Kato CR-250RV brings EJIB to the 25-tonne CityRange class

The jib is the story

The CR-250RV is the first CityRange model fitted with EJIB, Kato’s hydraulically telescoping and luffing jib. The company builds the system around what it calls a 4S concept — slant boom, safety, speedy and small space — and the practical claim is that deploying the jib requires only two operations carried out from outside the cab. On a compact crane working in a yard or a street, cutting the amount of manual rigging at the boom head is worth more than a few metres of extra reach.

The jib itself runs from 5.3 m to 8.2 m, and it sits on a six-section boom telescoping from 6.7 m to 29.0 m. Rated capacity is 25 tonnes at a 2.8 m radius. A 7.5-tonne Searcher Hook with two offset positions is available as an option, intended for inserting loads under warehouse roofs, balconies and soffits.

Cameras, detection and braking

Kato has grouped the safety equipment into a package covering both travel and lifting. A surround view camera system generates a real-time bird’s-eye image for the operator, while a Human Detect Assist System warns when people are close to the crane but outside the operator’s field of view. Anti-lock braking is fitted, which the manufacturer says shortens stopping distances particularly on slippery surfaces.

The cab uses hydro-pneumatic suspension and is designed for all-round visibility. It also carries a built-in IC tag as a security measure against crane theft — an unusual inclusion, and a nod to how easily a machine of this size can be moved.

Controls and running costs

The crane runs Kato’s ACS automatic crane system, which responds to changes in operating configuration and applies limiting functions, presented on a high-intensity colour LCD with illustrated key switches. A separate touchscreen COR display shows fuel consumption, operating hours and similar data, and includes an ECO switch that trims engine speed for crane work. Auto-Minimum-Control cuts hydraulic pump output and fuel burn when the crane is idle.

Power comes from a Cummins B6.7 to EU Stage V. Options include an anemometer, tyre pressure monitoring, a door visor, a lunch table and resin or aluminium outrigger plates with storage.