Tadano has unveiled the AC 5.250L-2, an all-terrain crane boasting a 79-m main boom, setting a new standard for reach and lifting capacity in its class.

The five-axle crane, an extension of the AC 5.250-2 series, features a maximum main boom extension of 30 m, with all available boom extensions – ranging from 5.8 to 30 m – being self-erecting.  With a total system length of 109 m, the compact AC 5.250L-2 is designed for urban applications, including lifting air-conditioning units over obstructions onto high-rise buildings and assembling large tower cranes.

“Our AC 5.250L-2 is also top of the class when it comes to load moment, which at up to 736 tonne m is one of the best on the market,” explains Peter Kleinhans, Project Manager. “This high load moment is achieved with a working radius of 7 m, a 13.5-m-long main boom and a load weight of 105.2 tonnes. In addition, Tadano offers an optional heavy-lift attachment for even heavier loads up to 138.7 tonnes on the short boom with additional sheaves.”

Like the basic AC 5.250-2 model, the “main boom long version” also impresses with its outstanding transport configurations. The crane with 10 x 6 drive can be moved on cost-effective 16-inch steel wheels on public roads while complying with the 12-tonne 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 60 tonnes, transport brackets for extensions, and up to 250 kg of equipment in the rear box.

In compliance with the 16.5-tonne axle load limit with a total weight of 82.5 tonnes, the AC 5.250L-2 can even be driven on public roads with a 10 x 8 drive on 16-inch steel wheels. It can not only carry a 32-tonne hook block, outriggers and a 12-m extension including transport brackets, but also 20 tonnes of counterweight and up to 500 kg of equipment in the rear box, according to Tadano.

The AC 5.250L-2 features a sophisticated counterweight concept, allowing for maximum counterweight of 80 tonnes in three lifts. The counterweight can be divided for flexible transport logistics.

Equipped with Tadano’s IC-1 Plus crane control system, the crane maximises load capacity based on boom position and slewing angle. The system allows for asymmetrical outrigger extension in five positions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent.

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 optimally 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. 

Comfortable and safe workplace

Operator comfort and safety are prioritised with a quiet cab, ergonomic design, and safety features like 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 greater 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 in such cases.

In terms of the engine, the AC 5.250L-2 has the same drive that already delivers a convincing performance in the AC 5.250-2: The modern Mercedes-Benz engine with 530 hp output and a maximum torque of 2,600 Nm ensures decent propulsion and strong lifting performance. The HVO-compliant diesel engine meets the current EU Stage V requirements. Thanks to Eco Mode, it is also economical: the engine only delivers as much power as the crane needs at any given time, says Tadano.

“The corresponding calculations are made via the IC-1 crane control system, which also includes a fuel-saving start/stop function. This 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,” the Project Manager adds.