Crane-manipulator: main characteristics, types

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

It is best to start acquaintance with such a technique with concepts. A loader crane is a machine that is designed to lift various types of cargo. It consists of a crane-manipulator installation (CMU). This device is installed either permanently or on a specific running gear.

General description of CMU

Under the crane-manipulator installation is understood a lifting device, which includes boom working equipment, load-handling elements, a control system, and a support frame. It is also worth noting here that the crane-manipulator does not have a hydraulic body.

Hydraulic manipulators are actively used as a mechanism for lifting loads. Most often, an example of the operation of this device can be seen during the operation of garbage trucks, timber trucks, metal carriers, etc. In other words, for those machines whose main purpose is to transship cargo.

If we consider the design of the crane-manipulator, it can be divided into two parts. The first one is longer, the second one is shorter, but it has a telescopic device. Due to this design, quite often there areproblems with the transportation of such equipment, since it does not work out to direct it away from the movement. For this reason, they are placed in such a way that the boom is directed either forward or backward from the machine cab.

Z-shaped models

Naturally, there are various models of loader crane, one of which is the Z-structure. This type differs from the usual one in the location of the second part of the arrow, which is superimposed on top of the first part. Thus, the load carrier is also at the top. This significantly saves the space occupied, which means that it becomes much more convenient to transport them. But there are also disadvantages, one of which is that such equipment has a rather small load moment, which greatly narrows the range of its application.

Technical parameters of the machine

These machines have quite a lot of various technical characteristics that affect not only the cost of the device itself, but also, for example, the services of a loader crane. These parameters include the following:

• maximum and minimum distance that the boom extends or retracts;
• load capacity determined at maximum and minimum distance;
• there is also the value of the load moment of the boom, determined in the same two positions;
• height of lifting and lowering the object;
• there is also a value for the minimum turning radius of the entire crane;
• quality and performance of the suspension.

These technical parametersapply to the entire installation. However, there are some design features of the CMU boom itself, which every crane operator should already know.

1. Cross section shape. This form most often has four, five, six or eight faces. The greater the number, the stronger the arrow is considered.
2. It is very important to understand the telescopic boom extension system. It can be either arbitrary or sequential.

Description of classes and capacities

The following three features are used as a division into classes of all CMUs:

• unit load capacity or its load moment;
• boom type used on this machine;
• type of support to install.

Next is a more detailed classification for each parameter. If we talk about carrying capacity, then there are three types:

• micromanipulator cranes - lifting capacity up to one ton;
• medium plants - from one to ten tons;
• all rigs over 10 tons are considered heavy.

However, it is worth paying attention here that the weight of the lifted load for such devices is a subjective characteristic. The reason for this was that here it is impossible to trace the dependence on the departure of the arrow.

Load moment

Load moment for a tow truck loader crane or any other is a characteristic that isthe product of the lifting capacity and the outreach of the device. This parameter is measured in tons per meter (tm). Although some documents may indicate the value in kilonewtons per meter (kNm). It is also important to note here that there is no specific table, for example, with fully established values. Therefore, most often the classifications of the largest companies in this area are taken as a basis. For example, when calculating the services of a loader crane, the Austrian company Palfinger divides its equipment into the following classes:

• light types of CMU - up to 3.9 tm;
• from 4 to 29, 9 tm are average CMU;
• from 30 to 150 tm - heavy CMU.

But, for example, the Swedish Hiab follows a completely different distribution. Light models - up to 10tm, from 10 to 22tm - medium, and everything above 22tm - heavy class.

From all this it follows that the carrying capacity or load moment is one of the most important technical characteristics, which at the same time does not have a single calculation table. Each manufacturer has its own classification system.

Boom equipment

Another important element of the whole structure is an arrow. According to the type of suspension, this device can be of two types - articulated, which is considered rigid, or cable, which is flexible. If the boom device has a rope design, then the operator of the crane-manipulator captures the load with a hook, which is located at the end of the boom. If the execution is rigid, then the load capture body is attached toboom head with a hinge.

It is also worth highlighting the outer component of the arrow. It can be Z-shaped or L-shaped. These names were given to the devices because of their appearance when folded.

If we talk about the design of the first type, then it is considered the European model, since these manufacturers most often use this method. This type of boom allows it to fold into several knees, which allows you to significantly save space and place such structures behind the cab of the car. When unfolding this type of CMU, it turns out across the car frame.

L-shaped type is most often used by Japanese, South Korean and North American designers. In such a CMU, the arrow has a direct telescopic appearance. A rope is used as a suspension for the hook.

Application of truck cranes

Car crane-manipulator is a truck that is equipped with CMU. This technique is most widely used in the construction industry. It is used to transport various building materials - concrete goods, pallets with bricks, etc. In addition, such equipment can be used as a replacement for a full-fledged crane when it comes to the construction of low-rise buildings. It is also successfully operated during repair and construction works of various types, during landscaping or road works.

As for the feedback on this technique, they are very different and strongly depend on the chosen model. For example, modelAmco Veba. The owners characterize it as a comfortable machine with a good load capacity. Among the advantages, they also highlight the fact that the cargo does not sway during transportation, and it is also possible to install additional equipment. Of the minuses, there is a lack of a winch, as well as difficulties with lowering the load to a precisely defined place if it is higher than the car itself.