Tadano's new 5-axle all-terrain crane is available with massive extension option

The new AC 5.250L-2 all-terrain crane from Tadano features a 259.2-foot-long main boom and a maximum main boom extension of 98.4 feet. The available maximum system length of 357.6 feet makes the compact AC 5.250L-2 the ideal crane for urban applications like lifting air conditioning units over obstructions onto tall buildings. Additionally, it is also ideally suited to the assembly of large tower cranes.

Economical use as a taxi crane

Like the basic AC 5.250-2 model, the main boom long version also features outstanding transport configurations. The crane has 10 x 6 drive and can be moved on cost-effective 16-inch steel wheels on public roads while complying with the 26,500 pounds axle load limit with a considerable amount of equipment including a 32-tonne Vario hook block and outriggers with a total weight of less than 132,300 pounds, transport brackets for extensions, and up to 550 pounds of equipment in the rear box.

"Our AC 5.250L-2 is also top of the class when it comes to load moment, which at up to 736 mt is one of the best on the market," explains Peter Kleinhans, project manager. 

Sophisticated counterweight concept

The AC 5.250L-2 can pick up its maximum counterweight of 176,400 pounds in three lifts: 109,300 pounds with a radius of up to 22.3 feet at a full radius of 360 degrees and two 33,500 pounds with a radius of up to 42.7 feet divided into 22,050 and 11,500 pounds for hanging on the right and left of the basic package. If required, the counterweight can also be divided into smaller pieces. 

"Thanks to the standard IC-1 plus crane control system, the possible radius can be increased considerably in certain areas of the slewing angle," emphasizes Kleinhans. Maximum flexibility in transport logistics is also ensured by the division of the counterweight, with no element weighing more than 22,050 pounds. This means that smaller trucks can be scheduled for transportation if space conditions on the construction site require it.

On board: IC-1 plus and surround view

Tadano has also equipped the AC 5.250L-2 with the innovative IC-1 plus crane control system which determines the maximum load capacity of the crane in real time for each boom position depending on the slewing angle of the superstructure. This means that the crane can always use the maximum available capacity, especially when lifting over the outriggers. This advantage comes to the forefront when the counterweight is reduced and the outriggers are not fully extended. The AC 5.250L-2 benefits from this feature as its outriggers can be extended asymmetrically in five positions of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent.

The unique surround-view camera system is also available as an option for the Tadano AC 5.250L-2, making it easier for the crane operator to position the crane on the construction site. This patented system uses six cameras to display the maximum possible extension widths of the outriggers at the crane's current position in a computer-aided display. 

"With Tadano surround view, the crane operator can see on a display in the cab exactly how he needs to position the crane on the construction site in order to extend all outriggers sufficiently and ensure the required slewing radius. This eliminates the need for tedious and time-consuming measuring and trial-and-error when searching for a location so that the crane is ready for use more quickly," explains Kleinhans. The system also helps to better recognize pedestrians and cyclists on the way to the construction site when turning.

Comfortable and safe workplace

When developing the AC 5.250-2, Tadano considered the needs of the crane operator — all noise-emitting hydraulic components are positioned away from the upper cabin, making it quiet. Also, the generous amount of space in both cabs ensures a high level of operating comfort. Safety is ensured by well-placed access steps, attachment points for the driver's personal safety equipment, and a step that can be extended from the undercarriage for safe and convenient entry and exit to the upper cab.

The optional pendant light and a load view camera also ensure safety during operation. These can be mounted alternately on the boom head and on the extensions so that one system can be used for all configurations. When lifting over interfering edges with an extension, the repeater, which is also available, is recommended for mounting on the boom head to ensure a wireless connection to the camera.

Ecological and economical in operation

For the engine, the AC 5.250L-2 has the same drive as the AC 5.250-2: The modern Mercedes-Benz engine with 530-hp output and a maximum torque of 1,917 lbf-ft ensures acceleration and lifting performance. The HVO-compliant diesel engine meets the current EU Stage V and US EPA Tier 4 Final requirements. Thanks to the Eco Mode, the engine only delivers as much power as the crane needs at any given time. The corresponding calculations are made via the IC-1 crane control system, which also includes a fuel-saving start/stop function. This function switches off the crane engine at the touch of a button without deactivating the control software — and the hill start assist, which is also fitted as standard, ensures stress-free driving when starting off and manoeuvring on inclines.