06.11.2024

4,000t Sany telescopic

Chinese manufacturer Sany has completed the first production unit of a new 4,000 tonne, nine axle All Terrain crane, the SAC40000T.

Information on the new model - which we understand is only available in China at the moment - is somewhat limited, but we do know that it has an 81 metre six section boom, and up to 106 metres of lattice extension, although a 124 metre Wind Power Jib is also available that takes the maximum tip height to around 210 metres, when mounted on the 81 metre fully extended main boom. We have seen no details at all of the power Jib. The capacities on the main extensions and one assumes the power Jib, can be boosted with a heavy duty Superlift device.

As you might expect the crane cannot actually lift 4,000 tonnes, but it can handle up to 375 tonnes on 100 metres of boom and shortest extension at an 18 metre radius, or 320 tonnes on 120 metres of stick, at a 24 metre radius and 200 tonnes on the maximum hook height of 185 metres at a 30 metre radius.

The crane is a bit of a beast though, with an overall width of 3.6 metres, an overall length of 26.7 metres, and an overall height of just under 7.4 metres it is targeted at travel on wind turbine construction sites. Even the chassis is 22.1 metres long although it does feature all wheel steer. The cruciform outrigger footprint is 15 metres by 15 metres, while the counterweight is a relatively modest 300 tonnes.

The chassis alone weighs 78.4 tonnes, plus 26 full size trucks with the rest of the kit, four of which have loads of 60 to 68 tonnes. Among the heaviest are the boom at 67 tonnes for the base sections and 68 tonnes for the upper sections, while the superstructure at 64.5 tonnes.

Travel weights stated include: 181 tonnes with superstructure and outriggers on board at which point it has 20+ tonne axle weights but can travel at its full 60kph road speed. With superstructure, boom, outriggers, and one hoist it weighs 357 tonnes and can travel at up to 10kph, or with full Superlift device added it weighs 411 tonnes and is limited to 5kph. With almost 46 tonnes an axle, those must be some pretty tough axles and tyres.

Vertikal Comment

This is a crane designed for a specific market and construction method. As with many of the monster telescopics unveiled by the big Chinese manufacturers in recent years, it is unlikely to make it to Europe or North America. If it did it is hard to see who might order one.

There used to a saying among crane rental companies in Europe “if it does not look right it probably isn’t right” no matter how well performing a mobile crane is. In our opinion this one looks a tad ugly and looks top heavy in its stowed travel state with boom and outriggers in place.