31.01.2018

Hüffermann cranes arrive in USA

BMW of North America has purchased the first Hüffermann self-propelled electric crane in the USA, for its production facility in Greer, South Carolina.

The crane is a new Type III third generation 34 tonne/metre model, as with the earlier models, uses a Palfinger upper structure and take 1,420kg to a radius of 16.7 metres through 360 degrees. It can also pick and carry loads.

The new modular chassis has been redesigned to handle superstructures of up to 56 tonne/metres and both ends can be telescoped out to almost double its length for a longer outrigger footprint, while maintaining a compact base for manoeuvring into position. The Type III is more compact than earlier models, with greater steering and drive power, but retains all key features, such as quiet emission free operation, along with four wheel drive and steer, allowing it to move in virtually any direction including turning on the spot.
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The new Hüffermann crane

The outriggers can be set to fill the space available, with a maximum foot print of 6.5 metres square. Hüffermann claims that the new crane is the only such machine that can handle the latest heavy duty manufacturing robots, such as Kuka’s Titan 1000 which can weigh almost five tonnes, from the typical factory aisles. Allowing manufacturers the freedom to place heavy machine tools in more confined spaces etc…

The crane has been modified to take BMW’s particular requirements into consideration and has been under construction for almost six months. It is now on the water and will arrive shortly. The Greer plant builds all of the company’s X type SUV cars from the X3 to the X6.