Tadano telecrawler official launch

First seen as a Demag concept in model form on the Terex stand at Bauma 2019 (as the TCC 160), this 150 tonne-plus capacity telescopic boom crawler crane has now been officially launched as the Tadano GTC-2000 for the North American market and as the GTC-1800EX for the rest of the world by new owners Tadano.

The GTC-1800EX lifts more than 150 tonnes and has a maximum load moment rating of 590 tonne-metres, effectively closing the gap between the 130 and 220 tonne capacity telecrawler classes.

Its main boom is 60 metres and extensions of 5, 11, 17, and 23 metres can be added. These can be mechanically and hydraulically offset and will give a maximum system length of 83 metres. The five-metre extension can be folded onto the side of the main boom for transport to save space.

The crawler tracks’ drives can be controlled via a joystick by the operator and they provide up to 1,450 kN of traction force, claimed as the highest in its class. Gradeability is given as 50 percent, while maximum travel speed is 2.1 km/h. Ground clearance is 420 millimetres and bolt-on double grouser shoes or flat track shoes are available to aid traction.

The width of the crane’s crawler tracks can be adjusted. There are three standard widths, of 3.5, 4.75 and 6 metres, as well as continuously variable track widths, which can also be used in an asymmetrical configuration. The tracks can be adjusted both when stopped or when travelling, while the control system monitors the relevant parameters to ensure the crane remains within an allowable configuration. The control system is based on the Demag IC-1 Plus control system and automatically determines the permissible lifting capacity taking into account ground incline, slewing angle, and track adjustment. The crane also has IC-1 Remote telematics system technology.

Dimensions for transport are 3 metres (width and height). The heaviest component for transport, the basic crane, weighs 47 tonnes although this can be reduced to 42 tonnes by removing the extension beams used to adjust the track width. The two crawler side frames each weigh 18.5 tonnes with one-metre track shoes; the two central ballast pieces weigh 7.5 tonnes each; and the counterweights, including the base plate, weigh 45 tonnes. The maximum operating weight of the crane is just under 150 tonnes.

Most of the GTC-1800EX’s hydraulic couplings are the quick-connect type designed to aid fast fast and efficient work. The crane has permanently installed outriggers, including the pads which, Tadano said, enable the base crane to be conveniently unloaded from a lowbed trailer. Self-assembly includes the installation of two 7.5 tonne central counterweights that mount on the carrier, the crawler frames, the 45 tonne upper counterweight that stacks on the superstructure and the second hoist.

To maximise working efficiency, the crane can be fuelled while on a lowbed trailer, and the cab can be easily accessed during setup to start the machine for self-assembly, explained Tadano. Permanent ladders (and ladder attachment points for the included loose ladder) are located strategically around the crane for access to key components during all stages. The crane also has anchors for a personal fall protection system at the intended ladder support points.

Power is from an MTU 6-cylinder engine with an output of 230 kW and a torque of 1,300 Nm. This engine complies with Euromot 5 specifications, as well as with Tier 4 Final specifications for the US market. There are two operating modes that Tadano is keen to highlight: at a speed of 1,500 min-1, the diesel engine will run in an ECO mode that optimises fuel consumption; while at a speed of 1,800 min-1 a Power Boost function is available which provides an output increase and makes it possible to carry out simultaneous movements at high output or speed during crane operation.

The primary and auxiliary hoists of the GTC-1800EX are technically identical, with both featuring a 245 metre, 26 mm diameter, wire rope with a high line pull of 13.9 tonnes. The wire rope’s high line pull makes it possible to lift heavy loads with low reeving, saving time during setup and re-reeving.

“Our goal is to become ‘One Tadano’. With the first telecrawler produced in Germany and branded by Tadano, this vision is now becoming a reality,” said Ingo Nöske, director product management, crawler cranes at Tadano .“With the integration of the GTC-1800EX into the Tadano brand, we’re bringing the lone warrior into the family, so to speak. The situation is different with the AC and CC cranes. These will continue to be marketed under the Demag brand.”

The GTC-1800EX will be available in the second half of 2020.