Link-Belt Takes Booms to the ’A-Max’

Wed November 22, 2000
Crane Equipment Guide

Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company recently introduced the RTC-8060, a 60-ton (54.43 t) telescopic rough-terrain crane.

Boom Design

The RTC-8060 features a standard 35.5 to 110 ft. (10.82 to 33.53 m), full power, quick-reeve four- section boom with a maximum tip height of 172 ft. (52.43 m), with attachments. The boom features two Link-Belt exclusive boom designs — the “A-Max,” mode for optimum strength and stability charts and the “BOSS.”

For in close, big picks, the “A-max” mode (or mode A) allows the operator to extend only the inner-mid section of the boom to maximize the crane’s optimum strength and stability. The “BOSS” is a patented Link-Belt telescopic boom design of high-strength angle chords (corners) with high formability sidewall embossments with no welds, places the most steel at the corners where the maximum stress is concentrated.

Two swingaway attachments are available on the RTC-8060. A 34-ft. (10.36 m), one-piece lattice fly and a 34 to 56 ft., (10.36 to 17.07 m), and a two-piece (bi-fold) lattice fly. Both attachments are stowable and offsettable to 1, 15 and 30 degrees.

Designed with the operator in mind, the RTC-8060 also has no deducts in capacity for stowed attachments, simplifying the crane’s capacity charts.

Capacity Enhancing System

The RTC-8060 is specifically designed to allow contractors to work in confined work areas where full outrigger extension is not possible. Link-Belt’s Confined Area Lift Capacities (CALC) system provides the operator with three outrigger positions — full extension, intermediate, and retracted. Outriggers may be extended to an intermediate position (partial extension) where working area is limited or, in extremely tight quarters, lifts can be made with outriggers fully retracted. In the fully retracted outrigger mode, lift capacities are significantly improved over the “on tires” configuration because of the ability to fully level the machine.

Carrier

A Cummins 210 hp. (157 kW) 6CT 8.3-liter engine and a Clark three-speed, two-range (six forward and two reverse) powershift transmission powers the RTC-8060. The carrier has two front and rear carrier steps, non-slip safety strips, a deep front storage, fenders, outrigger pontoon storage, full light package and lifting lugs. Additional features include front and rear mounted pintle hooks, front tow winch and front and rear towing shackles are optional. The RTC-8060 has three modes of steering, hydraulic two-wheel, four-wheel and “crab,” is equipped with rugged 29.5 by 25 (28-PR) tires and travels at a maximum speed of 20 mph. (32.66 kph).

Microguard 434 Rated Capacity Limiter

A standard Link-Belt feature is the Microguard 434 Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) with operator-defined parameters and alarm. By setting two points, the operator creates an imaginary vertical plane to maintain safe working distance from any nearby obstacles. Should the crane’s boom go outside the operator-defined limits, the RCL will sound an alarm. The RCL also improves the crane’s efficiency and production by ensuring the crane is operated within the lift chart.

An additional feature on the RTC-8060 is the optional internal/external RCL light bar. This visual graphic display system informs the operator, and crew working on the job site, when the crane is approaching maximum load capacity with a series of three lights — green -less than 95 percent of max load, yellow - 95 to 99 percent of max and red - 100 percent or greater.

Operator’s Control Center

Isolated from sound and vibration by a neoprene seal, the RTC-8060’s control center features tinted windows, sliding rear and right side windows, swing-up roof hatch, four-way adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel, drum rotation indicators, outrigger sight level bubble, a six-way adjustable operator’s seat and low effort control levers with drum rotation indicators. The dash panel contains a full complement of easy to read and comprehensive gauges as well as rubber encased toggle switches for protection against dust and moisture. The rated capacity limiter display is integrated into the dash design for improved visibility over the dash.

Metri-Pack Wiring

The RTC-8060 features the Packard Electric Metri-Pack wiring system. Each wire and connector in the system is sealed to help prevent corrosion and costly downtime of machines. In addition, all wires have an automotive-type flame retardant cross-linked polyethylene insulation, resulting in a higher heat resistant wiring system.

Two-Part Paint Coating System

Another Link-Belt design standard featured on the RTC-8060 is the two-part paint coating technology coupled with a pre-assembly paint process. This coating technology provides superior adhesion and abrasion resistance. In addition, because all parts are painted before assembly, 100 percent coverage of each part is realized.

This process also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the final machine, as nuts, bolts, hoses and a multitude of parts are no longer painted. As a result, paint chipping, cracking and deterioration is significantly reduced when service work and disassembly are required.

For more information, call 606/263-5200. CEG