85|RT Press Release

Lexington, KY – Link-Belt Cranes (www.linkbelt.com) announces that its new 85-ton (75-mt) 85|RT rough terrain crane will be unveiled in late September at CraneFest 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. Production units of the new 85|RT will begin delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021.
“General contractors and fleet owners will appreciate the competitive chart and value this crane delivers, not to mention it transports under 105,000 lbs (47 627 kg) with full counterweight and under 86,000 lbs (39 008 kg) with no counterweight. This 85-ton (85|RT) was the next logical choice and really an easy decision for introduction following the 120|RT and 100|RT design,” said Product Manager for Rough Terrain Cranes, Brian Elkins.

Performance
A six-speed transmission on the 85|RT is powered by a Cummins Tier 4F QSB 6.7 270 hp (201 kW) diesel engine. Matching main and auxiliary winches have 18,603 lbs. (82.8 kN) of maximum line pull and a maximum winch speed of 485 fpm (147.8 m/min). The 85|RT includes new drive train and counterweight removal systems.

Boom and attachments
The 85|RT comes with a full power, five-section formed boom 38 – 142 ft. (11.6 – 43.3 m) built to Link-Belt’s specific boom profile and tolerances. An available two-piece Link-Belt patented SmartFly [35 – 58 ft. (10.7 – 17.7 m)] provides greater flexibility and range, and manually offsets at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. SmartFly’s one-person fly erection technology minimizes work at height with ground controls for fly assist and a hydraulic cylinder and ramp releases the fly and returns it to its stowed position. The crane also offers a 9.5 ft. (2.9 m) offset fly that reeves up to 4-parts of line and is capable of 25-ton (22.6-mt) lifts. The 9.5 ft. (2.9 m) fly is ideal for applications where two load lines are necessary for lifting one load such as precast panels.

Carrier
Durable textured and slip-resistant paint on all walking surfaces improves durability and footing. Centralized electrical locations, remote mounted filters, and easy-access fluid checks simplifies routine maintenance and service. Link-Belt rough terrain cranes’ flat deck set it apart from others with unobstructed access and egress from the crane’s carrier as well as when climbing down from the crane upper. Six points of access, regardless of slew angle, for easy deck access have also been maintained. The operator’s cab provides a wide entryway with all the same RT series features inside (Bluetooth, greater visibility, increased storage, and interior lighting, automotive HVAC).

A 24-volt electrical system makes running diagnostics quicker and easier. The wiring is a Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system. The 24-volt system yields the ability to multiplex with modules placed near dedicated functions like outrigger beams and winches. In total, there are five modules located throughout the machine that allow crane functions to continue working in instances where other modules are being diagnosed or serviced. In total, there are five modules located throughout the machine that allow crane functions to continue working in instances where other modules are being diagnosed or serviced.

V-CALC
Link-Belt’s V-CALC (Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities) system features virtually infinite outrigger configurations with real-time 360-degree charts. V-CALC has proven itself in general construction and infrastructure applications. Once outriggers are set, the user-friendly Pulse 2.0 system indicates the crane’s available capacity. The system then previews the operator’s real-time capacities given the crane’s current configuration as well as the next five radii for a set boom angle.

Cab
Link-Belt’s cab design for its rough terrain cranes has been well received in the field, both in terms of visibility, operator comfort and intuitive design. All electrical components coming into the cab are bulk headed for “plug and play” assembly. An ergonomic seat with electronic joystick/single axis controllers provide comfortable operator’s station, and cab tilt of 20 degrees keep line of sight easy for any jobsite.

Link-Belt Site Vision includes a lights and cameras package built for extended workdays and cold weather conditions. Cameras on the 85|RT include heated rear-view, right side swing, and winch cameras. A work lighting package is available and includes four (4) high-intensity LED work lights mounted on top of the operator’s cab, the right side of the superstructure facing forward, on the upper work platform, and on the left side of the superstructure facing out. Also available are single and dual boom floodlights, and remote control boom floodlights that work in conjunction with other floodlight options.

Other standout features:

• Swing out engine access doors and centralized electrical locations – keeping them accessible from the ground or near a grab handle or ladder.
• Transmission oil, engine oil, primary and secondary fuel filters, as well as the engine oil filter are mounted for easy reach.
• Telematics in place to give real time data to better forecast maintenance and service needs of the crane, as well as iCraneTrax for better fleet management and maintenance scheduling.
• Operator programmable function kick outs.