New HC-238H II truck crane
features luffing attachment

Lexington, Kentucky (Oct. 2, 2000) — Link-Belt introduce the all new HC-238H II 150-ton (136.08 mt) capacity lattice boom truck crane during the CraneFest 2000 show at their Lexington, Ky. manufacturing facility. This first -public appearance of the newest member of the HYLAB family included a demonstration of the crane’s tremendous features and benefits including walking with the new luffing attachment.

The HC-238H II joins the 200-ton (181.4 mt) HC-248H and the 300-ton (272 mt) HC-278H in the series of HYLAB (Hydraulic Lattice Boom) series of lattice boom truck cranes. HYLAB machines with their smooth, precise hydraulic control system have proven to be the most trouble free all-hydraulic cranes in the industry. Since 1987 over 300 HYLAB cranes have been delivered in North America.

Rolling down the highway was never this easy

The new all-hydraulic lattice boom truck crane offers fast assembly / disassembly capabilities and lightweight modular components for ease of transport. The beefed-up carrier features “hook attach” rear outrigger box that install fast and remove more weight allowing for main unit transport weight to be under 90,000 lbs. (40 823 kg) gross vehicular weight. HYLAB series truck cranes are designed to be self-erecting and self-stripping. Using the crane’s base section and 10-ft. (3.04 m) erection section, the outrigger boxes are quickly attached and the outriggers are extended into position — eliminating the need for a helper crane. The HC-238H II can then complete the self-assembly process and go to work.

Link-Belt's patented counterweight removal / installation system, coupled with the outrigger removal system enable the HYLAB truck cranes to be put to work in less time when they reach the jobsite.

To optimize axle loadings, an optional and patented weight transfer system is available that hydraulically 'flips' the mast over the rear of the upperstructure, transferring 5,900 lbs. (2 676 kg) from the rear axle tandem to the front axle tandem to meet the most "challenging" highway laws.

Utilizing many of the same drive train/carrier components as another member of the HYLAB family, the HC-248H, yet with its lighter design and strong boom the HC-238H II’s pick and carry capacities are outstanding with a maximum capacity of 50.25 tons (45.59 mt).

Superior reach and a new lifting dimension

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The HC-238H II can be equipped with a maximum of 260' (79.25 m) of main boom or a combination of 230' (70.10 m) of boom plus 75' (22.86 m) of jib. The tubular boom's cross section is 70" (1.78 m) wide and 62" (1.57 m) deep. Having the power, control and stability to handle long booms and heavy loads gives the crane owner the ability to meet the requirements of any specific job application.

The HC-238H II also features is found in the 30 – 75-ft. (9.14 – 22.86 m) two-piece jib. Each section is 32-in. (0.81 m) deep and 24-in. (0.61 m) wide at the connections. Fifteen-foot (4.57 m) jib extensions provide jib lengths at 30-ft. (9.14 m), 45-ft. (13.72 m), 60-ft. (18.29 m) and 75-ft. (22.86 m).

Introducing a new luffer, expanding job application capabilities

The newest lift feature is 27-ton (24.49 mt) capacity luffing attachment, which boasts a maximum luffing attachment working height of 349-ft. (106.37 m) — 165-ft. (50.29 m) luffing boom, 150-ft. (45.72 m) and 30-ft. (9.14 m) fixed jib — and maximum working radius of 260-ft. (79.250 m). The new luffing attachment utilizes the existing conventional boom as the luffing.

Field-proven hydraulic power flow system

The upper design incorporates Link-Belt's proven state-of-the-art variable displacement hydraulic power system first introduced with the HYLAB cranes several years ago. With this system, load hoist and lowering speeds are directly proportional to hoist lever movement. Boomhoist speed is controlled in a similar manner. Independent speed control of each function gives unprecedented ability to spot and place loads. In addition, Link-Belt's exclusive "fine inching control" mode can be selected for ultra-precise work.

True gravity freefall combined with load line speeds of up to 557 fpm (169.77 m/min) are available for high-speed crane work. Hoist drums are extra wide and have a large diameter to provide more than adequate rope storage for crane operation. Parallel grooved laggings allow even spooling of the cable. Selectable automatic drum brakes are an integral part of the hoist drum system; they are automatically applied whenever the hoist control levers are placed in the neutral position. For faster cycle times and increased productivity, the automatic system can be switched off and the machine operated in the freefall mode. Controlled by foot pedals, the large drum brakes are designed for concrete bucket cycling and other high-speed work, yet are still smooth to ensure precise placement of the load.

The new HYLAB cab

The HC-238H II crane features the totally redesigned operators’ cab. In addition to the full complement of backlit gauges, adjustable armrest-mounted controls with mechanical drum rotation indicators, the ergonomic design offers the operator several advantages, such as greater visibility, more room, easy to read and intelligently located controls and gauges, adjustable boom and load hoist controls and a six-way adjustable seat. Most importantly, the new cab is set up to be highly functional and very comfortable.

Rock solid and reliable carrier

The HC-238H II carrier frame is a hydraulically operated, double-box dual beams front and rear, are pin-connected to the carrier frame.

This new design produces the optimum strength essential to luffing attachment demands and maximizes lift capacity while providing lightweight axle loadings necessary to meet the most highway regulations. The 430 hp (321 kw) Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and Eaton 10-speed transmission combination not only provides the industry's fastest top speed at 58.5 mph (94.2 km/h) but also the lowest creep speed at 0.3 mph (0.5 km/h).

Standard Link-Belt features

Another standard feature of the HC-238H II is the PAT DS-350 graphic display, rated capacity limiter (RCL). Using various sensing devices, the PAT DS-350 monitors all crane functions and provides a continuous reading of the cranes rated capacity.

The readings continuously change as the crane moves through the lift. These readings include information concerning certain geometrical data such as main boom angle, jib angle, radius, weight of the load on the hook.

Meets OSHA requirements for personnel handling

The HC-238H II 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, including the new HC-238H II feature anti-two block systems as standard equipment.