and feedback from customers clearly point to the fact that crane camera systems greatly reduce hazards and injuries that bring construction to a halt.”

Cameras also can offer a solution during dark or hazy nighttime crane work, said Carmen Zajicek of Crane Warning Systems.

The Atlanta, Ga., crane system provider noted that while most projects are executed during the day, tight deadlines force others to operate at night.

“These are unfavorable working conditions that increase the need for better lighting for workers working during night shifts,” said Zajicek. “Cameras are safe, quick and efficient solutions for crane operators working under the dim light of dusk and dawn.”

The devices help the operator view all the lifting operations through a bright on-screen display.

History of Jobsite Safety

The first crane cameras were mounted on the jib and were aimed down onto the load. With this technology, real-time video in the cab provided the operator situational awareness.

Camera manufacturer Sensera Systems said, “We are now seeing other use cases and approaches being taken” with these safety tools.

Today’s camera versions are often mounted on the hook block to provide a more dynamic view of the load and the lift. These versions also use sensors to provide productivity statistics to the team, said the Golden, Colo., company.

From a moving component of the crane, such as the jib, the camera can capture images from multiple viewpoints. The technology is capable of supporting advanced applications joining reality capture, drawings and models with the job schedule.

Clear Picture

Current lifting practices do not solve the problem of blind spot lifting, said Taiwanese camera manufacturer Scarlet Tech.

“This is the important role [a] wireless crane hook camera can bring to crane operation safety.”

Mounted on the hook of the crane, the camera eliminates the hazards associated with lifting in the blind. Now the crane operator has live audio and video footage with the ability to see and hear activity below the hook and around the load.

“Crane hook cameras also prove to increase lifting efficiency,” said the company.

That’s because the operator can now clearly see the load while communicating with ground staff.

“Communication becomes much easier and less stressful,” said Scarlet Tech.

With a hook camera system, safety personnel and project managers can monitor the construction site remotely. The system also allows them to access video data for analysis of the lifting operation, the ground crew and the job site.

“Managers can watch the live videos or recorded footage from [a] tablet or Windows PC.”

Location, Location, Location

While the use of a camera on a tower crane can be beneficial,

Many accidents on job sites could be avoided if cranes had audio and visual systems installed.

“With a camera system installed to the crane, construction sites will be a safer more efficient environment.”

The Crosby Group

cameras must not replace a qualified signal person, cautioned haulage broker Safe and Insured.

The Great Britain service provider believes that the technology should be used as a communication tool between operator and signaler.

“Cameras can be attached to the tower crane in various positions,” according to the company.

A camera mounted on the hook block eliminates the need for a zoom lens to see the load below, said the brokerage.

“It provides a view from above and the camera can be accessed at ground level.”

There are disadvantages to this positioning, though. At that spot, the camera is most sensitive to windy conditions. The size of the load may obscure the camera’s viewpoint. And, the camera’s battery power and wireless operating equipment will need recharging.

Mounted on the trolley of a flat-top or saddle crane, the camera is unlikely to be struck or damaged.

Solar power operates the camera, and the view is not sensitive to hook block rotation or the wind.

Disadvantages, according to Safe and Insured, can include the need for a zoom lens to see loads accurately from taller tower cranes.

Another drawback is the need for a personnel basket for access to the camera when its maintenance is required.

With a jib-mounted camera on a luffing crane, power can be furnished via both solar and hard wire, noted the company. The camera is “unlikely to be struck or damaged and the view will cover the load, hook block, hoist rope and lifting accessories,”

they said.

As with a trolley, the jib mount may require a zoom lens on taller cranes and will likely require a personnel basket for maintenance

A “jib-mounted [camera] also requires a pivot mechanism to be installed so the view is not obscured when the jib angle is altered,” said the broker.

In the crane cab, the camera monitor must not restrict the operator’s direct line of sight or impede any of their controls.

One other reminder from the brokerage: The monitor should be able to be seen in direct sunlight.

“Camera systems and their components should be fastened securely to lower the chance of anything falling from the crane,” said the broker.

“When a camera is installed using magnets, extra security tethers also should be installed as a backup.”

Tethers should be fastened to suitable anchor points. And they should be able to take twice the weight of the item secured. Tethers should be as short as possible to lower the chance of snags or contact with other parts of the crane.

“Any carabiners used should be double action locking and [designed] for outdoor use,” said Safe and Insured.

Tower crane cameras should be inspected to confirm the device is working as intended. Confirm that the camera, batteries and associated parts are secure and there is no damage to cables, connectors and security tethers.

“The frequency and responsibilities of the inspections and maintenance vary depending on the positioning of the camera,” said the broker.  CQ

A camera not only gives the crane operator an unobstructed view of the lift, but it keeps the operator aware of where the load is below the hook at all times, as well as ground activities.

New Addition

BELT GROUP OF COMPANIES OPERATE 175|AT IN MID-ATLANTIC STATES

Belt Cranes, part of the Belt Group of Companies of Cumberland, Md., has purchased a new Link-Belt 175-ton 175|AT all terrain crane for its taxi crane fleet.

The Belt Group of Companies umbrella includes general construction, paving and road construction and roofing.

Belt Group covers a 70-mi. radius that includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia in the Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains. The 175|AT was added to its existing fleet of Link-Belt Cranes, which include a 75-ton HTC-8675 and 90-ton HTC-8690, both hydraulic truck cranes.

“The 175|AT crane fits into our company well because we are in the mountains and the 175 holds itself back on down grades and climbs really well for its size,” said Belt Cranes Operator Travis Ryan.

“Also being an all terrain, used for different sites, it’s nice because when in an area that is rough and tight, you have all your wheel configurations. That’s what I like about this

machine. It’s tight for the size of it. You can maneuver it just about wherever you want to with no problem.

One of the 175|AT’s earliest projects included a West Virginia Department of Highways (WVDOH) two-lane bridge project over North Fork Patterson Creek in Maysville, W. Va.

During two separate seven hour road closures, Belt Cranes was able to place eight total beams for the new bridge deck. Most beams were 52 ft. long and 33 in. square prestressed precast concrete, weighing 40,000 lbs.

The 175|AT worked with 90 ft. of boom in the EM1 mode using four part line, and working at a 50 ft radius at the bridge site. The heaviest lift included guard-railing already attached to the bridge deck that weighed 45,000 lbs.

140 ft. radius up to 5,000 lbs.

“We love the boom on this 175AT, and the lighter boom with the 197 feet available to us. That is very valuable to us. Even the foldable jib is an advantage and we like the hydraulically offset full jib. We no longer have to put it down on the ground and remove pins and find something to support the jib and then offset it, and then bring it back into position,” said Dave Madden, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Belt Group of Companies.

“We have a good relationship with Link-Belt Mid-Atlantic, their sales group and service people. Most of the parts for the Link-Belt’s are U.S.-based so they’re easy to acquire and parts inventory is good if you need something expedited or overnighted,” said Madden.

For more information, visit www.linkbelt.com. 

Typical of a taxi crane, the following five days the crew spent in Keyser, W. Va., replacing and installing 13 rooftop HVAC (heating ventilation air-conditioning) units at Keyser Middle School. Once older units are lifted off and new bracing is added, the 175|AT reaches at up to a

Belt Cranes, part of the Belt Group of Companies of Cumberland, Md., has purchased a new Link-Belt 175-ton 175|AT all terrain crane for its taxi crane fleet.

The 175|AT was added to Belt Crane's existing fleet of Link-Belt Cranes, which include a 75ton HTC-8675 and 90-ton HTC-8690, both hydraulic truck cranes.

Potain Cranes to Aid Major Renovation of Historic Milan Hospital

Italian construction company

Consorzio Stabile SIS has chosen four Potain top-slewing cranes for a pivotal role in the renovation of one of Italy’s oldest hospitals, Policlinico di Milano.

The project is set to last approximately three years and will require the use of the Potain cranes for the duration of the construction work.

Consorzio Stabile purchased two MDT 269 J12 cranes with a maximum jib length of 213 ft. and two MDT 389 L16 cranes with maximum jib length of 246 ft., which have

been mounted on site with jibs ranging from 180 to 197 ft. in length and heights under hook of up to 226 ft. The cranes will lift heavy loads and maneuver equipment around the 27,508 sq. yd. site.

The project presents particular challenges, including its historic city center location, a single narrow access road to the hospital that must not be blocked, and limited space for maneuvering heavy vehicles, the mobile crane and disassembly operations. To overcome these challenges, Manitowoc engineers, led by Matteo

Pastore, have expertly planned and organized the placement of the cranes.

The team looks forward to continuing to work with Consorzio Stabile SIS to ensure the Policlinico di Milano renovation project’s successful completion, as well as on other construction projects in the future.

Consorzio Stabile, a long-standing partner of Manitowoc, also counts five Grove rough-terrain models and three Potain selferecting models in its fleet of cranes.

For more information, visit www.manitowoc.com. 

Consorzio Stabile purchased two MDT 269 J12 cranes with a maximum jib length of 213 ft. and two MDT 389 L16 cranes with maximum jib length of 246 ft., which have been mounted on site with jibs ranging from 180 to 197 ft. in length and heights under hook of up to 226 ft.

The project presents particular challenges, including its historic city center location, a single narrow access road to the hospital that must not be blocked, and limited space for maneuvering heavy vehicles, the mobile crane and disassembly operations.

The project is set to last approximately three years and will require the use of the Potain cranes for the duration of the construction work.

HEAVY

NessCampbell Crane + Rigging, an established crane and rigging company based in Portland and Seattle, was recently tasked with the transportation of a transformer for Seattle City Light. The customer couldn’t ship the transformer directly to Seattle by railroad. Instead, it was shipped via railroad to Vancouver, Wash., and NessCampbell took it from there.

The transformer weighed an enormous 445,000 lbs. and was 185 ft. in length, 16-ft. wide and 16ft., 8-in. tall, making it a complex and challenging transportation project.

NessCampbell used its custom Lane Loader dual lane trailer specially designed for hauls like this, along with two semi trucks on both ends.

The transportation project required extensive planning and coordination with various state and city entities, including Seattle Metro, to ensure the safety of the public and the successful delivery of the transformer. Due to height restrictions and other limitations, the transportation route took four days to complete.

The project involved a complex de-energizing plan to ensure there was no power in the trolley lines that the transformer passed under. Seattle Metro crews accom-

TRANSPORT

panied the convoy, pushing up trolley lines that the convoy was unable to pass under without coming in contact with them.

Moreover, the transportation team had to manage over 100 no-parking areas to safely maneuver the route. They had to implement a complete street closure around the clock to ensure that homeowners could access their homes safely while the team worked to deliver the transformer.

The team successfully completed the project within two days of direct impact on the site, after nearly six months of planning.

The transportation convoy consisted of a team of highly skilled professionals, including three SDOT troopers, two Metro service crews, two sign and signal crews, two Seattle City Light crews, six traffic control crews, four oversize pilots cars, four man support crews, one superintendent and one project manager. Coordination with five counties in Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Thurston and Pierce) and the city of Portland was necessary for the project to be successful.

The transportation team worked with the Washington State Highway Patrol to provide a trooper escort from the Pierce and King County line to the point where the transformer exited WSDOT right-ofway at I-5 and MLK Way.

In Cowlitz County, the transportation team had to locate and hire an outside engineer to complete an analysis of the transporter to cross the Lexington Bridge over the Cowlitz River in Kelso, Wash. Time was crucial and they had less than a month and a half to the scheduled transport date.

The team reached out to several engineering firms, but most were not able to meet their deadline due to the short time frame and their current workload. They eventually hired a fourth engineering firm from Corvallis, Ore., which completed the work within the specified timeframe and within budget. However, about two weeks into the analysis, they received a notice from Cowlitz County that they had re-rated the bridge and issued new load ratings.

The transportation convoy consisted of a team of highly skilled professionals, including three SDOT troopers, two Metro service crews, two sign and signal crews, two Seattle City Light crews, six traffic control crews, four oversize pilots cars, four man support crews, one superintendent and one project manager.

The customer couldn’t ship the transformer directly to Seattle by railroad, so it was shipped via railroad to Vancouver, Wash., and NessCampbell took it from there.

The transportation team immediately reached out to the engineering firm they hired and the engineer worked with the county engineer to discuss the new ratings and their impact on the analysis. The analysis concluded that the lower ratings were not enough to cause the transport combination to fail.

The success of a large transportation project like this one requires extensive planning, meticulous communication and coordination between all parties involved. NessCampbell Crane + Rigging’s specialized haul team had to work with various state and city entities and hire outside engineers to complete the project successfully. The team’s experience demonstrated that large transportation moves could not happen without the support and cooperation of city and county-level authorities. The successful transportation of the 445,000-lbs. transformer was a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work. 

The transformer weighed an enormous 445,000 lbs. and was 185 ft. in length, 16-ft. wide and 16-ft. 8-in. tall, making it a complex and challenging transportation project.

NessCampbell used its custom Lane Loader dual lane trailer specially designed for hauls like this along with two semi trucks on both ends.

In Cowlitz County, the transportation team had to locate and hire an outside engineer to complete an analysis of the transporter to cross the Lexington Bridge over the Cowlitz River in Kelso, Wash.

The project involved a complex de-energizing plan to ensure there was no power in the trolley lines that the transformer passed under.

5024 N 56th Street Tampa, FL 33610 813-621-8002

Harrisburg, PA 800-325-6455

Philadelphia, PA 800-220-4033

Pittsburgh, PA 800-692-7600

Wilkes-Barre, PA 866-667-6756

Albany, NY 518-357-2200

Syracuse, NY 800-368-6455 Nixon-Egli

325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A Sacramento, CA 95811 916-440-8090

At ConExpo 2023, Liebherr presented a mobile crane that takes the combination of mobility, economy and performance to a new level.

The LTM 1100-5.3 offers a powerful 203 ft. telescopic boom and carries up to 37,250 lb. of ballast with a 26,450 lb. axle load on public roads. The new crane also offers economical mobility worldwide, as it can travel with an axle load of only 19,840 lb.

For this reason, Liebherr is presenting the new LTM 1100-5.3 under the slogan “The master of all roads”. It is the second crane in the Liebherr range to feature the new LICCON3 control system.

When designing the LTM 1100-5.3, Liebherr focused above all on lightweight construction to allow as much ballast as possible to be carried with a 26,450 lb. axle load; and to achieve the lowest possible axle loads by reducing ballast. In addition, the new crane was designed with a long, strong telescopic boom in mind.

High Mobility, Worldwide

Even in countries where mobile cranes with a 26,450 lb. axle load are permitted on the roads, operators have been requesting cranes that can be driven with low axle loads and total weights by simply removing the ballast. These models deliver major benefits when it comes to obtaining licenses and route permits. Day-to-day circumstances often require reduced weights, such as when driving over bridges and in inner cities.

When it comes to flexible axle loads, the new LTM 1100-5.3 sets unprecedented standards, the manufacturer said.

With 1,760 lb. of ballast, it reaches a total weight of 94,800 lb. with axle loads of 19,840 lb.

With 9,700 lb. of ballast, it can travel with 22,050 lb. of axle load and a total weight of 105,800 lb.

With an axle load of 26,450 lb., the new 110 ton crane can carry up to 37,250 lb. of counterweights. At 75 percent of the maximum ballast of 49,600 lb., this is a new record for mobile cranes worldwide. This allows the new LTM 1100-5.3 to perform most of its jobs as a taxi crane without additional ballast transport.

Even with maximum ballast, the axle loads of 29,760 lb. are low and evenly distributed across all axles.

The new LTM 1100-5.3 has a narrow width of 8 ft. 4 in. — an additional advantage when driving on roads and construction sites. It is the first 5-axle mobile crane worldwide based on this narrow design, according to the manufacturer.

The new LTM 1100-5.3 offers operators in California a particularly big advantage: it is the first and so far the only 5-axle all-terrain crane to receive Cal-trans approval. This means that it is road-legal in the normal driving condition, with the telescopic boom over the front. Operation with a dolly is not necessary.

This means that the new Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3 is ideal to enter the “truck crane” market, which is particularly popular in the USA, the manufacturer said.

Large Working Range

At 203 ft., the telescopic boom is 6 ft. 7 in. longer than the next most powerful Liebherr 5-axle machine, the LTM 1110-5.2. In addition, a 31 to 53 ft. folding jib is available which, as an option, can also be adjusted hydraulically between 0 and 40 degrees. This enables the LTM 1100-5.3 to achieve hoisting heights of up to 249 ft. and radii of up to 210 ft.

ous control system will quickly and easily get to grips with the new version, as the recognition value is very high.

Proven hardware components, such as the mobile operating and display unit BTT, have been adopted. The touchscreen function on the large new display in the superstructure cab means that it is now even easier and more comfortable to control. The way in which the information is shown also has been revised and simplified. In addition, LICCON3 cranes are prepared for telemetry and fleet management as standard.

In the future, crane contractors will be able to view and evaluate all the relevant data using the MyLiebherr customer portal.

New Driver’s Cab, Crane Cab

As a result of the high synergy effects involved, Liebherr is launching the new operator’s cab at the same time as the LICCON3 control system. The modern design features premium materials and timeless lines as well as delivering a whole host of improvements for the crane operator. These include the new multifunction steering wheel, side roller blind on the operator’s door, improved instruments and modules as well as new displays.

Options such as a central locking system with remote key and the “Coming and Leaving Home” function also offer additional convenience.

A new automatic heating and air-conditioning system in the operator’s cab and in the crane cab features an adapted design and ensures a high level of comfort. A sun sensor detects strong sunshine and automatically adjusts the heating settings.

Other options include a 6 ft. 7 in. assembly jib and a side-folding rooster sheave, which offer additional flexibility in use.

The new 110 ton crane offers extra safety, flexibility and lifting capacity due to the VarioBase variable outrigger. Greater flexibility on the construction site also is provided by the standard VarioBallast, which allows the ballast radius to be adjusted between 13 ft. 1 in. and 16 ft. 8 in.

LICCON3 Crane Control System

The third generation of the LICCON (Liebherr Computed Control) system relies on proven control features, but also includes a completely new software package and programming language as well as a faster databus, significantly more storage space and more computing power. Crane operators who are familiar with the previ-

The lighting packages for the crane cab, superstructure, rear of the vehicle, front headlights, lattice fly jib and telescopic boom have been optimized and can be operated with LEDs. The benefits of LED technology include a longer service life and superior lighting performance.

ZF TraXon DynamicPerform Gear Unit

The new LTM 1100-5.3 features the innovative DynamicPerform coupling module which ensures virtually wear-free starting and maneuvering without overheating for the modular ZF TraXon gear unit, as it transmits the engine output via an oil-cooled clutch plate pack. The friction heat generated when starting is dissipated in the clutch oil and supplied to the vehicle’s cooling system via an oil/water heat exchanger. Operators benefit from greater efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

For more information, visit www.liebherr.com. 

The new LTM 1100-5.3 has a narrow width of 8 ft. 4 in. — an additional advantage when driving on roads and construction sites. It is the first 5-axle mobile crane worldwide based on this narrow design, according to the manufacturer.

KOBELCO’S G3 SERIES: ‘REPOWERED’ CRANES KOBELCO’S G3 SERIES: ‘REPOWERED’ CRANES

obelco’s G-3 series crawler cranes were on display at Kobelco’s exhibit at ConExpo-Con/AGG.

These “Repowered” cranes have been created from end users and real jobsite experiences, incorporating transport, assembly and operator friendly concepts. Other features include boom, carbody and track side frame structures designed with ease of transport in mind. The new cab and design of the cranes add to the operator’s comfort and safety.

All G-3 Series models have been re-engineered with the Isuzu Tier IV compliant engine, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and quiet operation. Other new features of the G-3 Series include a new cab design offering improved visibility. The cab includes new features such as blue tooth and USB capabilities.

The G-3 also has been updated with a new paint scheme for a more stylish look.

Kobelco has maintained all the previous hydraulic systems, crane travel system and other components that have made Kobelco known for being an “Operator Friendly” and reliable crane .

The G-3 Series has also maintained the value-added standard features as before — large touch screen LMI, swing limiter, selferection capabilities, fuel saving G-Modes, KCROSS Telematics, and Boom and Jib commonality with the previous models.

CK1600G-3

The CK1600G-3 has a maximum lifting capacity of 350,000 lbs. Its boom length spans from 50 to 250 ft. The maximum boom + jib combination is 90 + 40 ft. The crawler’s engine is a 362-hp 2,000-rpm ISUZU fourcycle, water-cooled, direct-injection, turbocharged model. The crawler’s fuel tank holds 106 gallons.

Its main and auxiliary winches have a maximum line speed of 393 ft./min., and a rated single-line line pull of 52,500 lb/f. It travels at .81 mph, has an operating weight of 309,000 lbs., transport weight of 84,830 lbs., and 121,300 lbs. of counterweight.

CK2000G-3

The CK2000G-3 has a maximum lifting capacity of 352,800 lbs. Its nested boom length spans from 50 to 280 ft. The maximum boom + jib combination is 240 + 100 ft. The crawler’s engine is a 362-hp 2,000-rpm ISUZU four-cycle, water-cooled, direct-injection, turbo-charged model. The crawler’s fuel tank holds 106 gallons.

Its main and auxiliary winches have a maximum line speed of 361 ft./min., and a rated single-line line pull of 57,100 lb/f. It travels at .62 mph, has an operating weight of 439,385 lbs., transport weight of 106,715 lbs., and 165,900 lbs. of counterweight.

CK2750G-3

The CK2750G-3 has a maximum lifting capacity of 550,000 lbs. Its nested boom length spans from 50 to 300 ft. The maximum

boom + jib combination is 250 + 100 ft. The crawler’s engine is a 362-hp 2,000-rpm ISUZU four-cycle, water-cooled, direct-injection, turbo-charged model. The crawler’s fuel tank holds 106 gallons. Its main and auxiliary winches have a maximum line speed of 360 ft./min., and a rated single-line line pull of 56,700 lb/f. It travels at .69 mph, has an operating weight of 485,155 lbs., transport weight of 101,475 lbs., and 200,650 lbs. of counterweight.

Main Features

1.Wide Variety of Attachments

Various kinds of attachments are available ranging from standard crane configuration, including fixed jib, heavy fixed jib and luffing jib, which are most suitable for multipurpose works, including luffing jib, for the heaviest lifts. These attachments make it possible to provide the most suitable solutions in accordance with the individual jobsite requirements. Kobelco designed these cranes taking into consideration maximum compatibility with previous models, the manufacturer said.

2. Excellent Lifting Capacity

After in-depth marketing research, Kobelco positioned the G-3 models to provide enhanced lifting capacity.

3. Specification Optimization for Actual Jobsite Environment

To achieve maximum ease of operation, the specifications are optimized for the actual jobsite environment. The performance of the undercarriage has been enhanced to operate with high ground clearance and outstanding propelling performance, while minimizing the overall footprint.

The G-3 models inherited the reliable Kobelco hydraulic control system which has achieved a superior reputation for many years. In order to correspond to specific jobsite needs, a free-fall winch (optional) also is available.

4.

Reliable, Operator-Friendly Cab

The cab has been re-designed for an operator-friendly environment taking into consideration comfort, ease of operation and safety. The extra-wide full front cab windows offer excellent visibility. An intuitive-designed Moment Limiter monitor makes it simple for anyone to quickly master the operation with easily understandable pictograms and a touch screen panel. Another new addition to the cab is the blue-tooth and USB capabilities.

The new G-3 series cranes lifting capacities range from 80 to 275 U.S. tons for North America. The G-3 series was newly designed, upgraded and improved from the customer’s point of view with safety, reliability and efficiency in mind.

Kobelco’s Cranes are renowned for smart engineering — aiming to increase versatility and flexibility with productivity boosting technical advances — from advanced winch systems to self-diagnostic multi-display monitors. All designed to give users a competitive edge and provide top performance. 

Kobelco’s CK1600G-3, CK2000G-3 and CK2750G-3 were showcased at ConExpo 2023.

Looking Back: Marion Cranes

Working to preserve the history of the construction equipment that shaped our world . . .

Traction wheels, such as under this Marion Type 7, were designed to provide mobility. We can only guess it’s working from a flat car due to problems accessing this particular work. The outriggers on the flatcar suggest this was not a brief situation.

A Marion 362 crawler crane is breaking oversize material with a concrete weight. A rubber tire serves as a shock absorber between the weight and the cable.

Courtesy of Historical Construction Equipment Association

HCEA photo

A Marion Type 7 dragline at the factory in Marion, Ohio. Note the extra-wide-gauge crawlers for straddling ditches.

This Marion 362 crawler crane is picking what appears to be building debris.

HCEA photo

HCEA photo

HCEA photos

WESTERN PACIFIC CRANE & EQUIPMENT

www.wpcrane.com

8600 Calabash Ave. Fontana, CA 92335 562/286-6618

1500 Madruga Road

Lathrop, CA 95330 855/927-2637

275 W. Larch Road Tracy, CA 95304 209/597-3824

3521 Alken Street

Bakersfield, CA 93308 855/927-2637

19602 60th Avenue NE

Arlington, WA 98223

253/254-7950

91-210 Kalaeloa Blvd.

Kapolei, HI 96707 808/682-7263

8912 NE Vancouver Way

Portland, OR 97211 971/202-4002

6720 Arctic Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99518 855/342-7263

WPCE - CANADA 9538 195th Street

Surrey, BC V4N 4G2 855/342-7263

KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY INC

www.kirby-smith.com

Oklahoma City, OK 405/495-7820

Tulsa, OK 918/438-1700

McAlester, OK 918/310-1550

Kansas City, KS 913/850-6300

St. Louis, MO 314/729-0125

RING POWER CRANE

www.ringpowercrane.com

St. Augustine, FL 904/494-1219

Pompano Beach, FL 954/977-5010

Orlando, FL 407/855-6195

Tampa, FL 813/671-3700

Union City, GA 770/774-7300

Concord, NC 704/795-3636

Aiken, SC 843/818-1954

STEPHENSON EQUIPMENT, INC.

www.stephensonequipment.com

Philadelphia, PA 800/220-4033

Harrisburg, PA 800/325-6455

Wilkes-Barre, PA 866/667-6756

Pittsburgh, PA 800/692-7600

Syracuse, NY 800/368-6455

Albany, NY 518/357-2200

CLEVELAND CRANE & SHOVEL SALES INC.

www.craneandshovel.net

26781 Cannon Road Cleveland, OH 44146

440/439-4749

Toll Free: 800/362-8494

aforepaugh@craneandshovel.net

HOFFMAN EQUIPMENT CO.

www.hoffmanequip.com

New Jersey Corporate Headquarters 300 S. Randolphville Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854 732/752-3600

South Jersey 1330 Hurffville Rd. Deptford, NJ 08096 856/227-6400

New York 1144 Zerega Ave. Bronx, NY 10462 718/822-1180

Mid-Hudson Valley 1440 Route 9W Marlboro, NY 12542 845/236-3000

Long Island 22 Peconic Ave. Medford, NY 11763 631/207-2900

Pennsylvania Philadelphia Metro Area 120 Gordon Dr. Lionville, PA 19341 610/363-9200

MGX EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC

www.mgxequipment.com

Baltimore, MD 443/399-7100

Baton Rouge, LA 225/251-7500

Belle Chasse, LA 504/394-7400

Billings, MT 406/698-6768

Birmingham, AL 205/661-1323

Dallas, TX 972/986-0910

Houston, TX 713/433-6411

Norfolk, VA 757/935-4300

Phoenix, AZ 602/232-0660

Salt Lake City, UT 801/297-8500

Winston-Salem, NC 336/582-7400

American Crawler Crane Helps Build University Science Building

Higher Learning Higher Learning

In this photo dated Oct. 27, 1967, Harry Jackson Forepaugh uses a new American 40-ton crawler crane to build Cleveland State University’s Science Building. H.J. Forepaugh & Sons was a general contractor based in Bedford, Ohio.

Forepaugh’s construction business built most of the schools in the Cleveland area, including Cleveland State University, and the John F Kennedy, Parma High, Valley Forge, Bedford and Twinsburg high schools.

In addition to the American crane pictured, he also owned other cranes, including a Grove RT60S and a 15-ton cab down Pettibone, plus some backhoes and forklifts.  CQ

Andrew Forepaugh photo

Altaequipment.com

18405 115th Avenue Orland Park, IL 60467 877-399-6430

420 Nolen Drive South Elgin, IL 60177 877-399-6430

2500 Westward Drive Spring Grove, IL 60081 815-581-1479

613 E Stevenson Road Ottawa, IL 61350 815-587-7610

1035 Wylie Drive Bloomington, IL 61705 888-693-2271

480 Blaine Street Gary, IN 46406 219-240-0268

empirecrane.com

7021 Performance Drive N. Syracuse, NY 13212 800-342-7575

9 Finderne Avenue, Ste 7 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-203-0400

12 Mear Road Holbrook, MA 02343 508-868-7734

coastlinecd.com

325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A Sacramento, CA 95811 916-440-8090

Santa Ana, CA 714-265-6550

Las Vegas, NV 702-399-2700

Meridian, ID 208-888-3337

smequipment.com

14925 South Main St. Houston, TX 77035 713-721-7070

Dallas, TX 214-391-4000

Corpus Christi, TX 361-289-2782

Tulsa, OK 918-224-2000

exactcrane.com

Serving Ohio, Michigan, W. Pennsylvania, Kentucky

28985 Ambina Drive Solon, OH 44139 440-349-1999

www.kirby-smith.com

Oklahoma City, OK 800-375-3339

Tulsa, OK

918-438-1700

McAlester, OK 918-310-1550

Kansas City, KS 913-850-6300

St. Louis, MO 314-729-0125

Dallas, TX 214-371-7777

Fort Worth, TX 817-378-0600

Abilene, TX 325-692-6334

Waco, TX 254-261-1370

Amarillo, TX 806-373-2826

Lubbock, TX 806-745-2112

Odessa, TX 432-333-7000

www.mgxequipment.com

Baltimore, MD 443-399-7100

Baton Rouge, LA 225-251-7500

Belle Chasse, LA 504-394-7400

Billings, MT 406-698-6768

Birmingham, AL 205-661-1323

Dallas, TX 972-986-0910

Houston, TX 713-433-6411

Norfolk, VA 757-935-4300

Phoenix, AZ

602-232-0660

Salt Lake City, UT 801-297-8500

Winston-Salem, NC 336-582-7400

New York City Bronx, NY 718-822-1180

Alta Equipment Company

www.altaequipment.com

Byron Center, MI (616) 878-7450

New Hudson, MI (248) 356-5200

Flint (Burton), MI (810) 744-4840

Traverse City, MI (231) 943-3700

Detroit, MI (313) 394-1811

Atlantic & Southern Equipment

www.atlanticandsouthern.com

Birmingham, AL (205) 951-6656

Theodore, AL (251) 443-5229

Lake City, GA (404) 361-1100

Central/Eastern, TN (888) 951-6656

Columbus Equipment Company

www.columbusequipment.com

Columbus (614) 443-6541

Toledo (419) 872-7101

Cincinnati (513) 771-3922

Richfield (330) 659-6681

Cadiz (740) 942-8871

Dayton (937) 879-3154

Massillon (330) 833-2420

Zanesville (740) 455-4036

Painesville (440) 352-0452

Piketon (740) 289-3757

General Equipment & Supplies

www.genequip.com

Shakopee, MN (952) 224-1500

Minot, ND (701) 852-0479

Fargo, ND (800) 437-2924

Bismarck, ND (701) 223-9700

Williston, ND (701) 572-0570

Kelly Tractor Co.

Crane & Foundation Equipment

www.kellytractor.com

Clewiston, FL (863) 983-8177

Davie, FL (954) 581-8181

Ft. Myers (239) 693-9233

Mulberry, FL (863) 205-2537

Miami, FL (305) 592-5360

Orlando, FL (407) 568-8055

West Palm Beach, FL (561) 683-1231

Link-Belt Construction Equipment Mid-Atlantic

www.link-beltmidatlantic.com

Ashland, VA (800) 552-3837

Chesapeake, VA (800) 342-3248

Frederick, MD (833) 546-5235

Nixon-Egli Equipment Co.

www.nixonegli.com

Ontario, CA (909) 930-1822

Tracy, CA (209) 830-8600

Rudd Equipment Company

www.ruddequipment.com

Louisville, KY (800) 283-7833

Corbin, KY (606) 528-9440

Prestonsburg, KY (606) 874-2104

Evansville, IN (812) 867-6661

Ft. Wayne, IN (260) 482-3681

Indianapolis, IN (317) 247-9125

St. Louis, MO (314) 487-8925

Clearfield, PA (814) 765-8500

Leetsdale, PA (412) 741-1731

Nitro, WV (304) 755-7788

Transport Equipment Sales

www.tes-inc.net

South Kearny, NJ (973) 589-4100

Triad Machinery

www.triadmachinery.com

Portland, OR (503) 254-5100

Eugene, OR (541) 342-7700

Bend/Prineville, OR (541) 447-5293

Seattle/Tacoma, WA (253) 722-5560

Spokane, WA (509) 534-1900

Mt. Vernon, WA (360) 488-3948

Wood’s CRW Corp

www.woodscrw.com

Carlisle, PA (717) 795-0700

Central Square, NY (315) 676-2008

Williston, VT (802) 658-1700

North Oxford, MA (508) 499-1950