Tadano Demag Introduces The AC 450-7 All Terrain Crane

The crane manufacturer from Zweibrücken, Tadano Demag, said the basic idea when developing the new AC 450-7 was to “give wheels” a more powerful alternative to its existing six-axle cranes, with the objective to keep it as compact as its counterparts despite the additional axle, all while combining that with significantly better performance. In terms of its dimensions, the AC 450-7 meets this criterion, having a carrier length of only 15.99m, an 8.45m outrigger base, and a total length of 17.62m.

“In other words, it doesn’t need more space than a six-axle crane at a work site, and yet it offers significantly better lifting capacities,” said Michael Klein, Product Marketing Manager at Tadano Demag.

The new AC 450-7 features an 80m main boom with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 195.5 tonnes. If the main boom’s length is not sufficient, it can, for example, be extended with a luffing jib with a maximum length of 81m. The crane’s maximum system length is 132m. The luffing jib can be “divided up” in three-meter segments from 24 to 81 meters.

New SSL Superlift design

The SSL Sideways Superlift system not only makes the new AC 450-7 part of the large crane category at Tadano Demag, but also means that the latter will represent more than one debut: Tadano Demag is using its new engineering design for the Sideways Superlift system for the first time ever on the AC 450-7.

The AC 450-7 can lift 73.5 tonnes at a radius of 9m when equipped with a 60-meter main boom with an SSL configuration. 37.9 tonnes at a 13m radius when the boom is telescoped out completely to a length of 80m and an outstanding 12.8 tonnes at a radius of 50m with this configuration.

Improved counterweight design

The maximum counterweight for the AC 450-7 is 150 tonnes. It consists of a 20-tonne base plate and redesigned counterweight plates that have been optimized in terms of swing radius, which is now only 5.60m. The counterweight plates are available as 10-tonne plates, 5-tonne plates, or a combination of the two, with the goal being to enable customers to optimize their transportation logistics.

The base plate can be set up from the front - an advantage that is particularly beneficial at work sites where space is tight, and the corresponding transportation truck can only be positioned in front of the crane. There is an optional counterweight frame available for the AC 450-7 that can be used to increase the swing radius in order to further increase the lifting capacity - especially when using an SSL configuration.

Demag Surround View

The new optional “Demag Surround View” makes it easier for the crane operator to position the AC 450-7 at the job site. This patented system uses the six crane cameras to display the possible outreach of the outriggers as well as the tail swing radius at the current position of the crane in a computer-aided display. Demag Surround View also supports the driver on the way to the construction site. The cameras can deliver images of the crane side areas when turning, facilitating the crane driver to detect cyclists, pedestrians, or any obstacles.

Demag Surround View also supports the driver on the way to the construction site. The cameras can deliver images of the crane side areas when turning, facilitating the crane driver to detect cyclists, pedestrians, or any obstacles. This function is activated automatically when the indicator is operated. “This new feature is a real highlight,” said Klein. “We discussed it with several customers and received enthusiastic feedback for it.”

Flexible traveling capabilities

The AC 450-7 is available with two different carrier variants to meet axle load requirements all over the world. In the standard version the AC 450-7 can be configured to travel under a 12-tonne or 16.5-tonne axle load limit, in both cases with the main boom in place. Moreover, if the main boom is removed, the maximum axle load is reduced to just a bit over nine tonnes with a gross vehicle weight below 48 tonnes.

“With this solution we provide our customers another possibility to reduce gross vehicle weight,” Klein explained. “The quick connections allow our customers to remove the outrigger box very quickly.”

The new AC 450-7 provides flexible traveling capabilities as a result of variable axle loads

Powerful start-up and safe braking

The AC 450-7 convinces in driving mode on the road as well as on the construction site. It is equipped with a Mercedes Benz transmission with turbo retarder clutch for wear-less and powerful start-up paired with an integrated high-performance primary retarder. Drivers benefit from sensitive starting and shunting and don’t have to worry about temperature problems. Looking deeper into the drivetrain design, Demag leaves nothing to be desired: all seven axles on the AC 450-7 are steered, while four of them are driven. This makes the AC 450- 7 so maneuverable that it can navigate tight work sites at least as well as a six-axle unit.

The AC 450-7 is driven by a Mercedes-Benz engine with an output of 480 kW (625 HP). The diesel engine conforms to EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions requirements but is also compatible to Tier 3.