German manufacturer says its new version truck crane offers faster performance, 90 degree vertical mast angle, 180 degree jib joint position, and tower crane functionality

Werne, Germany-headquartered truck crane manufacturer Böcker Maschinenwerke has launched a new version of its AK 42 truck crane. The crane’s working speed has been optimised, plus it has a 180-degree jib joint position and tower crane functionality.

The crane has a maximum lifting capacity of six tonnes and extension lengths of up to 42 metres. It can lift 1.5 t to a range of 18 m at a height of 24 m.

To facilitate fast operating the performance of the truck crane’s hydraulic system has been increased by up to 70 percent. Speed is further aided by the mast, which is made of ultra-high-strength fine-grained steel. The mast offers high lateral stability for loads, especially in the 1 t to 3 t range, said Böcker.

Crane functions can be accessed for use quickly, said Böcker, while several crane functions can be controlled simultaneously at a constantly high speed.

According to Böcker, this is the first time a truck crane of this class can raise its mast completely vertically at a 90-degree angle to the vehicle. This, it said, is an advantage part when working close to the facade. This mast geometry is made possible by the newly developed telescopic mast system with an aluminium jib that can be extended hydraulically to a length of over 14 metres at a hight speed.

The crane also has a 180-degree jib position of the jib, which straightens up as a 180-degree extension of the base mast with the joint fully straightened. This is particularly suitable for picking up loads close to the crane or for working in platform mode on the vertically positioned mast in tight set-up situations. The straight boom position gives the crane additional height to reach distant locations across the building. The endless slewing range of the AK 42 opens up a circular working area within which the crane approaches any point at the shortest route, outlined Böcker.

Vertical positioning of the mast and the strong jib joint also enable the new tower crane function of the AK 42: when the main mast is vertical and the jib is in an approximately right-angled position to the mast, loads can be transported into the building by telescoping out. The jib can be telescoped out fully and at a substantially higher speed under loads of up to one tonne, said Böcker.

Mounted on an 18-tonne truck, the AK 42 is extremely has a minimum footprint of 2.55 m and is available as a hybrid crane with a powerful electric motor. A short wheelbase makes it manoeuvrable and suitable for off-road use. Despite long extension lengths, the new truck crane has a comparatively short mast overhang with a slewing radius of 2.12 m, said Böcker.

This, it claimed, makes it easier to choose a set-up site. The variable outrigger technology is also designed to aid working in confined spaces.

Additional control technology includes automatic set-up with auto-levelling and range indication in live mode, automatic rope tracking, switching between rapid and creep speed, rotation and erection angle limitation, transfer control with two cameras, point-to-point travel and go-home function. A radio remote control, which displays all operations on the graphic display in just one operating level, is designed for intuitive operation.

For taking tools and building materials to the construction site, the AK 42 has a spacious loading area with completely foldable lateral walls, that can be easily accessed on both sides via extendable steps. The load is secured flexibly via lashing rails.

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