New IMT Mid-Range Articulating Cranes Lighter, More Productive

A high lift-to-weight ratio continues to be a sought-after spec among articulating crane customers. Cranes that are lighter in weight without sacrificing strength allow for more payload capacity. With the benefit of increased payload, operators can get their loading and unloading tasks done more efficiently.

Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT) recently introduced new, lighter mid-range articulating cranes to meet customer needs for improved lift-to-weight ratios. Featuring ultra-high tensile steel, the 9 tm, 10 tm, 11 tm and 12 tm models are 10 to 15% lighter than their predecessors in the IMT articulating crane lineup. Required mounting space also has been reduced, expanding truck configuration possibilities.

Although lighter and more compact, the 9/65, 10/72, 11/78 and 12/86 articulating cranes retained their strong hexagonal boom profile and all the power of previous models. Ratings range from 65,100 ft.-lb. (9 tm) to 86,075 ft.-lbs.(11.9 tm) and maximum lift capacities from 8,380 lbs. (3,800 kg) to 10,230 lbs. (4,640 kg). Each crane offers excellent working speed and up to five hydraulic extensions for application-specific reach.

“At IMT, we’re committed to helping our customers become more productive,” says John Field, product manager of material handling at IMT. “The 9 to 12 tm articulating cranes make good on that commitment. With lower weight and an elevated level of technology, our new cranes allow customers to increase payload capacity and minimize loading and unloading time.”

Indeed, reduced weight is just one productivity-enhancing change to the range. IMT also added SL (single link) and DL (dual link) technology options offering customers distinct productivity advantages depending on their specific  lifting needs.

Another new productivity feature of the cranes is overbending, which means the working area between the main boom and the jib is no less than 195°. Overbending offers greater flexibility when working through narrow passages and under overhead obstructions; the ability to lift maximum loads in all boom positions; and, a lower total height when the crane is stowed on the truck body.

IMT cranes are designed not only for productivity, but also for safety. A standard safety feature on all IMT articulating crane models is the RCL (rated capacity limiter) 5300. The RCL system monitors the crane’s load moment, operation and function. In an overload situation, the system warns the operator and interrupts the distribution of oil for crane functions, while allowing functions that reduce load moment to remain operational. The RCL 5300 cooperates with the user and compensates when the RCL senses a situation requiring intervention.

Featuring superior lift-to-weight ratios, long-reach capabilities, proven reliability and key safety features, IMT articulating cranes enable easy loading and unloading of materials — even when the work site is full of obstacles. These cranes also stow within themselves, freeing up payload space for additional materials. The complete lineup of IMT articulating cranes ranges from the  2.5 tm model (18,085 ft.-lb.) to the 80 tm (516,440 ft.-lb.) model, and it will continue to evolve.