Test driving the SANY rough terrain

TEST DRIVING THE NEW SANY 90T ROUGH TERRAIN CRANE

The Sany SRC900T rough terrain crane is new to the Australian market. With a number of notable features, including 47m of main boom, the SRC900T compares favourably to competitive brands in its class, says Phil Chadwick and Peter Lawgall from Tutt Bryant Equipment (TBE).

TBE RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY OF THE

new rough terrain crane at its Brisbane depot. As Chadwick and Lawgall have done so many times during their long careers with cranes, they test drove the SRC900T together with TBE’s new national technical support manager for Cranes, Ben Marczak, putting it through its paces. This way, they are prepared for any questions customers might ask.

“The overall performance of the SRC900T is right up there with any other hydraulic crane. It operates just like other more established brands on the market and better in some instances,” said Lawgall.

“The crane has been designed with the operator in mind, and features a tilting cabin and an automatic sidestep, which you can hydraulically extend. The operator has a very cool ten inch tablet screen for the computer systems and the functionality of the crane is very simple and smooth as a result of the joy-

With 47m of main boom and other notable features, the SRC900T compares favourably to competitive brands in its class.

stick control system,” added Chadwick.

A standout feature for the SRC900T is the 12.2–47m U-shape full power boom, which includes double cylinder and rope telescoping capabilities. The U-shaped boom is 10 per cent stronger than booms on competitive products, claims Sany. The overall boom weight has been decreased compared to previous models, but stability has been increased. The boom and telescoping system includes a bending resistant structure made from

The Sany SRC900T is ideally suited for construction or mines sites, gas plants or power stations, anywhere you might need a tough, rough terrain with significant pick and carry capabilities. welded high tensile steel plate.

The boom features a jib 10.5–18m with a bi-fold swing-away mounting system designed to increase the efficiency of the jib-out process, which now only needs one person. It takes 15 minutes to unfold and retract the jib with an experienced operator. This can take up to 50 percent less time than it takes on competitive products, says Sany. The optimised structure of the new design assists the jib mounting and operation.

The new generation operator’s cab features newly designed full-vision windscreen, which ensures safety and comfortable operation. The cab is wider with a more comfortable interior and a new generation of smart control system.

The tiltable cabin can vary in degrees from 0°to 20°during operation for more comfortable and safer control of the lift. It enables the operator to clearly see where the load is in relation to the crane and also the working environment around them.

The Smart Control and advanced display from the 26.5cm touchscreen, inserted with optical sensor, can automatically adjust the brightness of screen. The Smart Control features controls, displays, and sensors that meet industrial safety standards from Europe and the USA. These ensure safe, stable and effective operations.

The full set of sensors ensures prompt information feedback and real-time monitoring of the crane’s working condition. The Human-Machine interface is well designed to provide abundant and clear information. The operator can set the crane according to their operating routine and the working conditions.

The Sany SRC900T is powered by a Cummins inline six-cylinder diesel engine with watercooler and intercooler. The engine is compliant to emissions standard EU Stage III A. It also features a 350L capacity fuel tank.

The SRC900T features six forward gears, six reversing gears and a large speed ratio range that is adaptable to slope climbing or relatively high-speed traveling. The transmission shaft has an optimised layout, designed to provide a higher torque output via 8.5C flange connecting transmission shaft.

Both the front and rear Kessler axles are drive axles and can steer. A two-stage reducer gear and more compact axles contribute to a more comfortable drive for the operator. The hydro-pneumatic suspension features hydraulic locks. Again, this contributes to a more comfortable operating environment and greater lateral vehicle stability, regardless

of the terrain, says Sany.

Steering includes four steering modes: front-wheel steer, rear-wheel steer, 4x4, and crab steer. All axles are steered hydraulically. All wheels are hydraulic braking with a double circuit split system.

The service brake has a double circuit braking system, with hydraulic disc braking functions on all wheels, providing better braking ability.

Chadwick explained a few more features and confirmed how impressed he is with the crane.

“The slew lock pin for the upper structure is hydraulically operated, so there is no pin to drop in and out like as is the case with other models and brands. I have to say, the SRC900T is a sophisticated beast of a crane,” he said.

“The 47m of main boom is the same as other 90t and 100t capacity rough terrains from other brands, so Sany are on the money with this length. I’ve prepared a spreadsheet comparison graph, which highlights the comparisons against the other machines, and the Sany came out ahead in many areas of the charts.

“The electrical system is powered by a 24V DC power supply and the power to the chassis can be cut off manually. Its own strong logic realises self-diagnosis, integrated displays and self-protection.

“The hydraulics rely on a highquality oil pump, motor, and valves, which ensure a constant hydraulic flow, providing a stable and reliable hydraulic system. The luffing, telescoping and hoist winch systems adopt open systems.”

The Sany SRC900T is suited for construction or mines sites, gas plants or power stations, anywhere you might need a tough, rough terrain crane with significant pick and carry capabilities.

“I haven’t really found a negative yet. It has the right boom length, and the crane weighs the right amount. It has easy on/off counterweight,” said Lawgall

“It has hydraulic assist on the fly jib to get it on and off, which makes this function really straight forward. It features anemometers and various cameras for reversing, winching, and a hook camera. It really is very high-tech crane. I think the SRC900T is ideal for the resource sector and for any of the mines, quarries, and power stations around the country. It will be a perfect addition to many crane fleets.”