Böcker AHK 36e X trailer crane gets fully hydraulic boom

Hydraulic boom changes how the crane is rigged

The AHK 36e X is the new top model in Böcker’s trailer crane range and comes as standard with a twin-stage, fully hydraulically telescoping boom. The boom is run out by colour radio control and carries up to 500 kg even at its full 11 m extension. An optional mechanical extension adds further reach.

The practical difference shows up at rigging. With a mechanical jib, the length has to be fixed before the crane is erected, which means guessing the reach the job will need. The hydraulic boom lets the operator work with the jib telescoped in any situation and use the crane’s full extension length of up to 34 m, or 36 m optionally, as required. In tight ground-level set-ups it also allows a quick automatic erection sequence, and because the boom telescopes under load it can feed material straight into a building opening rather than swinging it in.

32 m working height in the basket

Used as a work platform, the crane reaches a working height of 32 m in basket mode — a figure Böcker describes as unmatched among trailer cranes. The extra height comes from the same hydraulic extension, since the boom can be run out once the basket is already at height.

Electric winch, 12.2 kWh battery

The drive package pairs a 12.2 kWh battery with an electric winch. Böcker rates the combination for a full working day off the battery, equivalent to about 140 typical lifting cycles, with no site power connection. The 1.5 t electric winch gives high rope speeds and recovers energy when the load is lowered. Charging is from any standard 230 V socket, overnight or during a shift.

Maximum payload is 1,500 kg, rising to 2,400 kg in two-fall operation, which puts the electric machine on a par with the combustion-engined models in the range. A petrol-engined version of the crane is to follow.

Revised chassis and optional ballast

The chassis has been reworked for travel and manoeuvring at the set-up point. In transport position the outriggers now swing forward against the chassis, improving the departure angle at the rear by 25 per cent and raising ground clearance — relevant on steep ramps, uneven ground and awkward site entrances.

A new optional counterweight package extends the working envelope. Individual weight plates are hung on the slewing tower after the crane has been erected, a job one person can do without lifting aids. With a 250 kg load on the hook the crane gains roughly 2 m of reach in every direction, which Böcker aims at longer-duration set-ups on difficult sites.

Source: Böcker — Photos: Böcker