New hydraulics and SPACEevo control put the eX.HIPRO range on the electric path
Hiab has launched the HIAB eX.HIPRO loader crane range, built around pressure-compensated load-sensing hydraulics that the manufacturer says cut energy use by up to 30 per cent and make the cranes ready for electric chassis.
Hydraulics doing the heavy lifting
The central claim of the launch is the hydraulic system. The eX.HIPRO uses all-new pressure-compensated, load-sensing hydraulics optimised for high oil flow, which Hiab says delivers energy savings of up to 30 per cent, with corresponding cuts in fuel burn, CO2 output and noise.
Fitted to a diesel chassis, the crane’s engine control adds Dynamic RPM and automatic start/stop, so the truck engine is not left idling through the parts of a cycle where the crane needs no flow. The range is also specified as compatible with electric vehicles, which is where the low-energy hydraulics matter most: on an EV, every kilowatt the crane does not draw is range the truck keeps.
SPACEevo, V200 and simultaneous movements
Control comes from Hiab’s SPACEevo system, combined with the Olsbergs V200 valve and the PFD function. The combination is aimed at smooth simultaneous movements – the crane doing two or three things at once without the pressure drops and heat build-up that make an operator slow down and work one function at a time.
“With our customers’ needs in mind, we created the HIAB eX.HIPRO loader crane range to offer a leading market performance, substantial energy efficiency savings, superior capacity, speed and precision. Helping our customers in their sustainable growth journey is key for us and the HIAB eX.HIPRO is a product that will greatly aid in those efforts.”
– Barry McGrane, SVP Loader Cranes Light and Medium, Hiab
Hiab is not the only loader crane maker moving in this direction, but the combination of load-sensing hydraulics, engine control and an EV-ready specification in a single mid-range platform is a clear signal of where the company expects its volume business to be in a few years’ time.
Four models and a long warranty
The launch covers the HIAB eX.142 HIPRO, eX.162 HIPRO, eX.192 HIPRO and eX.232 HIPRO, each available in several configurations. Optional extras include variable pump flow and crane tip control.
Hiab backs the range with a five-year warranty on the steel structure and two years – three as an option – on all other parts, supported by its service network. The company positions the cranes at operators who need high capacity, speed and precision, and argues that the sensor-based safety features and intuitive controls shorten the learning curve for less experienced operators.
Source: Hiab — Photos: Hiab
Crane facts
- Range: HIAB eX.142, eX.162, eX.192 and eX.232 HIPRO
- Claimed energy saving: up to 30% from new hydraulics
- Hydraulics: pressure-compensated, load-sensing, high oil flow
- Control system: SPACEevo with Olsbergs V200 valve and PFD
- Engine control: Dynamic RPM and automatic start/stop on diesel
- EV: compatible with electric vehicle installations
- Options: variable pump flow, crane tip control
- Warranty: 5 years steel structure, 2 years other parts (3 optional)