70t telescopic crawler makes European debut - PHOTO

Crane distributor NRC hopes to cash in on rising demand among contractors for telescopic crawlers with the launch of a 70t heavyweight in this country.

The range-topping telescopic crawler crane, manufactured by Link-Belt, is being targeted at civil engineering contractors working on big infrastructure jobs, wind farms and power line erection.

Rod Abbott, NRC managing director, said the new telescopic crawler would fill a gap in the market between Sennebogen’s 80t and Terex’s 60t crawlers.

The TTC750 machine costs £495,000 and comes with British made Rayco Wylie load indicator equipment and is fully CE certificated.

Abbott said: “Telescopic cranes are really catching on now because they offer much more flexibility moving around sites.

“In the last two years we have sold 19 of our 40t telescopic crawlers. This new crane takes us on another stage and I’m convinced there is demand for a heavier model.

“If the 70t model goes well, we may talk to Link-Belt about building a 100t machine.”

Although telescopic crawlers cost 10-15 per cent more than lattice boom cranes, they are increasingly being used by contractors because they are much more versatile.

The new crane comes with a 35m, 4-section power boom and a 7.7 m onboard fly jib.

In travel mode tracks are 2.56m wide, extending to 4.27m in fully working mode.

Already a number of contractors are said to be eyeing the first machine to arrive in this country.