Palfinger has introduced a ‘Smart Control’ feature that makes working with the crane more efficient by controlling the crane tip. The intelligent system gives crane operators additional freedom for more complex lifting operations.
The crane tip can be moved vertically or horizontally to the desired position with one lever movement on the radio remote control. With conventional control, this requires several lever movements. The logic of the movements of the new crane control is processed in the ‘Paltronic’ control unit. In the background, the system independently calculates the direction of movement using sensors and electronics. In conjunction with the HPSC-Plus Load function, the truck inclination can also be included and compensated.
When the extension boom system is fully extended, Smart Control calculates the boom system deflection and automatically compensates it. Due to ‘Flow Sharing’, the electronic oil volume distribution system, the required hydraulic oil always adapts to the current requirements. This guarantees smooth movements of the crane. When the crane operator does not need Smart Control, he can deactivate or override it at any time.
Loader cranes with Smart Control can even be operated with an additional knuckle boom system. In this case, the main boom, knuckle boom and extension booms are operated via the new type of crane control; conventional control is used from the additional knuckle boom system onwards. Additional equipment such as grapples, pallet forks or earth augers can also be integrated.
Michael Völker, head of product management – loader crane, Palfinger, said: “We want to make working with a loader crane even easier, more efficient and smarter. At the end of the day, the new crane control system of the crane tip results in more lifting operations and thus greater profitability.”
Palfinger offers Smart Control for the entire range from 29 to 58 metric tons. Up to eight extensions can be controlled – covering the entire TEC 7-range from PK 29.502 TEC 7 to PK 58.002 TEC 7.