Lexington, KY (September 2007) — Link-Belt sets a new benchmark in the 80-ton (72.6-mt) lattice boom crawler crane class with the introduction of the 138 HSL. For over twenty years, customer satisfaction has made Link-Belt’s 138 series (the H, HII, and HYLAB 5) the market leader in North America. The 138’s moneymaking features have simply been unbeatable…until now. With better capacities and even easier assembly and transportability, the HSL will extend the 138’s market dominance.

Lifting Above the Rest

The 138 HSL tube boom is 40 to 200 ft (12.2 to 61 m). The optional angle boom is 40 to 150 ft (12.2 to 45.7 m). Both tube and angle attachments use the same respective extensions as the 138H, HII, and HYLAB 5. A live mast is standard for either attachment. Maximum tip height is 242 ft (62.2 m) with tube boom and jib and 204 ft (62.2 m) with angle boom and jib. The jib is offsettable to 5, 15, and 25 degrees. The top sections come standard with mounting lugs for the jib, the optional 5-ft (1.5-m) auxiliary tip, and the optional universal pin-on pile driving lead adaptor. These features help make this the most flexible crane in its class.

New, high line-pull front and rear drums and the optional rear mounted fourth drum incorporate the latest Link-Belt wet brake technology used in other HSL models. The wet brake is on the output side of the winch planetary after the reduction. This innovative design gives the brake a responsive feel with no delayed reaction. Maximum line pull for the front or rear drum is 31,182 lbs (14 144 kg).

The 138 HSL out picks the competition virtually everywhere on the chart; it’s the strongest crane in its class. The sideframes extend to 14 ft (4.3 m) wide for a solid lifting base and hydraulically retract to less than 9 ft (2.7 m) for either restricted on-site travel or transport.

Hailing the Cab

Link-Belt tradition continues in the ergonomic, customer-driven cab design. The full-vision cab is larger and completely new. It has direct site lines to the drums and tracks and sits in front of the boom for an unobstructed view. A six-way adjustable seat and adjustable armchair-mounted controls allow perfect seat positioning. The controls and backlit gauges are easy-to-read and intelligently located. An AM/FM radio and high-flow air conditioning add even more comfort. Audible and visual swing alarms, full engine instrumentation, and a service monitor keep the operator informed. Dual swing drive provides smooth control keeping the operator relaxed and the ground crew confident.

Also new is the Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) incorporating the very latest Link-Belt technology. The high-visibility color graphic display features load-on-hook, maximum allowable load-on-hook, boom length, boom angle, tip height, and audible and visual warnings. The system also has a function kick-out for both overload and anti-two block occurrences.

Power for the Masses

The whisper-quiet Isuzu AH-6HK1X boasts 287 hp (214 kW) and 838 ft-lbs (1 125 J) of torque for ample multi-function capability. Isuzu is widely recognized and fully supported in North America. A miser on fuel, this Tier III compliant engine is easily the best in its class.

An Easy Out

The 138 HSL features Link-Belt’s exclusive hydraulic counterweight removal system. The hydraulic cylinders and integral device detach in one piece with the counterweights to reduce transport weight. Remote operator controls allow all counterweight operations to take place from the ground within easy reach. The three-piece counterweights, at 23,305 lbs (10 571 kg), 16,943 lbs (7 685 kg), and 12,071 lbs (5 475 kg), handle easily for blended load-outs. The 138 HSL transports with complete attachments in three loads, without the assistance of a helper crane. The main load with base section (less counterweights), both drums (and optional third drum if so equipped) with rope, and self-assembly device weighs less than 90,000 lbs (40 823.3 kg).

The Best Keeps Getting Better

With its stout chart and great transportability, the 138 HSL continues the Link-Belt tradition of customer-driven design and innovation. No one can beat a 138 except the new 138 HSL.

Other Standout Features of the 138 HSL:

• Fully sealed lower
• Link-Belt’s exclusive automatic track tensioner
• Direct drive pumps
• Standard left, right, and front catwalks that “fold and store” for transport
• Attachment extensions are interchangeable with the LS-138H, LS-138H II, and 138 H5
• Outstanding 24/7, online support with manuals, sales literature, and a ground bearing calculator on Link-Belt Preferred
• It’s a Link-Belt.