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INSIGHT CRANES

30th May 1991, Page 38
30th May 1991
Page 38
Page 38, 30th May 1991 — INSIGHT CRANES
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Keywords : Cranes, Warranty

This situation is not helped when crane makers, like truck manufacturers, round up the numbers in the product's designation to suggest greater power. To check, plot the crane's true load curve or 'lifting moment' using the lifting capacities given on the spec sheet. Et can be seen (left) that our example's maximum lifting capacity is just over 13 tonnes, and then only at a set radius. Such a machine might typically be called a 14-tonne/metre unit.

With any crane you start with the basic frame then add whatever attachments are needed for the job. Many cranes can be equipped for several jobs, or have interchangeable tools for individual tasks, and in this respect the crane you buy can only be as good as the salesman's product knowledge. Poor advice can ruin a good machine.

As a rough guide here are the crane capacities which suit the different truck categories — and remember, cranes knock 500-1,000kg off a truck's payload.

Truck Crane 7.5-tormer 4.5 tonne/metre 11 -13-tonner 5-7 tonne/metre 1 7-tonner 5-15 tonne/metre No one makes a "bad" crane anymore, but check out the dealer. He should have held the franchise for at least a year to become familiar with the product.

Ask what parts are stocked and see whether new machines are held from which spares could be taken in case of emergencies.

Ask how many other dealers there are, and whether the pipes and fixings are standard types and sizes. See how many parts on your model are common across the range.

Will they respond at 09:00hrs, and if so will they know which parts to bring for your particular model and its attachments?

Ask about the warranty. Some cranes come with only six months' cover — most have at least a year. Whatever the terms, make sure the hoses and connectors are covered because these are the parts that fail most frequently. Some marques now offer a second year's cover free on major components and extended warranty packages are available from some dealers.

Check out the availability of contract maintenance and if you take out such a deal be sure you know exactly who will do the work; it may be sub-contracted. If you're planning your own maintenance see what workshop manuals are available. Ask who can be contacted for advice if there is a problem.

MINIMUM

See that the basic crane you have selected comes with stabilising legs — two is a basic minimum for any job. Make sure the weights and price you are being quoted include the correct number of legs for your operation. While you're at it, be clear whether oil tanks, oil, fixings, PT-0 and any sub-frames recommended by the truck maker are included in the quote. A typical fitting charge is around Z1,70042,000 including PT-0 and F96 test certificate (this certificate is a legal requirement and must be renewed every four years).

Finally, ask what training is available. One or two marques provide a day's free tuition; others charge around £75 per day. The crane market is as depressed as the rest of the truck industry, so don't be afraid to go elsewhere if you are not happy with what is on offer.

Of the many makes on offer, only Atlas and Tico have British subsidiaries; the others use distributors, All use a network of independent dealers as the point of contact.

LI A code of practice for the safe application and operation of crane-equipped trucks is published by ALLMI, the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers. Copies and further advice are available from the organisation's secretary, Dennis Brooke, at 38 Shaw Crescent, Sanderstead, South Croydon CR2 9JA.


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