Link-Belt introduced the new HC-238H II 150-ton (136 t) capacity lattice boom truck crane during the CraneFest 2000 show at its Lexington, KY, manufacturing facility. This first public appearance of the newest member of the Hydraulic Lattice Boom (HYLAB) family included a demonstration of the crane’s features and benefits including walking with the new luffing attachment.
The HC-238H II joins the 200-ton (180 t) HC-248H and the 300-ton (272 t) HC-278H in the series of HYLAB Series of lattice boom truck cranes. Since 1987 more than 300 HYLAB cranes have been delivered in North America.
The all-hydraulic lattice boom truck crane offers fast assembly/disassembly capabilities and lightweight modular components for ease of transport. The beefed-up carrier features a “hook attach” rear outrigger box that installs fast and removes more weight allowing for main unit transport weight to be under 90,000 lbs. (40,823 kg) gross vehicular weight. HYLAB series truck cranes are designed to be self-erecting and self-stripping. Using the crane’s base section and 10-ft. (3.04 m) erection section, the outrigger boxes are quickly attached and the outriggers are extended into position — eliminating the need for a helper crane. The HC-238H II can then complete the self-assembly process and go to work.
Link-Belt’s counterweight removal/ installation system, coupled with the outrigger removal system enable the HYLAB truck cranes to be put to work in less time when they reach the job site.
To optimize axle loadings, an optional weight transfer system is available that hydraulically “flips” the mast over the rear of the upper structure, transferring 5,900 lbs. (2,676 kg) from the rear axle tandem to the front axle tandem to meet the most “challenging” highway laws.
Utilizing many of the same drive train/carrier components as another member of the HYLAB family, the HC-248H, yet with its lighter design and strong boom the HC-238H II’s pick and carry capacities are outstanding with a maximum capacity of 50.25 tons (45.59 t).
Increased Reach,
New Lifting Dimension
The HC-238H II can be equipped with a maximum of 260 ft. (79.25 m) of main boom or a combination of 230 ft. (70.10 m) of boom plus 75 ft. (22.86 m) of jib. The tubular booms cross section is 70 in. (178 cm) wide and 62 in. (157 cm) deep. Having the power, control and stability to handle long booms and heavy loads gives the crane owner the ability to meet the requirements of any specific job application.
Another feature of the HC-238H II is found in the 30 to 75-ft. (9.14 to 22.86 m) two-piece jib. Each section is 32-in. (81 cm) deep and 24-in. (61 cm) wide at the connections. Fifteen-foot (4.57 m) jib extensions provide jib lengths at 30 ft. (9.14 m), 45 ft. (13.72 m), 60 ft. (18.29 m) and 75 ft. (22.86 m).
Expanding Job Application
Capabilities
The newest lift feature is the 27-ton (24.49 t) capacity luffing attachment, which boasts a maximum luffing attachment working height of 349- to 165 ft. (106.37 to 50.29 m) luffing boom, 150- to 30-ft. (45.72 to 9.14 m) fixed jib, and maximum working radius of 260 ft. (79.25 m). The new luffing attachment utilizes the existing conventional boom as the luffing.
Hydraulic Power Flow System
The upper design incorporates Link-Belt’s state-of-the-art variable displacement hydraulic power system first introduced with the HYLAB cranes several years ago. With this system, load hoist and lowering speeds are directly proportional to hoist lever movement. Boomhoist speed is controlled in a similar manner. Independent speed control of each function gives unprecedented ability to spot and place loads. In addition, Link-Belt’s exclusive “fine inching control” mode can be selected for ultra-precise work.
True gravity freefall combined with load line speeds of up to 557 fpm (169.77m/min) are available for high-speed crane work. Hoist drums are extra wide and have a large diameter to provide more than adequate rope storage for crane operation. Parallel grooved laggings allow even spooling of the cable. Selectable automatic drum brakes are an integral part of the hoist drum system; they are automatically applied whenever the hoist control levers are placed in the neutral position. For faster cycle times and increased productivity, the automatic system can be switched off and the machine operated in the freefall mode. Controlled by foot pedals, the large drum brakes are designed for concrete bucket cycling and other high-speed work, yet are still smooth to ensure precise placement of the load.
The New HYLAB Cab
The HC-238H II crane features a totally redesigned operator’s cab. In addition to the full complement of backlit gauges, adjustable armrest-mounted controls with mechanical drum rotation indicators, the ergonomic design offers the operator several advantages, such as greater visibility, more room, easy-to-read and intelligently located controls and gauges, adjustable boom and load hoist controls and a six-way adjustable seat. Most importantly, the new cab is set up to be highly functional and very comfortable.
Rock Solid and Reliable Carrier
The HC-238H II carrier frame is hydraulically operated, with double-box dual beams front and rear that are pin connected to the carrier frame.
This new design produces the optimum strength essential to luffing attachment demands and maximizes lift capacity while providing lightweight axle loadings necessary to meet the most highway regulations. The 430-hp (321 kW) Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and Eaton 10-speed transmission combination provides a top speed of 58.5 mph (94.2 kph) and a low creep speed of 0.3 mph (0.5 kph).
Standard Link-Belt Features
Another standard feature of the HC-238H II is the PAT DS-350 graphic display, rated capacity limiter. Using various sensing devices, the PAT DS-350 monitors all crane functions and provides a continuous reading of the crane’s rated capacity.
The readings continuously change as the crane moves through the lift. These readings include information concerning certain geometrical data such as main boom angle, jib angle, radius and weight of the load on the hook.
The HC-238H II meets OSHA Ruling 29 CFR (Oct. 3, 1988 and Apr. 18, 1989) regarding two-block and automatic brake systems on cranes used to handle personnel. All HYLAB cranes, including the new HC-238H II, feature anti-two block systems as standard equipment.
For more information, call 606/263-5200.
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.
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