World first HSC crawler crane delivered to New Zealand

The very first new generation HSC SCX1800A-3 175t crawler crane released from Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Cranes (HSC) is hard at work on a large project at Port of Napier in New Zealand, and its new owners, HEB Construction, part of Vinci Construction, couldn’t be happier. “We chose this model because we were looking for a 150-180t crawler crane suitable for piling operations. It can be difficult to find a crane that is heavy duty enough, and with the high line pull required for piling works, without compromising on lifting ability. This crane does it all,” says HEB’s National Plant Manager, Grant Moffat.

He says the new multi-purpose, adaptable HSC crawler crane is robust, reliable, and has “phenomenal” uptime compared to other brands. “We chose the bigger winches and larger 28mm diameter rope, which are other key things we look for from a foundation construction point of view. The quality of this crane for the price is right up there. It delivers great value.”

The SCX1800A-3 is packed with new features, and has been designed to provide exceptional lifting capability, with a compact body. The main boom and crane jib combination has a reach of up to 75m + 31m (the maximum main boom is up to 84m), covering a wide working area and streamlining operations on worksites. Even greater lifting performance can be achieved with an auxiliary two sheaves option, if required. A clean running engine, and sophisticated, energy efficient control system combines to lower fuel consumption, and therefore running costs. The crane’s eco winch mode allows for high line speeds under light loads without having to increase engine speed, which also helps to limit fuel consumption and noise.

Grant says the crane’s easy assembly and transportability are equally impressive. “The components are well-designed for transportation, speed of erection and demobilisation. Although most crane brands use these sales points, it is definitely true in the case of this crane, which is very quick and easy to put together.”

The total weight during transportation has been kept to an impressive 40.8t (including the lower boom, winch rope and mast), while remaining within a 3.2m transportation width.

Another benefit from HEB’s perspective, is the crane’s variable counterweight charts, which deliver even more flexibility, and opportunities for future use, says Grant.