Hiab Unveils New Loader Cranes

Today Hiab, part of Cargotec, presents four new loader crane models at a global press event in Berlin in its biggest launch in years: the X-CLX 178, the X-DUO 178, the X-HIDUO 188 and the X-HIPRO 192. The key features of the new X-series have been developed from the findings of extensive research among customers and field experts.

 

Hiab's President Axel Leijonhufvud says: "70 years ago we put the very first loader cranes on the market. With the launch of the X-series we will be writing a new chapter in the history of Hiab and I'm fully convinced that we will be setting a new standard for future loader cranes."

 

Several studies and in-depth interviews undertaken during the last years, collecting input from a total of nearly 1,500 customers and field experts, have resulted in a project focused on developing loader cranes with unique benefits in the areas of durability, performance and user friendliness.

 

Durability

"What we have seen in our surveys is that it is crucial that the crane is reliable and has minimum downtime. So we have worked on several details that will improve durability and ensure functionality for a long period of time," says Leif Törnblom, Hiab Product Manager for mid-range cranes.

 

The new loader cranes are equipped with functional solutions to protect and prolong the lifetime of parts susceptible to potential damage and wear and tear. For example, protection for electronic components, hose and cable routing protection and low friction slidepads. The cranes also have high quality soft seal hydraulic couplings throughout the crane to ensure a dry, clean and healthy machine.

Performance
"Our customers work in very different sectors, with different demands on the cranes. However, regardless of the sector, crane operators want speed, precision and lifting capacity. We have therefore focused on improving these factors even more," says Leif Törnblom.

To optimise the performance of the new cranes, both extension and lifting capacity have been improved. The new boom extension system is nearly twice as fast as the previous system. The entire hydraulic system is finely tuned to deliver fuel economy and smooth, precise operation. The main control valve, the size of the tubing, the couplings and the pressure relief valves are perfectly balanced, timed and optimised to eliminate vibration and excessive heat. These improvements ensure speedy, effortless crane operation and unrivalled performance with significant fuel savings.

User friendliness
The new products have also been developed to make the operators' day-to-day work easier, safer and ergonomically sound. A new ergonomic work place has been designed and a new joystick control is available for remote controlled cranes. Furthermore, an entirely new design for the stabiliser legs means they can be tilted easily and safely. The new X angle provides easy access in confined spaces, while improved link geometry, where the link never goes below the extension system, minimises the risk for damage to the crane, goods and the immediate surroundings.

A new, simplified design also means that the installation process for the new cranes has become smoother, resulting in lower installation costs and shorter installation time for the customers. For example, fewer bolts are required to mount the crane on the truck, and the wider stabiliser spread can make installation of additional stabiliser legs unnecessary. It is even possible to specify that the crane have an integrated oil tank for simpler installation, removing the need for rearranging the truck components during installation. In combination with thorough documentation, including technical data, mounting guidelines and software for calculating axle and loading stability, installation is made simpler, quicker and more cost effective.

The new loader cranes of the X-series will replace the existing Hiab XS 166 and will be available on the global market during autumn 2013.