Products & Equipment Technology
New Tadano GTC-2000 Telescopic Boom Crawler Crane

Houston, Tex. – The Tadano GTC-2000 telescopic boom crawler crane was developed and built in Germany and made its concept debut at Bauma 2019. Now that Demag is part of the Tadano Group, the crane is being relaunched as the Tadano GTC-2000.

“Our goal is to become ‘One Tadano’. With the first telecrawler produced in Germany and branded by Tadano, this vision is now becoming a reality,” explains Ingo Nöske, project management director, crawler cranes. He added that this will strengthen co-operation between German and American colleagues in the Tadano Group in the future.

The company says the crane closes the gap between the 140 and 240-ton capacity classes. The Tadano GTC-2000 has a lifting capacity of more than 170 tons and a maximum load moment of 590 metre-tonnes.

Four Main Boom Extensions

The GTC-2000 features a main boom length of 196.9 feet and can be increased farther if necessary. Main boom extensions with lengths of 16.4 feet, 36.1 feet, 55.8 feet, 75.5 feet that can be mechanically and hydraulically offset are available, meaning that a maximum system length of up to 272.4 feet is possible. The 16.5-foot extension can be folded onto the side of the main boom for transport to save space.

Maneuverable and Powerful Crawler Drive

In addition to its lifting capacity, the GTC-2000 provides nearly the same maneuverability and ease of operation as an excavator with its travel pedals. Moreover, the fact that the joysticks can be used to control the tracks complements the machine’s convenient controls. Part of this is feasible due to the unit’s traction force and B9HD track components with bolt-on double grouser shoes or flat track shoes. The crane’s gradeability is 50 per cent, while its maximum travel speed is 1.3 mph and its ground clearance is 16.54 inches.

A Design Optimized for Transport

The transport width and height of the base crane are 9.85 feet each – making the GTC-2000 a compact crane for its class. The heaviest transport unit weighs 51.2 tons. However, if necessary, this weight can be reduced to 46.3 tons by removing the extension beams used to adjust the track width. The two crawler units have a gross weight of approximately 20.4 tons each when equipped with 3.3-foot track shoes; the two central ballast units weigh 8.27 tons each; and the counterweights, including the base plate, weigh 49.6 tons. The maximum operating weight of the crane is just under 165 tons.

Efficient Setup

Most of the couplings are hydraulic quick-connect. The GTC-2000 crane is equipped with permanently installed outriggers including outrigger pads, which enable the base crane to be conveniently unloaded from a lowbed trailer. In addition, the self-assembly operation of the GTC-2000 includes the installation of two 8.27-ton central counterweights that mount on the carrier, the crawler frames, the 49.6 tons upper counterweight stack on the superstructure and the second hoist.

The crane can be fuelled while on a lowbed trailer, and the cab can be accessed during setup in order to start the machine for self-assembly. Permanent ladders and ladder attachment points for the included loose ladder are located strategically around the crane for access to key components during all stages. The crane also features anchors for a personal fall protection system at the intended ladder support points.

Powerful and Environmentally Friendly Engine

The GTC-2000 crane is driven by an MTU 6-cylinder engine with an output of 308 hp (230 kW) and a torque of 958.83 ft-lbs. This engine complies with EU Stage V specifications, as well as with Tier 4 Final specifications for the US market.

At a speed of 1,500 rpm, the diesel engine will run in an ECO mode that optimizes fuel consumption, while at a speed of 1,800 rpm, it will have a Power Boost function available. This provides a noticeable output increase and makes it possible to carry out simultaneous movements at high output or speed during crane operation.

The primary and auxiliary hoists are technically identical, with both featuring an 803.8-foot-long, 1-inch-thick, wire rope with a high line pull of 15.3 tons. The wire rope’s high line pull makes it possible to lift heavy loads with low reeving, saving time during setup and re-reeving.