Manitowoc-owned National Crane has launched a new range of boom trucks that are available with an aerial lift configuration to go along with their standard lifting functions.
Announcing the new range in a statement, Manitowoc said that when equipped with this aerial package, the NBT40-1 boom trucks series, which comprises three new models — the NBT36-1, NBT40-1 and the NBT45-1 — is aimed at the utility market and will enable companies to perform both crane lifting and aerial lift projects more efficiently with just one machine.
Fully compliant with the major mobile crane industry standards, the NBT40-1 Series will result in higher utilisation and less setup time for National Crane owners, which will increase both efficiency and return on investment for many companies, said the statement.
Manitowoc also announced that it will offer a comprehensive aerial lift “Train the Trainer” training programme to ensure their dealer network and end customers are aware of their responsibilities regarding the safe operation, inspection and maintenance of their equipment in order to maximise their investment.
The new dual-rated NBT40-1 Series will be especially useful for the utility sector, where energy work on de-energised power lines and new transmission infrastructure construction often require the use of both a crane and an aerial lift, the company said. All three models feature the option of a two-person, 544kg maximum capacity, quick-attach yoke platform with wireless radio remote control.
Justin Pilgrim, global product director for boom trucks and carrydeck cranes at Manitowoc, said the new NBT40-1 Series will immediately improve fleet utilisation for many companies and provide more versatility for their investments.
“With these new models, customers will gain the benefits of having both a boom truck and aerial platform in just one package, potentially cutting their need for two or more machines down to one,” he explained. “The dual-rated NBT40-1 Series offers the best of both worlds with straightforward setup, clear steps to reconfigure as an aerial lift, and simpler, smarter operation when in use, thanks to features such as operator feedback of operating height and reach; automated function slowdowns when nearing outer edges of working envelope; wind speed; an emergency lowering system in the event of an engine failure; and many other utility-focused options.”
The new machine offers a 49.1m boom length and the highest platform working heights of 51.5m on main boom and 62.8 m on the jib. The 43.3m boom offers well-rounded performance featuring strong lifting capacities and aerial lift platform floor height of 45.7m with the main boom and 62.5m with the jib extended.
Several utility-focused options are available and a hydraulic tool circuit in the aerial platform enables operators to hook up various high-pressure tools without the need for any additional equipment placed in the platform. An available integrated wind speed sensor provides real-time feedback of wind speed conditions to the operator – both at the operators cab and at the aerial lift platform controls.
The NBT40-1 Series replaces the former NBT40 Series and will be available starting the first quarter of 2017. It will also be featured at Manitowoc’s booth at CONEXPO 2017 in Las Vegas, USA.