Netherlands-based crane manufacturer Spierings Mobile Cranes has launched the world’s first hybrid mobile crane. Combining zero-emission driving and operational capabilities, the new SK487-AT3 City Boy crane provides a flexible solution for urban environments and could play a key role in alleviating the European nitrogen emission issues.
The SK487-AT3 is the most compact crane in the Spierings product range. The crane supports a maximum load of 7000 kg (up to 11.96 m), tip load of 1700 kg, maximum radius of 40 m, lifting height of 30 m, and maximum lifting height of 55.45 m (45° luffed jib). A width of 2.50 m, truck footprint of less than 10 m and a total length of 13.08 m makes it easy to manoeuvre the crane and operate it in urban environments. The maximum outrigger support base is 7250 x 7200 mm.
The truck is powered by an electric synchronous motor that drives the first and third axles. The power supply comes from the battery pack or directly from the diesel generator. In the hybrid propulsion option, both energy sources are used. When the truck is braked, the energy released is recovered in the battery.
The SK487-AT3 is the first mobile tower crane to be fitted with a single cabin. The cabin functions as a truck cabin, lift cabin and crane cabin all in one. In crane mode, the cabin can be moved to any desired height, always solidly connected to the crane, so the operator maintains full control over the crane at all times. The cabin is spacious with a large window area to optimise visibility, comfort and safety. The cabin’s internal dimensions are 970 x 1670 x 3130 cm.
Koos Spierings, CEO, Spierings Mobile Cranes, said: “Hoisting equipment manufacturers and the construction industry have been eagerly looking forward to this moment. There’s a substantial demand out there for this type of vehicle, which I would attribute both to how compact and flexible it is, making it highly suited for working in city centers, and to the fact that it is an effective solution to the problem of high nitrogen emissions. This will enable crane rental companies and construction companies to focus completely on what they do best: building.”
George Raessens, deputy chairman of the trade association for the Dutch construction industry, Bouwend Nederland, commented: “We’re on the cusp of a new era, both because we now have a vehicle with zero-emission capabilities, for which there is a huge demand, and because this will inspire the market and the political class to follow suit. You can consider this crane the ‘Tesla of the building industry’. When the Tesla first launched six years ago it was a technological breakthrough, and now they’ve become a fixture on our roads, being literally everywhere. These cranes are expected to follow a similar trajectory.”