By Don McLoud
Calling it the next evolution of the boom truck, National Crane introduces the tractor-mounted NBT30H-2 TM.
The boom truck is based on the NBT30H-2 crane-mounted truck and was built in response to customer feedback, the Manitowoc subsidiary says.
The new 30-ton truck is designed for oil-field work but can also serve as an everyday taxi crane, able to travel to jobsites without a support vehicle. It is road legal in all 50 states with no need for special permits, National Crane says.
Unlike its predecessor, which has the crane mounted to the trailer and faces the rear during transport, the NBT30H-2 TM’s crane is mounted 5 feet behind the front cab and faces forward during transport. The 5 feet of space between crane and cab can be used for mounting accessories to the truck frame, such as platforms, chain rack storage and tool boxes. For additional stability, a boom rest was placed directly behind the cab. This design also provides for easier engine service, the company says.
The four-section boom was shortened from 110 feet to 69 feet, with a 78-foot max tip height, for the tractor-mounted version. Though the boom is shorter, the company says, it is longer than the traditional tractor-mounted boom of 51 feet.
The boom also features 360-degree rotation with or without a trailer attached. A fully integrated front outrigger provides the needed stability for full rotation. The main outriggers span 20 feet, and the rear outriggers span 18.5 feet.
The hoist features a two-speed planetary winch with a 390- foot, 9/16-inch rotation-resistant wire rope that has a 7,700-pound single line pull, the company says. A fixed position, low-profile fifth wheel has integrated ramps for easier trailer hookup and provides optimal loading distribution on the truck and trailer.
National Crane says the tractor-mounted concept was in production within eight months, thanks to a companywide team of engineers and other experts.
The tractor-mounted crane comes with a rated capacity limiter system that graphically displays crane load lifting values. The display includes boom angle, length, radius, tip height, maximum permissible load, load indication and warning of impending overload. With an anti-two block system, it also provides audio-visual warnings and a crane function lookout. Truck diagnostic and monitoring provides real-time information on such things as engine regen status, fuel level, oil pressure and battery voltage. A Work Area Definition System is included for operator definable non-lockout warning limits, the company says.