Tadano Demag has launched the new all-terrain crane AC 450-7, a seven-axis machine with a range of future-oriented solutions and impressive technical specifications.
When developing the AC 450-7, Tadano Demag wanted to give a more powerful alternative to its existing six-axis cranes “wheels” in order to keep it as compact as its counterparts despite the additional axis and to combine this with significantly better performance. For dimensions, the AC 450-7 has a beam length of only 52.5 feet, a boom base of 27.7 feet, and an overall length of 57.8 feet.
“In other words, it doesn’t take up more space than a six-axis crane on a construction site and still offers significantly better load capacities,” says Michael Klein, Product Marketing Manager at Demag. But why seven axes first? “Simple: The only way for the machine to be approved for road traffic and to achieve our goals of a longer boom and greater lifting capacity was to run on seven axes,” explains Klein.
Despite largely identical dimensions, the new AC 450-7 has significantly better performance characteristics compared to cranes with six axles. It has a 262.5 foot main boom with a maximum lifting capacity of 212.8 USt. If the main boom is not long enough, a luffing boom can be extended to a maximum length of 265.7 feet. The maximum system length of the crane is 433 feet. The luffing jib can be “divided” from 78.7 into 9.8 foot segments up to 265.7 ft.
IIn order to simplify the transport of the luffing jib, two system dimensions are used with which the individual parts of the extension can be pushed into one another. The patented luffing jib rigging system makes setup quick, easy and safe – a design that the new AC 450-7 shares with the Demag AC 300-6, AC 350-6 and AC 1000-9 models. The AC 450-7 is versatile when it comes to extensions. In addition to the luffing jib, Tadano Demag also offers a fixed jib configuration, even with an offset section and a runner.
New SSL Superlift design
The SSL Sideways Superlift System not only makes the new AC 450-7 part of the Tadano Demag large crane category, but also means that the latter will be more than a debut. Tadano Demag is using its new technical design for the first time for the Sideways Superlift system of the AC 450-7. This design is a major improvement on the well-known Demag SSL solution as the Superlift arms are now mounted all the way forward on the head of the base section, which means they are longer and better suited for larger lifting capacities. The AC 450-7 can lift 80.6 USt in a 30 foot radius when equipped with a 196.2 foot main boom with SSL configuration, 39.7 USt in a 48 foot radius when the boom is complete is telescoped to a length of 262.5 ft. and protruding 14.5 USt at a radius of 160 ft. with this configuration.
However, the new superlift design not only offers more powerful performance, but also better functionality and handling. The design only requires a single wire rope line to connect the main boom head to the SSL arm. In addition, the SSL arms are hydraulically attached to the main boom, reducing the manual work involved in securing the arms and the associated work at height.
Improved counterweight design
The maximum counterweight for the AC 450-7 is 165 USt. It consists of a 22 USt base plate and redesigned counterweight plates that have been optimized for the 18.4 foot swing radius. The counterweight plates are available as 11 USt plates, 5.5 USt plates or a combination of both with the aim of giving customers the opportunity to optimize their transport logistics.
The base plate can be set up from the front, which is an advantage at workplaces with limited space and the corresponding transport trolley can only be positioned in front of the crane. In addition, an optional counterweight frame is available that allows the swing radius to be increased to further increase the load capacity – especially when using an SSL configuration. Tadano Demag also offers various adapters with which customers can continue to use existing counterweight plates from other larger AC or CC models with their new AC 450-7.
Demag Surround View
At 27.7 feet, the boom base is also level with a six-axle crane. The AC 450-7 has five different boom widths, which means that the Demag crane has greater flexibility in terms of location, especially in cramped construction site conditions.
The new, optional Demag Surround view makes it easier for the crane operator to position the AC 450-7 on the construction site. This patented system uses six cameras to show the possible reach of the boom and the tail swing radius at the current position of the crane on a computerized display.
Demag Surround View also supports the driver on the way to the construction site. When turning, the cameras can provide images of the crane-side areas so that the driver can recognize cyclists, pedestrians or obstacles. This function is activated automatically when the display is activated.
As soon as the best location has been found, the IC-1 Plus control system offers the maximum available lifting capacity as it determines the lifting capacity of the crane for each boom position depending on the angle of rotation of the structure in real time. This means that the maximum available capacity can be used for any boom configuration, including asymmetrical ones. In addition to the IC-1 Plus control system, the crane is available with the IC-1 remote control so that all important crane data can be read and diagnosed remotely.
Flexible travel skills
The AC 450-7 is available with two different carrier variants in order to meet axle load requirements worldwide. In the standard version, the AC 450-7 can be configured so that it travels below an axle load limit of 13.2 USt or 18.2 USt, in both cases with a built-in main boom. If the main boom is removed, the maximum axle load is reduced to a little more than 9.9 USt with a gross vehicle weight of less than 52.9 USt. Tadano Demag now offers a special carrier version with a removable rear boom box.
It is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz transmission with turbo retarder clutch for a wear-free and powerful start as well as an integrated high-performance primary retarder. Drivers benefit from sensitive starting and maneuvering and do not have to worry about temperature problems. All seven axles of the AC 450-7 are steered, four of which are driven.
Available in America in October 2021.
