Link-Belt's 50 ton crawler crane upgraded to HYLAB 5 series

Lexington, Ky (March, 2005) — Link-Belt has enhanced the job proven LS-108H II to the 108 HYLAB 5 50 ton (50 mt) (HYdraulic LAttice Boom) crawler crane that incorporates all of the job proven HYLAB 5 series features to yield an affordable, simple, and low operating cost crawler crane.

“The smallest crane in the HYLAB series, the 108 HYLAB 5 has big crane, proven features, but is still affordable and ideally sized for bridge builders, general contractors, excavation/waterway specialists, pipe liners, demolition contractors and pile-driving specialists,” says Pat Collins, lattice crane senior product manager.

The 108 H5 dominates the “smaller end of the market” not only with high mobilization features and reliable, smooth hydraulic controls, but also it brings to this market niche unprecedented attachment flexibility for duty cycle work.

To further expand the offering of the industry’s most versatile small crawler crane, the 108 H5 has an optional ‘Xtra Lift” package which significantly increases lift crane capacities. All 108 H5 cranes will come ‘XL’ ready with brackets for hanging side frame counterweights on each crawler that weigh 4,299 lbs each. In the XL package, there is also a backpack type upper counterweight at 4,630 lbs that hangs off the existing “B” counterweight and is secured with throughbolts.

Lift Crane or Duty Cycle Applications

Designed for maximum versatility in a small crane, the 108 H5 is ideally suited for contractors needing a cost-efficient, highly mobile, general-purpose lift crane that can also perform a variety of duty cycle applications. Available with a third drum, which can be front or rear mounted, the 108 H5 is designed for dragline and clamshell work (rated at 16,800 lbs (7 620 kg), with 70 ft (21.37 m) of boom). The optional free spooling third drum is interchangeable with Link-Belt’s larger lattice boom crawler cranes, the 138 H5 and LS-208H II.

An optional rear mount fourth drum with free fall is also available, in lieu of or in addition to, the third drum. This fourth drum utilizes 0.75 wire rope with available line pull of 24,000 lbs (10 886 kg).

For even greater versatility and on the job flexibility, the standard quick reeve universal top section provides convenient connecting points for pile driving lead adapters in addition to allowing for quick change out of various other boom attachments and connections.

With a 50 ton (50 mt) capacity at 11 ft (3.35 m) radius, the 108 HYLAB 5 is equipped with a maximum 140 ft (42.67 m) of conventional angle-type boom. When the 108 H5 is used in combination with 110’ (33.53 m) of main boom and 50 ft (15.24 m) jib, it achieves a maximum tip height of 163 ft (49.68 m).

State-of-the-Art HYLAB Controls Now Offer Pinpoint, Reliable Performance in Duty Cycle Applications

The 108 H5 joins the highly successful HYLAB (Hydraulic Lattice Boom) series of Link-Belt lattice boom cranes. First introduced to the North American market in 1987, HYLAB cranes have gone on to establish a coveted reputation for smooth, pinpoint controls and bulletproof reliability. Link-Belt’s proven state-of-the-art, pilot operated, variable displacement hydraulic power system delivers precise independent control of load hoist drums that are directly proportional to hoist lever movement. Designed for duty cycle work, the 108 H5 has a high capacity hydraulic cooling system as standard equipment.

Modular Design Provides Fast Mobilization

The 108 H5 redefines fast and simple crane self-assembly and disassembly and can be mobilized in only two loads. With the optional boom folding equipment, the 108 H5 with 50 ft (15.24 m) of boom can be transported on one 92,000 lb (41 730 kg) load or with 70 ft (21.34 m) of boom on one 94,600 lb (42 910 kg) load. The basic machine with base section and full basic counterweight plus optional third drum has a transportation weight of less than 90,000 lbs (40 824 kg). Link-Belt’s exclusive counterweight removal system utilizing pinned backstops and hydraulic cylinders, can remove the 24,000 lbs (10 886 kg) total counterweight combination in two pieces in less than 10 minutes.

A “bridle locator” feature allows the boom hoist bridle to lower into a receiver on the boom base section, where it is pinned into position for either transport or fast assembly of boom extensions.

Both side frames hydraulically retract for transportation in less than five minutes. On the job, with the side frames retracted in confined areas, the 108 H5 offers additional lift charts for 360-degree operation. For even greater lift versatility, blocked-over-end capacities are available to give this 50 ton (50 mt) crane big crane performance.

Ergonomic Operator’s Station

Another outstanding feature of a crane this size is the new operator-friendly, ergonomically designed operator’s station with adjustable armrest-mounted controls and eight-way adjustable seat. The new design offers the operator greater visibility, more room and easy to read, backlit gauges. In addition the audio and visual alarms for swing, engine monitoring, and load indicator are further complemented by the SML-10 rated capacity limiter to put the operator in complete control. The 108 H5 comes standard with a high capacity air conditioner and heater.

Standard Features

The 42 in by 42 in (1.06 m x 1.06 m) angle boom is specifically designed for crane and duty cycle work and is interchangeable with previous LS-108 42 in (1.06 m) boom extensions. The 108 H5 is powered by the whisper quiet, 170 horsepower Isuzu engine. Standard left and right side catwalks flip up and are quickly pinned for transport. The front and rear grooved hoist drums are matched for clamshell work and also include drum pawls and mechanical drum rotation indicators. A completely sealed “oil-filled” lower with compact lower drives, ensures high performance with minimum maintenance and the self-cleaning tracks feature automatic hydraulic track tensioning. Each side frame has eight sealed (oil filled) track rollers as well as sealed idlers and planetaries. Additional standard features include turntable bearing with internal swing teeth and two-position positive house lock.

Meets OSHA Requirements for Personnel Handling

The 108 H5 meets OSHA Ruling 29 CFR (October 3, 1988 and April 18, 1989) regarding two-block and automatic brake systems on cranes used to handle personnel. All HYLAB cranes feature anti-two block systems for both front and rear drums as standard equipment.