New 250-ton crawler crane added to HYLAB Series

Lexington, Kentucky (March, 1999) - Link Belt announced the newest member of its highly successful HYLAB lattice crane line with the introduction of the LS-278H, 250-ton (226.8 mt) lattice boom crawler crane. The LS-278H offers superior lift capacities in the 230 to 250-ton class while providing all of the proven HYLAB features of pinpoint controls and modular components for fast, easy assembly and disassembly.

With a total working weight of 399,000 lbs., the LS-278H out picks all competitors in the 230 to 250 ton capacity range with its 330 feet of tubular boom. With a main boom of 300 feet and a 100-foot jib, the LS-278H maximum tip height is 400 feet. An optional hammerhead attachment is also offered along with a five-foot tip extension. A luffing attachment is also planned for the new HYLAB crawler crane later this year.

The LS-278H operators cab offers pilot operated, fully hydraulic controls along with a PAT DS350 rated capacity limiter system. Full engine hydraulic instrumentation with cockpit style design keeps the operator informed and comfortable.

The LS-278H upper is powered by a Cummins N14-C440 diesel engine with 440 brake horsepower, the largest in its class. Pumps are all piston type with automatic hydraulic load sensing. Independent speed control of each function utilizing piston motors 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. This revolutionary design on lattice cranes was introduced as standard equipment when the HYLAB Series was introduced in 1987.

The operator controls on the LS-278H require no computer or electronic interface, and like its truck counterpart, the HC-278H, all controls are hydraulic, not electronic. Hoist drums are extra wide and have a large diameter to provide ample rope storage for crane operation. Parallel grooved laggings allow even spooling of the cable.

The upper counterweight consists of one 31,000 lb. (14061 kg) base unit and eight, 13,000 lb. (5896.7 kg) segmented weights. This configuration makes transport loads with boom extensions and counterweight pieces an easy match. Counterweight removal utilizes simple hydraulic cylinders, which lowers the complete counterweight to the ground.

Built-in self-stripping features allow the LS-278H to quickly remove tracks, counterweight and boom in less than two hours, without a helper crane. The upper/carbody weighs less than 90,000 lbs. (40823 kg) and can be permitted in all of North America. The following features permit quick and easy self-assembly or disassembly:

• Hydraulic counterweight assembly/removal system.
• Hydraulic track drive system that requires low effort quick disconnect hoses to be disconnected before removing side frames — no mechanical drive shafts or couplers.
• When "quick-hitch" side frame pinning design feature is used in conjunction with hydraulic carbody jacks to support the entire unit… side frame removal for transport is super fast. Jacks are designed to raise the carbody to a 50" (1.27 m) clearance height to allow a lowboy to back under for loading or unloading.

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.

Experience from development of the family of HYLAB crawler cranes has provided Link-Belt with a high strength, lightweight carbody that has proven virtually 100 percent trouble free, according to product crane manager Pat Collins. "While these high strength materials are a logical choice where strength to weight ratio is critical, it also requires a good understanding of materials properties, weld technology and behavior under load.

The LS-278H 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 LS-278H feature anti-two block systems as standard equipment.

The LS-278H is designed and manufactured under the ISO 9001 certification. This quality design process has lead to the development of this crane with a superior lift chart, rugged design style, and maximum reliability.