TADANO has introduced numerous improvements to its models as part of the Euromot 4/Tier 4f revision process.

The process of adapting our product range to the new Euromot 4/Tier 4f exhaust standard is in full swing. TADANO is using this opportunity to subject its products to a general upgrade. The company presented its new, pioneering ATF 600G-8 at TADANO Crane Day from June 12th to June 13th, 2015, as well as the products which have so far been adapted to the new exhaust standard: ATF 220G-5, ATF 180G-5, ATF 100G-4, and ATF 70G-4.

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The model offensive, which was launched two years ago, has produced numerous new achievements. The development of the Euromot 4/Tier 4f crane family includes some external features such a newly designed cab for all of the five-axle cranes, and a new, even more corrosion-resistant paint concept which will be used on the entire product range from now on. However, there have been significant interior changes as well. The revised models now have asymmetric outrigger base control, weight-optimized disc brakes of the latest generation, electronic oil level monitoring for engine and hydraulic oil, user-oriented features, such as working light adjustment integrated into the joystick, and, naturally, the latest Euromot 4/Tier 4f certified diesel engines which have been introduced for the sake of the environment and which were the reason why the model offensive was initially launched.

Dr. Bernward Welschof, Head of Research and Development at TADANO FAUN, explains: “Suggestions for technical improvements used to flow into the product range more or less at the point at which they were first discussed – and this happened separately for each model. Nowadays, we collect suggestions for improvements and implement them all at point ‘X’ across the board to create new versions of all the models. The great advantage of that is that we only have to take the relevant components in hand once, which means we can implement more suggested improvements in one go. We were able to make as many as 200 technical improvements on each model as part of the Euromot 4/Tier 4f revision process. This is an example of how external dictates can be transformed into product benefits – in other words, to creating virtue out of necessity.”

New: asymmetric outrigger base control

TADANO offers its new asymmetric outrigger base control feature in all of its Euromot 4/Tier 4f revised models, in order, as far as possible, to reduce load losses on confined construction sites with limited space for an outrigger base. It uses length sensors to automatically determine the length of all four outriggers and records the position of the superstructure on the basis of the angle of rotation. These two figures are used by the crane control system, which then indicates the maximum permissible load. However – and this is what is special about it – it does so separately for each individual sector of the four outriggers. It divides up the entire 360° lifting area into four sectors, each of which can be maximized, depending on the outrigger length. This, according to the manufacturer, will allow the potential lifting capacity to be better utilized. The TADANO Soft-Stop safety feature prevents the driver from accidentally swinging a load into overloaded areas when turning.

Proven two-engine strategy

One thing has not changed due to Euromot 4/Tier 4f revisions: TADANO is still the only manufacturer to hold fast to a two-engine strategy from its 70-ton upwards class. Thomas Schramm, Head of Sales and Marketing at TADANO FAUN, explains the major economic benefits of this for crane operators: “Not only do our customers save several liters of fuel per operating hour because of our additional, performance-optimized superstructure engine, it also means that the engines are subjected to much less wear, which has a major positive effect on their lifespan and resale value.” TADANO considers this arrangement advantageous for the crane operators themselves, since the superstructure engine is always behind the operator’s cab and, therefore, does not expose the operator to its exhaust fumes or noise at any point – which is certainly not the case when an undercarriage engine drives crane operations.

New, powerful engine brake

The undercarriage and superstructure engines in the new family of cranes are, of course, made by Mercedes-Benz. The reasoning behind this, aside from the engines‘ reliability, is Mercedes- Benz’s global service network: “Because Mercedes-Benz is a global player, our customers can be sure that help will not be far away if anything goes wrong, however remotely situated they may be,” explains Dr. Uwe Renk, Marketing Manager at TADANO FAUN. The engines comply with the new Euromot 4/Tier 4f exhaust standard, and their manufacturer says that, like their predecessor, they boast 90% less particle emissions than Euromot 3a/Tier 3 engines. But what is new about them is that they now reduce the level of poisonous nitric oxides by around 80%, which broadens the range of applications to include construction sites subject to stringent environmental regulations. Furthermore, according to Mercedes-Benz, the new Euromot 4/Tier 4f engines use as much as five percent less fuel than their predecessors.

Another major feature of the new engines is their high-performance engine brake. This new decompression brake is wear-free (just like the engine exhaust brake in the Euromot 3b/Tier 4i engines) and is therefore ideally suited to prolonged application, such as when driving down long hills. The main benefit of the new decompression brake is its significantly improved braking power. Dr. Uwe Renk explains: “Our crane operators were amazed and thrilled when they used the new engine brake for the first time.”

New face for the ATF 220G-5 and ATF 180G-5 five-axle cranes

Some of the revised TADANO models also have their own special changes. An example is the completely revised undercarriage cabs on the ATF 220G-5 and ATF 180G-5 models, which sport a new look as well as numerous new features and improved operating comfort. For example: the new five-axle cabs have more space for the driver, ergonomic quality seats by Recaro, which are especially comfortable to sit on for long periods, and improved road lighting so that crane operators arrive at the construction site in better condition. TADANO officials also say that they have improved the view from the driver’s door window to make turning left even safer. An additional frontal camera helps the crane operator to rig and secure the hook block. The image from the frontal camera can be viewed using a new, multi-function touch display which can be operated using either push-keys or a rotary push button.

TADANO Crane Day 2015 was entitled “Welcome to Change,” and the company has certainly lived up to that slogan with the new ATF 600G-8 and its revolutionary Triple-Boom System, and the comprehensively revised ATF 220G-5, ATF 180G-5, ATF 100G-4, and ATF 70G-4 models. TADANO is definitely changing. We look forward to seeing what comes next.