Link-Belt unveils new RTC-8050 Series II with exclusive suspension system
Lexington, Kentucky (October 2, 2000) — The newest member of Link Belt’s Series II product line of rough terrain cranes, the RTC-8050 Series II, 50-Ton (45.36 mt), was unveiled at the CraneFest 2000 show at the Link-Belt manufacturing plant in Lexington, Ky.
The RTC-8050 Series II incorporates many innovative features, such as the full flat-deck carrier design, 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’ associated with rough terrain cranes 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 North American rough terrain cranes.
The crane also features excellent maneuverability with four-mode steering — front-wheel, rear-wheel, four-wheel, and “crab” steering. Powered by a Cummins’ 185 hp., 6BTA 5.9-liter engine and a Funk DF-150 powershift transmission with eight forward and four reverse speeds, shifting is electronically controlled for smooth, precise shifts as the crane accelerates to a top speed of 25 mph (40.23 km/h). The RTC-8050 Series II total gross vehicular weight is 77,000 lbs. (34,927 kg.).
Proven boom designs featuring two boom modes
The RTC-8050 Series II features a standard to 35.5 to 110 ft. (10.82 to 33.53 m), full power, quick reeve, four-section boom featuring two Link-Belt exclusive 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.
Two new swing away attachments are available including a 28.5 ft. (8.69 m), one-piece lattice fly and a 28.5 to 51 ft. (8.69 to 15.54 m), two-piece (bi-fold) fly. Both attachments are stowable and offsettable to 2°, 20° and 40°. The 51-ft. (15.54 m) attachment, in combination with the main boom, brings the maximum tip height to 168-ft. (51.21 m). Designed with the operator in mind, the RTC-8050 Series II also has no deducts in capacity for stowed attachments, simplifying the crane’s capacity charts.
Confined Area Lifting Capacities (CALC) System
The new RTC-8050 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-8050 Series II is also equipped with a new hand-held outrigger control, with an eight-foot cord, that enhances the operator’s ability to position the outriggers.
Microguard 434 Rated Capacity Limiter
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.
An additional feature on the RTC-8050 Series II is the optional internal / external RCL light bar. This visual graphic display system informs the operator, and crew working on the job site, when the crane is approaching maximum load capacity with a series of three lights — green - less than 95% of max load, yellow - 95-99% of max and red – 100% or greater).
Ultra-Cab — Designed with the operator in mind
The RTC-8050 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.
Additional features
The new Series II has many of Link-Belt’s proven design features, as well as some newer innovations. A newly designed swing-out engine hood provides outstanding engine compartment access for routine service maintenance. Link-Belt has added external RCL Load Rating indicator lights, 360° (pawl-in-gear) mechanical swing lock, mechanical boom angle indicator, hook block tie-down, integrated steps and hand holds to the carrier.
Metri-Pack wiring for maximum reliability
The RTC-8050 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.
Two-part paint coating system
Another Link-Belt design standard featured on the RTC-8050 Series II 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.