After first contacts at the last BAUMA in Munich, the East Westphalian company tested different crane models and finally decided to order a truck crane AK 52, a trailer crane AHK 30 KS and a crawler crane RK 36/2400.
With a total of approx. 400 vehicles, among them more than 60 truck-mounted cranes, Hofmann's rental fleet offers suitable machines for any requirement related to lifting and transporting of large loads. Especially for the construction, assembly and large-scale industry, there is the right crane for any performance class. With the new Böcker cranes, the rental company complements its product range with three versatile machines that can be used flexibly and are set up on site in no time. The AK 52 truck-mounted crane, the strongest Böcker crane in aluminium-steel construction, will be available to Hofmann's rental customers on a 3-axle MAN TGM 26.320 with 26 tons GVW This crane achieves large extension lengths of up to 52 m and offers a considerable range even with heavy loads at the hook. In the configuration with two-fall operation chosen by Hofmann, the crane is designed for loads of up to 6,000 kg, which can be lifted up to a range of 10 m and a height of 26 m. For example, the AK 52 can lift 3,000 kg to 31 m height at 17 m range. In addition, the truck crane offers a sophisticated control system with an automatic outrigger levelling function, automatic release of the maximum working range and selectable rotation and lifting angle restriction. This ensures safe working at any moment. The intuitive radio control with full-colour graphic display enables an easy operation. LED lights, an aircraft warning light and cameras at the outriggers complete the equipment and ensure maximum safety and operating comfort.
In order to use the crane as an access platform in addition to the crane function, Hofmann chose the PK 600-D access platform to match the AK 52. The platform, which was specially designed for this crane, is laid out for payloads of up to 600 kg. During operation, it can be hydraulically extended to a width of 3.5 m and rotated by 440°. This allows the platform to reach even remote locations and provides an extremely large working area. The conversion from crane to platform operation is effected in a few simple steps thanks to the Easy-Lock system.
Safe on any surface
With the RK 36/2400 crawler crane, Hofmann added to its range a crane that works safely even on difficult terrain. The compact crawler chassis ensures a good ground traction as well as an even distribution of the ground pressure. Particularly on gravel, sand or wet-soft lawn surfaces, the crawler crane carries payloads of up the o 2,400 kg attaining extension lengths of up to 36 m. Thanks to the large outrigger stroke with a ground clearance of 1.20 m it can even be used on slopes. For easy loading, the crane is equipped with towing eyes as a standard option.
Just like the AK 52, the crawler crane can as well be used as a working platform. It will be available from Hofmann with the access platform PK 250-D, which is rotatable by +/- 30 degrees and has a load capacity of up to 250 kg. In order to expand the application possibilities of the crawler crane in facade and window construction, the crane rental company decided to order a fixed crane hook as well. The hook can be mounted on the boom tip using the Easy-Lock system and is perfectly suitable for working with glass suction systems. For an environmentally friendly, low-noise and low-emission operation, the RK 36/2400 as a hybrid crane is equipped with an additional 15 kW 400 V electric motor.
Variable positioning
Another addition to Hofmann's machine park is the AHK 30 KS trailer crane, which offers extension lengths of up to 30 m and payloads of up to 1,500 kg. A 14.9 kW Kubota diesel engine provides a powerful drive unit for all crane functions. The standard equipment of the trailer crane includes a powerful manoeuvring drive and fully variable outrigger control. The four foldable swivelling outriggers can be positioned independently of each other at various angles and allow a ground clearance of up to 50 cm enabling the crane to find enough space even on cramped construction sites. The auto-levelling system supports the quick set-up of the trailer crane and guarantees optimum stability. In addition, the AHK 30 KS is equipped with a swivel drawbar as a standard option, which significantly reduces the overall length of the crane when swivelled in. For work at dusk or in the dark, the trailer crane features LED ambient lighting.
Networked crane technology
A special highlight of all three new cranes is the digital connection to the customer portal BöckerConnect. At this online portal all data of the Böcker cranes are available to Hofmann in real time. The location of the cranes can be called up at any time. In addition, statistics on the usage behaviour of the cranes, such as the exact operating times, can be evaluated. The location tracking allows to trace the travel routes of the equipment and to define a radius of action for theft protection. If the crane leaves this radius, the crane rental company receives a previously configured warning message. Continuously transmitted diagnostic data and sensor values as well as the recorded service history enable a differentiated remote maintenance by the Böcker customer service.
In addition to the new cranes, Hofmann has acquired various accessories, such as aluminium tipper baskets for the transport of debris, tile fitting platforms for the temporary storage on the roof and aluminium material forks for the transport of pallets and solar modules without reloading.
