New RTC-8040 unveiled with exclusive suspension system

Lexington, Kentucky (March , 1999) - The newest member of Link Belt’s Series II of rough terrain cranes, the RTC-8040, 40-Ton (36.3 mt) was unveiled at CONEXPO / CON-AGG in Las Vegas. The RTC-8040 incorporates many new features, but none greater than the breakthrough carrier design that redefines Rough Terrain crane suspension and virtually eliminates the inherent ‘bounce" normally associated with RT cranes.

Exclusive 4-Link suspension with Hydro-gas Ride

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’ 165 hp., 6BT 5.9-liter engine and a Funk 8-speed (8 forward and 4 reverse) powershift transmission, shifting is electronically controlled for smooth, precise shifts as the crane accelerates to a top speed of 25 mph. A newly designed sliding engine hood provides quick and easy engine access for routine service maintenance.

Proven boom designs featuring two boom modes

The RTC-8040 features a standard 33 to 105 ft. (10.05 to 32.00 m), full power, quick reeve, four-section boom with the two-mode telescope proportioning system (A-Max) for optimum strength and stability charts.

Two new swing away attachments are available including a 28.5 ft. (8.68 m), one-stage, swing away attachment and a 28.5 to 51 ft. (8.68 to 15.54 m), two stage, swing away attachment. Both of these attachments offset to 2°, 20° and 40°. The 51-ft. (15.54 m) attachment, in combination with the main boom, brings the maximum tip height to 163-ft. (49.68 m). Designed with the operator in mind, the RTC-8040 also has no deducts in capacity for stowed attachments, simplifying the crane’s capacity charts.

The RTC-8040 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-8040 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.

The RTC-8040 Series II is also equipped with a new hand-held outrigger control, with 8 foot umbilical cord, that enhances the operator’s ability to position the outriggers.

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.

The RTC-8040 Series II features the environmental Ultra-Cab of LCM•2000 construction process featuring laminated fibrous composite technology that provides optimum strength and stiffness.

The Ultra-Cab is roomier and quieter than traditional cabs. The overhead console contains a full complement of easy to read and comprehensive backlit gauges as well as rubber encased toggle switches for protection against dust and moisture. Corner-post-mounted gauges monitor critical machine information, such as oil, fuel and water levels.

An automotive style windshield and large side and overhead windows provide the operator with 25% more glass for a full vision-working environment. The dash-less design, lift up arm rests and a wide opening slide-by-door allows operators to enter and exit the cab with ease.

The new Series II has many of Link-Belt’s proven design features, as well as some newer innovations. Link-Belt has added external RCL Load Rating indicator lights, 360 degree (pawl-in-gear) mechanical swing lock, mechanical boom angle indicator, hook block tie-down, integrated steps and hand holds to the carrier. A newly designed sliding engine hood provides maximum engine compartment access for routine service maintenance.

The RTC-8040 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-8040 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.

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