Link-Belt improves North America's most popular lattice boom crawler crane with the introduction of LS-138H II

Lexington, Kentucky (March, 1999) - Link-Belt unveiled the vastly improved LS-138H II, 80-ton (72.5 metric tons) hydraulic lattice boom crawler crane. Featuring a variety of enhancements over the original LS-138H, this new model includes major lift capacity increases, easier transportability, a new counterweight removal system and a transportation weight of less than 90,000 lbs.

Part of the original, highly successful HYLAB (Hydraulic Lattice Boom) series of lattice boom cranes that Link-Belt first introduced to the North American market in 1987, the improved LS-138 H II has increased lift capacities up to 30 percent in some areas, making it the strongest crane in its class. The increased lift capacity was achieved by increasing the track gauge to 14 ft. (4.27 m) and the length of the crane’s lower to 20’ 2" (7.37 m). The new, longer side frames not only extend to 16 ft. (4.88m) wide for a solid lifting base but they hydraulically retract to 11’ 11" (3.63 m) for simple, easy transportation.

Link-Belt’s patented and exclusive hydraulic counterweight removal system has been incorporated into the new LS-138H II for easy, simple handling of the new, two-piece 50,500 lb. (22.9 mt) counterweight combination. A convenient, hand-held remote control station that allows an operator to stand at the rear of the crane and monitor the installation and removal of the two-counterweight sections weighing 25,250 lbs. each further complements this simple, effective system.

The LS-138H II offers a tubular lattice boom from 40 to 200 ft. (12.19 to 60.96 m) achieving a tip height of 204 ft. A tubular jib is also available from 30 to 60 ft. (9.14 to 18.28 m) that can be offset to 5, 15 and 25 degrees. For additional tip height, a 180-foot main boom can be combined with a 60-foot jib for a maximum tip height of 241 ft. (73.45 mt). Exclusive to the LS-138H II is the availability of angle boom for severe duty applications. A five-foot, single sheave tip extension is also available. To make the LS-138H II even more versatile and productive, new ‘blocked over-the end" capacities are now available. To use this chart, conveniently stored blocks are positioned under the treadmembers allowing lift capacity increases that compare with those of a 100-ton crane. The crane also includes audio and visual alarms for swing, the engine monitor and the load indicator. Standard left and right side catwalks easily unpin and flip up for transport.

Link-Belt’s proven state-of-the-art variable displacement hydraulic power system was first introduced with the HYLAB crawler 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.