Terex upgrades Demag AC 500-8 crane
New control system gives 500t model added lifting capacity at any given slewing position while engine improvements increase its market reach
Terex Cranes has upgraded its popular Demag AC 500-8 all-terrain crane and equipped it with features that enhance the machine’s characteristics.
A statement from the global heavy equipment giant said that the “treatment” that the 500t capacity crane been given makes its latest version fully compliant with the US Tier 4 emission standards, which widens its global market access to the US market. In fact, Terex revealed that the first order from the USA has already been placed, and the new Demag AC 500-8 will be delivered mid-year. The crane also enjoys full access to the entire EU as it complies with Euromot 4 standards, the manufacturer added.
Another big technical highlight of the upgraded model is the unit’s new IC-1 Plus control system. According to the statement, the new control system is designed to provide the crane’s maximum allowable lifting capacity, based on the slewing angle, for every crane configuration. This means that he crane is no longer limited to the maximum lifting capacities stipulated in a pre-calculated, 360-degree load chart, which was based on the most unstable position of the crane. Instantaneous capacity calculations now allow customers to take full advantage of the maximum lifting capacity available at any given slewing position for any crane configuration.
This advantage is particularly useful when working with reduced outrigger settings and reduced counterweight, Terex said. In fact, it enables the Demag AC 500-8 to perform jobs where higher capacity cranes are typically needed. For many applications, the IC-1 Plus control system not only uses the full potential of the crane’s lifting capacity, but also creates the opportunity to use less counterweight as compared to the 360-degree lifting capacities. This results in reduced transport costs, the statement added.
The AC 500-8 also boasts a carrier length of only 17.1m, which, Terex said, makes it one of the most compact eight-axle machines in its class that can achieve a maximum system length of 145.8m with a luffing fly jib.
The crane’s main boom cross-sections have also been redesigned to offer more lifting power when coupled with its reinforced sideways superlift, the statement added. The star shaped outrigger design provides the required strength needed for minimal carrier deflection during maximum capacity lifts and the overall design has also been made to keep set-up times short, said Terex’s statement.
