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Nov. 1, 2023 – Tadano is now launching its new AC 5.250-2 five-axle all-terrain crane in Europe.
Tadano unveiled the 250-USt capacity AT at the Bauma show in Munich, Germany, during October of 2022.
The company then used customer feedback to fine tune the design.
Now, Tadano will soon ship the first units to customers in Europe.
A Tadano spokesperson said that it is expected to become available in North America sometime in the second half of next year.
Higher Capacity, More Reach
Easy travel plus strong lifting capacity was AC 5.250-2’s primary goal.
In the crane’s final development, Tadano added features that significantly upgrade it, particularly regarding safety.
The successful development and manufacturing of the AC 5.250-2 came from excellent cooperation between the Tadano’s Lauf and Zweibrücken factories, according to project manager Peter Kleinhans.
“This kind of teamwork enabled us to take full advantage of and combine all the know-how and expertise from both our locations,” said Kleinhans.
One powerful result is lifting capacity that is 10% to 15% higher in many areas, and up to 30% in some configurations.
For example it can lift 16 USt on 230’ of boom at radii from 39’ to 79’.
It can also lift 12 USt on 154’ of boom at a 138’ radius.
In addition to strong lifting capacity, the AC 5.250-2 offers a longer boom-and-jib length.
Its 230’ main boom can be extended by 138’ with a HAV boom extension, for a total length of 367’. And all available boom extensions 19’ to 118’ are self-rigging without an assist crane.
Sophisticated Counterweight
The crane can self-assemble its full 88-USt counterweight in three lifts: 54.7 tons radii 20.3’ with a full 360° swing; followed by two lifts of 16.7 tons, with each split into 11 and 5.7 tons for mounting on the right and left sides of the base package.
If needed the counterweight can be handled in smaller pieces, making it possible to pick up the 6-ton base plate at radii to 66’.
“Thanks to the IC-1 Plus crane control system, which is standard, the available radius can even be significantly increased at certain slewing angles,” said Kleinhans.
The ability to split the counterweight into many pieces that each weigh 11 USt or less also gives users more transportation options and enables using relatively small trucks when needed.
Latest Tech Features
The AC 5.250-2 comes with comprehensive equipment as standard, for example Tadano’s IC‑1 Plus control system.
This state-of-the-art touchscreen-controlled system determines the crane’s maximum lifting capacity in real time at any boom position and superstructure swing angle.
That lets the crane always be able to take advantage of the maximum available lifting capacity – especially during lifts over the outriggers.
That feature is particularly beneficial when the outriggers are not fully extended and the counterweight is less than maximum.
The AC 5.250-2 really benefits from IC-1 Plus, as its outriggers can be extended asymmetrically to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%.
Another new-tech feature is the optional Surround View camera system, which increases safety while driving and also makes it easier for crane operators to optimally position the crane at work sites.
This patented system’s six cameras show a computer-assisted diagram of the maximum possible extension lengths for the outriggers at the crane’s current location.
“With Tadano Surround View, crane operators can take a look at a display in the cab to know exactly how they need to position the crane at their work site in order to extend all outriggers sufficiently and ensure that they are using the required counterweight tail swing radius,” said Kleinhans. “This eliminates tedious and time-consuming measurements and testing when looking for a location from which to operate the crane, making the latter ready for use faster.”
On the way to a job site, the system helps the crane’s driver to notice pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
TailGuard and Lift Adjuster Also Improve Safety
Tadano’s TailGuard active backup assist maximizes safety during travel.
Its two ultrasonic sensors monitor the area behind the crane regardless of ambient light.
TailGuard shows the distance from stationary and moving objects on the crane’s in-cab monitor, sounds a warning before the crane reaches obstacles; and stops the crane when there is a risk of collision.
The system activates automatically when the crane’s reverse gear is engaged, not only preventing injuries and property damage, as well as potential downtime.
In the coming year, Tadano expects to also offer another important safety feature on the AC 5.250-2: the Lift Adjuster.
The button-activated system automatically adjusts the boom-hoist cylinder to compensate for the change in radius and resulting load swing caused by boom deflection. The result is significantly better safety.
Safe, Comfortable Work Station
To keep the operator’s area as quiet as possible, Tadano put noise-emitting components away from the crane cab.
For safety, the cab features intelligently positioned access points, attachment points for operators’ personal safety equipment, and a step that can be extended from the carrier to make it safe and comfortable to enter and exit.
Moreover, hill-start assist comes standard to ensure stress-free travel when driving up hills and maneuvering on uphill slopes.
Environmentally Friendly
The state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz engine puts out up to 522 hp or 1,917-ft.-lbs. of torque, can run on HVO or diesel fuel, and meets the latest engine emission requirements.
In addition, it is particularly cost-effective, thanks to Eco Mode, which ensures the engine always puts out only the exact power the crane needs at any time.
The IC-1 crane control system takes care of the calculations.
In addition, the fuel-saving start-stop feature turns off the crane engine at the push of a button but without deactivating the control software.
Bottom Line
The Tadano AC 5.250-2’s versatility, long reach, strong capacities, and other features make it perfect for erecting tower cranes, as well as for construction projects of all types.
