First pictures of Jaso’s latest hydraulic luffing jib tower crane

Jaso’s J198HPA will be one of the biggest hydraulic luffing jib tower cranes on the market, the Spanish manufacturer claims. With a capacity of 18 tonnes, it is in the mid-range of 200 to 350 tonne-metre models for high-rise construction in congested inner cities and other urban projects.

The 18 tonne maximum is on three falls of rope and the maximum tip load is 1.6 tonnes at 55 metres.

On a single fall with a special slim line hook block it will lift 6 tonnes maximum and 1.8 tonnes at the maximum 55 metres.

Its out of service radius is given as 8 metres while its rear swing radius with concrete or optional steel framed counter weights is 8.2 metres. Solid steel slim line slabs reduce the tail swing to 7.9 metres.

Simple and fast erection was a key focus, facilitated by optimising weights and maximising pre-assembly. As a single piece the slewing platform, turret, tower head, jib foot and hydraulic ram, with all mechanisms pre-installed, is placed in one lift.

Connection is by quick connectors booth for the electrics and the hydraulics. At 12.1 tonnes it is the heaviest section but it can be separated into smaller pieces for a maximum of 6.8 tonnes.

In a similar vein the hoist winch is integrated into the boom which allows reeving at ground level for safer and faster erection and dismantling. All platforms and handrails are preinstalled and foldable.

Transport for the complete upper is on three trucks and a freestanding crane can be built from five transport units, Jaso said.

Standard mast sections are 1.75 metre x 1.75 metres and either 12.6 or 3 metres long, giving a maximum freestanding height of 38.1 metres.

Winch options are a 45 kW unit offering a maximum speed of 154 m/min and a 65 kW high speed version for 227 m/min. Lebus grooving can be specified for the drum as can a secondary brake.

The first unit is tested and will be first shown by Falcon Crane Hire in the UK.