Jekko Makes JF990 More Powerful
After the success of Jekko’s JF545 and JF365 articulated crawler cranes, Jekko has once again raised the bar and is now offering a crawler crane featuring all the characteristics of the F990 by Fassi. That’s how the JF990 was developed: “a winning bet,” said Alberto Franceschini, export sales manager at Jekko.
It’s an evolution for crawler cranes, where the traditionally compact dimensions (265¾ x 122½ x 84¼) combine with increased extension capacity (up to 134’), elevated lifting capacity (47,400 lbs.), and advantages in transport.
“We’ve won the first part of the bet,” says Franceschini, “which consisted in investing in an innovative product still not present on the market. We’ve developed a new machine, a stabilized crane truck on tracks that operates as if it was a minicrane. We’ve merged the experience deriving from the JF545 and the JF365, and have therefore responded to the market requirements for more performing, yet compact-size, machines.”
When compared to the dimensions of a truck, the JF990 is still a minicrane: compact, with variable stabilization modes, and a dual engine (diesel and electric). But above all, it can reach 134’ in height when using the hydraulic jib and three manual extensions or 125’ with an operator basket, which means it can work where a truck cannot.
The JF990 can work vertically or horizontally. It can also be equipped with a glass pane manipulator, a three-person hydraulic platform in case of operation with a double articulated joint, and a one- or two-operator basket when using the jib. The hydraulic activation on the jib allows for any additional option to be installed.
The JF990, without counterweight, can be transported on a regular truck without requiring an exceptional load transport. Its 48,061-lb. weight is ideal when performance is required from a minicrane able to work for all purposes as an articulated crane.
This machine can use a 4,630-lb. standard counterweight for stabilization on an area of 28’ x 28’ as well as a 6,612-lb. extra counterweight reducing the crane footprint to an area of 23’ x 23’.
The disassembly system – a fast and automatic quick release system similar to that of a much bigger crane - is managed via the radio remote control.
The JF990 can easily be used instead of a tower crane without being installed on a truck. This crawler crane is independent from its truck and reaches confined places having a positive impact on site logistic timing.
Jekko developed a software managing stabilization in endless combinations. Each outrigger can take any angle and extension, and the software will continuously calculate the operating pressure using the position of the outriggers and the deriving tilting line. Five stability levels will be displayed on the screen for a user-friendly reading of the loading charts.
This crane can be entirely managed by a single operator via the radio remote control. Starting/stopping, crane operations, stabilization, jib, or counterweight installation can be carried out by the operator all by himself.
The JF990 is fitted with both a Deutz TCS3.6 L4 55 kW (Stage V, Tier 4) electronic Diesel engine and a 13 kW three-phase electric motor. Depending on the situation, the operator can easily switch from one option to the other.
“We intend to market this crane mainly in North America, and in central and northern Europe, where there’s a large demand for machinery able to differentiate from other products,” Franceschini concluded. “I’m thinking of Norway, as an example, where new regulations provide for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions also for yard machinery starting from 2021. The JF990 can operate in electric mode; therefore, it brings many advantages in highly environmentally-friendly countries. Rental will be another interesting segment because the JF990 has limited weight and excellent performance compared to similar cranes.”
