A Closer Look Inside Böcker New AK 42 Truck Crane

The new AK 42 truck crane thanks to its innovative mast profile made of strength fine-grained steel, scores with lateral stability for heavy loads, especially in the 1 t to 3 t range. With a maximum lifting capacity of 6 t and extension lengths of up to 42 m, the crane, for example, lifts 1.5 t to a range of 18 m at a height of 24 m.

Thanks to the performance of the powerful hydraulic system which has been increased by up to 70%, the AK 42 operates at a significantly improved speed and is quickly ready for use and several crane functions can be controlled simultaneously at a constantly high speed.

For the first time a truck crane of this class can raise its mast completely vertically at a 90-degree angle to the vehicle. This is an advantage not only when working close to the facade. This innovative mast geometry is made possible by the newly developed telescopic mast system with an aluminum jib that can be extended hydraulically to a length of over 14 meters at a high speed. Another absolute innovation is the 180-degree position of the jib, which straightens up as a 180-degree extension of the base mast with the joint fully straightened. Ideal for picking up loads close to the crane or for working in platform mode on the vertically positioned mast in tight set-up situations. The straight boom position gives the crane additional height to reach distant locations across the building. The endless slewing range of the AK 42 opens up a circular working area within which the crane approaches any point at the shortest route.

The vertical positioning of the mast and the strong jib joint also enable the new tower crane function of the AK 42: when the mainmast is vertical and the jib is in an approximately right-angled position to the mast, loads can be transported into the building by telescoping out. The jib can be telescoped out fully and at a substantially higher speed under loads of up to 1,000 kg.

Mounted on an 18 t truck, the AK 42 is extremely compact thanks to a minimum footprint of 2.55 m and is available as a hybrid crane with a powerful electric motor. A short wheelbase makes it maneuverable and suitable for off-road use. Despite long extension lengths, the new truck crane has a comparatively short mast overhang. The low slewing radius of just 2.12 m makes it easier to choose a set-up site. The variable outrigger technology also offers a major advantage in confined spaces. Thanks to its stable mast system, the truck crane is compatible with the most powerful Böcker platforms with a load of up to 600 kg. Even in platform operation, the boom extends fully hydraulically and reaches the most remote angles during assembly or repair work.

The AK 42 is equipped with state-of-the-art control technology – including automatic set-up with auto-leveling and range indication in live mode, automatic rope tracking, switching between rapid and creep speed, rotation, and erection angle limitation, transfer control with two cameras, point-to-point travel, and go-home function. The modern radio remote control, which displays all operations on the full graphic display in just one operating level, permits an intuitive operation.

For taking tools and building materials to the construction site, the AK 42 has a spacious loading area with completely foldable lateral walls, that can be easily accessed on both sides via extendable steps. The load is secured flexibly via lashing rails. Variably combined, e.g. with lashing straps with suitably sewn end fittings, the fixing system facilitates handling during loading thus saving time.