New Series II of rough terrain cranes introduced with RTC-8030

Lexington, Kentucky (March, 1999) - Link-Belt unveiled the redesigned RTC-8030, 30-ton (27.2mt) rough terrain crane at the CONEXPO / CON-AGG show in Las Vegas. The RTC-8030 is part of Link-Belt’s new "Series II" of rough terrain cranes which combines proven Link-Belt design features plus industry first technology and innovations.

Link-Belt’s next generation approach to rough terrain crane design yields a first in North America with a totally new carrier featuring automotive style 4-Link suspension with Link-Belt’s patented optional Hydro-gas Ride. The fully independent rear 4-Link suspension greatly reduces the inherent ‘bouncing’ at medium speeds and greatly improves handling, maneuverability and turning radius in both on and off the road conditions.

To even further reduce the "bounce" associated with all rough terrain cranes, a patented Hydro-gas Ride suspension system is available as an option. This exclusive system serves as a shock absorber through a charged accumulator system for greatly improved carrier stability. At higher road speeds, this system provides unparalleled comfort and handling which is not possible on other rough terrain cranes.

Powered by a Cummins’ 152 hp., 6BT 5.9-liter engine, the RTC-8030 is designed for the contractor and rental house companies. New swing-out engine hood doors provide maximum engine access for routine service and maintenance.

The RTC-8030 features a standard 30 to 78 ft. (9.14 to 23.77 m), full power, quick reeve three-section boom or an optional 28.75 to 91 ft. (8.76 to 27.73 m), full power, quick reeve four-section boom. Three new swing away attachments are available on the RTC-8030.

A basic 25 ft. (7.62 m) fixed attachment, a 27 ft. (8.23 m), one-stage, swing away attachment and a 27 to 44 ft. (8.23 to 13.41 m), two stage, swing away fly. Both attachments offset to 2°, 20°, and 40°. The 44-ft. (13.41 m) attachment in combination with the main boom brings the maximum tip height to 143-ft. (43.58 m). The RTC-8030 also has no deducts in capacity for stowed attachments, simplifying the crane’s capacity charts.

The RTC-8030 Series II also includes two Link-Belt exclusive boom design features — the exclusive "A-max" boom mode and the "BOSS." For in-close, big picks, the "A-max" mode (or mode A) allows the operator to extend only the inner-mid section of the boom to maximize the crane’s optimum strength and stability. The "BOSS" is a patented Link-Belt telescopic boom design of high-strength angle chords (corners) with high formability sidewall embossments with no welds, places the most steel at the corners where the maximum stress is concentrated.

The new RTC-8030 Series II is equipped with Link-Belt’s exclusive CALC system which allows operators to work in confined work areas where full outrigger extension is not possible. The CALC system provides three outrigger positions, fully extended, intermediate and fully retracted.

A standard Link-Belt feature is the Microguard 434 Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) with operator-defined parameters and alarm. By setting two points, the operator creates an imaginary vertical plane to maintain safe working distance from any nearby obstacles. Should the crane’s boom go outside the operator-defined limits, the RCL will sound an alarm. The RCL also improves the crane’s efficiency and production by ensuring the crane is operated within the lift chart.

Isolated from sound and vibration by a neoprene seal, the RTC-8030’s control center features tinted windows, sliding rear and right side windows, swing-up roof hatch, four-way adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel, drum rotation indicators, outrigger sight level bubble and a six-way adjustable operator’s seat.

The dash panel contains a full complement of easy to read and comprehensive gauges as well as rubber encased toggle switches for protection against dust and moisture. The rated capacity limiter display is integrated into the dash design for improved visibility over the dash. Hydraulic pilot operated, dual axis (joystick) controls for easy arm chair control. Visibility is further enhanced with the newly designed large door window.

Full-length, flat-deck carriers with six-points of access greatly improves accessibility to the operator’s cab and allows easy exiting from the cab in any crane configuration. The new swing-out doors on the hood provides maximum engine compartment access for routine service maintenance.

The new Series II features an external RCL Load Rating indicator lightbar to improve communication with job site workers on the ground. The crane also features 360 degree (pawl-in-gear) mechanical swing lock, mechanical boom angle indicator, hook block tie-down and integrated steps and handholds.

The RTC-8030 Series II features the Packard Electric Metri-Pack wiring system. Each wire and connector in the system is sealed to help prevent corrosion and costly downtime of machines. In addition, all wires have an automotive-type flame retardant cross-linked polyethylene insulation, resulting in a higher heat resistant wiring system.

Another Link-Belt design standard featured on the RTC-8030 is the innovative two-part paint coating technology coupled with a pre-assembly paint process to provide the finest quality coating system available today. This coating technology provides superior adhesion and abrasion resistance. In addition, because all parts are painted before assembly, 100% coverage of each part is realized. This process also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the final machine, as nuts, bolts, hoses and a multitude of parts are no longer painted. As a result, paint chipping, cracking and deterioration is significantly reduced when service work and disassembly are required.

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