The new 75-mt (85-USt) 85|RT rough-terrain crane from Link-Belt is equipped with a full power, five-section formed boom (11.6 – 43.3 m) built to the manufacturer’s specific boom profile and tolerances. An available two-piece Link-Belt patented SmartFly (10.7 – 17.7 m) provides greater flexibility and range, and manually offsets at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees.
SmartFly’s one-person fly erection technology minimises work at height with ground controls for fly assist, and a hydraulic cylinder and ramp releases the fly and returns it to its stowed position. The crane also offers a 2.9-m offset fly that reeves up to four-parts of line and is capable of 22.6-mt lifts. The 2.9-m fly is ideal for applications where two-load lines are necessary for lifting one load, such as precast panels.
“General contractors and fleet owners will appreciate the competitive chart and value this crane delivers, not to mention it transports under 47,627 kg with full counterweight and under 39,008 kg with no counterweight. This 85-USt (85|RT) was the next logical choice and really an easy decision for introduction following the 120|RT and 100|RT design,” said Brian Elkins, Link-Belt’s product manager for rough-terrain cranes.
A six-speed transmission on the 85|RT is powered by a 270-hp Cummins Tier 4F QSB 6.7 diesel engine. Matching main and auxiliary winches have 82.8 kN of maximum line pull and a maximum winch speed of 147.8 m/min. The crane includes new drive train and counterweight removal systems.
Durable textured and slip-resistant paint on all walking surfaces improves durability and footing. Centralised electrical locations, remote mounted filters, and easy-access fluid checks simplify routine maintenance and service. Link-Belt said its rough-terrain cranes’ flat deck set it apart from others with unobstructed access and egress from the crane’s carrier as well as when climbing down from the crane upper. Six points of access, regardless of slew angle, for easy deck access have also been maintained. The operator’s cab provides a wide entryway with all the same RT-series features inside (Bluetooth, greater visibility, increased storage, interior lighting, and automotive HVAC).
A 24-V electrical system makes running diagnostics quicker and easier. The wiring is a controller area network (CAN bus) system. This 24-V system yields the ability to multiplex with modules placed near dedicated functions like outrigger beams and winches. In total, there are five modules located throughout the machine that allow crane functions to continue working in instances where other modules are being diagnosed or serviced.
Link-Belt’s V-CALC (variable confined area lifting capacities) system features virtually infinite outrigger configurations with real-time 360-degree charts; it has proven itself in general construction and infrastructure applications. Once outriggers are set, the user-friendly Pulse 2.0 system indicates the crane’s available capacity. The system then previews the operator’s real-time capacities given the crane’s current configuration as well as the next five radii for a set boom angle.
Link-Belt’s cab design for its rough-terrain cranes offers excellent visibility, operator comfort and intuitive design. All electrical components coming into the cab are bulk headed for ‘plug and play’ assembly. An ergonomic seat with electronic joystick/single axis controllers provide comfortable operator’s station, and cab tilt of 20 degrees keep line of sight easy for any jobsite.
Link-Belt Site Vision includes a lights and cameras package built for extended workdays and cold weather conditions. Cameras on the 85|RT consist of heated rear-view, right-side swing, and winch cameras. A work lighting package is available and offers four high-intensity LED work lights mounted on top of the operator’s cab, the right side of the superstructure facing forward, on the upper work platform, and on the left side of the superstructure facing out. Also available are single- and dual-boom floodlights, and remote-control boom floodlights that work in conjunction with other floodlight options.
Other features of the 85|RT include: swing-out engine access doors and centralised electrical locations – keeping them accessible from the ground or near a grab handle or ladder; transmission oil, engine oil, primary and secondary fuel filters, as well as engine oil filter that are mounted for easy reach; telematics in place to give real-time data to better forecast maintenance and service needs of the crane, plus iCraneTrax for better fleet management and maintenance scheduling; and operator programmable function kick outs.
According to Link-Belt, delivery of the first 85|RT cranes is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021.
