The New Tadano HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1

With its new HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 models, Tadano is putting two attention grabbers on the truck-mounted crane market. Their extraordinary maneuverability and clever outrigger solutions make a compelling case. Thanks to their ease of handling and the fact that they neatly remain within axle load limits, these cranes are predestined to be fast-moving items.

Tadano is presenting two latest-generation truck-mounted cranes right on time for the construction season crunch. The Tadano HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 are the perfect choice for every crane service provider that wants to add a powerful, versatile, and, above all, uncomplicated crane to its fleet. This is especially due to the HK models’ ease of operation. Simply hop in, get going, and start working – the new Tadano 50 and 70 machines are predestined for this as taxi cranes. The cranes are operator-friendly when it comes to their handling, drivability, and, in particular, registration and road permits. This in turn means that they can take care of a large number of projects in record time, quickly paying for themselves.

Compact and maneuverable

The four-axle units are perfect companions at work sites where space is tight – from prefab home assembly, through garage setup projects, all the way to roofing and carpentry jobs. In this context, the truck-mounted cranes deliver thanks to their compact dimensions. The 50 model is 11.11m long and 2.55m wide, while the 70 model is 11.8m long and also 2.55m wide. Both cranes are less than 4m in height. 

The steered front and trailing axles make the four-axle cranes very maneuverable, so that even narrow access roads pose no challenge when it comes to getting to a work site. This maneuverability is further enhanced by the second and third axles, which on the HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 are closer to the center of the vehicle than in a standard axle configuration. All in all, this means that the new Tadano truck-mounted cranes have a turning radius that is up to 2 m smaller than that of their predecessors. This eliminates a number of maneuvers that would otherwise be necessary in tight spaces and makes others significantly shorter.  

Thanks to the new storage compartment solution in the body frame, there is even more space available for tools and accessories. In addition, the location in the intermediate frame means that equipment is within reach in such a way as to go easy on operators’ backs. One special highlight in terms of accessories is the fixed spot for a roofing tile clamp that is carried directly behind the cab. This means that the two new HKs can always be perfectly prepared and equipped before they even start the journey to the work site.

Once at the work site, both the HK 4.050-1 and the HK 4.070-1 deliver inspiring performance with their flexible H-style outriggers. To date, these are the only two truck-mounted cranes in existence to have this feature. H-style outriggers require much less space in comparison to swing-out outriggers at work sites and in addition make it possible to lift the chassis higher. 

Since the outriggers on both models can additionally be positioned in an asymmetrical configuration, i.e., each outrigger base can be extended to an individual length, the Tadano HK units really shine at tight work sites. The crane design makes it possible to use five different individually selectable positions for each outrigger, ensuring that the cranes can adapt to local conditions. 

“Building space keeps getting scarcer, so lots keep getting smaller and work sites keep getting narrower. Not to mention that construction keeps getting more and more expensive. Our cranes are a cost-effective alternative to the use of larger cranes at private building grounds, and their small size and intelligent asymmetrical outrigger system mean that they need very little space,” explains Product Marketing Manager Michael Klein, who is overseeing the Tadano cranes’ launch.

Powerful and safe

The cranes’ AML control software means that their lifting capacities are not subject to any compromises when using asymmetrical outrigger configurations. The AML crane control software unlocks the maximum lifting capacity as a function of the position of each outrigger and of the slewing angle. 

Regardless, the new HK models’ booms already have large lifting capacities. The HK 4.050-1’s boom can be extended to a maximum length of 35.2m. Together with the jib, this comes to a maximum system length of 44.2m with large lifting capacities. For example, the boom can lift 7.6 tonnes at a radius of 7m with the maximum main boom length and 4.2 tonnes at a radius of 20m. 

The Tadano HK 4.070-1 features a main boom with a length of up to 41 m. With a jib, the maximum system length is extended to 56.8m. The 70 model can lift up to 55.6 tonnes at a radius of 3m with a counterweight of 10.1 tonnes – at a radius of 8m, the capacity is a still-impressive 19.2 tonnes. 

Comfortable and cost-effective

The new drive solution for the four-axle cranes, which features a tridem axle and conforms to the latest emission standards, is equally extraordinary in terms of performance. In addition to the two steered axles, the four-axle units are driven by two rigid mechanical axles (axles 2 and 3). This ensures that the HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 have a lot of tractive force when on the road: a big advantage when getting to the work site. The air suspension for the three rear axles also contributes to this, as it gives the cranes even greater stability during travel. 

But the benefits behind this new axle design do not stop there. “We use standard truck chassis from well-known manufacturers for our truck-mounted cranes. This means that the drivetrain is less expensive and easier to maintain for our customers. Basically put, the cranes are unbeatable when it comes to maintenance and servicing,” Michael Klein adds. 

The engines used in the superstructure are manufactured by Mercedes (HK 4.070-1) and Cummins (HK 4.050-1) and deliver 129kW (175 PS) for the 70 model and 101kW (137 PS) for its smaller sibling. Thanks to an innovative exhaust gas treatment system, the two engines conform to the EU Stage V emission standard. In addition, the superstructure and carrier engines on the 70 model can be fueled from the same side – a small detail that makes crane operators’ day-to-day work easier. 

On the road without worries

The cranes also make things simpler for their owners in terms of road permits. Both cranes can be set up with a 32-tonne configuration, and do not require an additional road permit in many European countries in this case. This means that if a crane needs to get to a work site for an urgent job, it can get going right away. The HK 4.050-1 can carry 4.5 tonnes of counterweight while staying within axle load requirements. 
The smaller model can carry the entire counterweight of 8.5 tonnes, as well as its 9-meter jib – and still remains under 12-tonnes of axle load. Meanwhile, the 70 model can carry 10.1 tonnes of counterweight. Moreover, both models can be supplied with an additional trailer for transporting the maximum counterweight, resulting in even more advantageous axle load conditions. For example, the 70 model can then remain under a vehicle combination weight of 41.8 tonnes while carrying an additional 7.1 tonnes of counterweight on the trailer. This means that crane owners and operators can be ready for any contingency with a single vehicle combination. 

Both the HK 4.050-1 and the HK 4.070-1 are available on Volvo and Scania chassis. The smaller model can also be installed on Mercedes and MAN chassis. In other words: With its new 50 and 70 truck-mounted cranes, Tadano has successfully developed attractive machines for every occasion. The HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 are all-in-one solutions that can travel in compliance with legal regulations with many counterweight variants – partially because of the optional trailer – and really shine with owner-friendly details such as the prep package for a roofing tile clamp. Enormous versatility and power, high comfort and ease of maintenance, what else can a crane owner ask for?