PALFINGER lifts its products and solutions to the next level with intelligent and connected technologies. In addition to innovative crane models and lifting solutions, the company uses alternative types of drive, as well as smart technologies and assistance systems to open up future-oriented applications for its customers.
Smart Lifting Solutions: The New TEC Series
To meet complex challenges at inner-city job sites and lifting tasks that require long reaches, PALFINGER has completely redesigned its loader crane, ushering in a new era of crane models. It effectively combines the advantages of its predecessors with intelligent technologies, such as the innovative PALTRONIC 180 control system and the ultimate LX-6 control valve. In addition to a new design, all crane models in the new TEC series feature the innovative Smart Control to control the crane tip and Memory Position crane positioning system, which can store up to four crane positions. The Levelling Assistant helps to optimally level the cranes. These smart systems enable a faster start to operations as well as more efficient and simpler work processes.
The PK 580 TEC will be the first of the new crane models to be seen out on the road. The true precision expert in the 60-meter-ton large crane segment can be flexibly equipped with PALFINGER TEC assistant and comfort systems. In combination with the mobile hybrid power unit, it becomes an emission-free solution with a minimum of noise emissions, while the integration of a tilting crane fork on the fly jib creates a high degree of safety for challenging work, such as in narrow spaces.
In the PK 1050 TEC, PALFINGER presents an absolute highlight in the large crane segment. Featuring a fly jib and enormous lifting capacity, it stands out in its meter-ton class with an unprecedented reach of 37 meters. With DPS-C, the lifting capacity is continuously maximized in every position, because the intelligent system knows exactly where the crane tip is at any given moment.
In addition to the models in the large crane segment, the new PK 250 TEC — currently the smallest P-Profile crane — demonstrates that even a compact crane can deliver impressive performance. It convinces with its hydraulic reach of almost 20 meters and a maximum lifting capacity of 23.5-meter-tons.
More Precision with Smart Control & Smart Loading Assist (SLA)
The future of construction is high-tech and interconnected. That is why in addition to hardware product innovations PALFINGER is increasingly using smart solutions that set new standards. The innovative Smart Control unites the crane with the operator and revolutionizes the work process. Instead of moving up to three different levers, Smart Control only requires one to move the crane tip horizontally or vertically. The operator therefore only needs to specify the direction of the crane tip, while the intelligent technology combines the necessary crane movements to reach the target position exactly.
However, precision is required not only for crane control. The work steps involved in loading and unloading containers also require precision down to the last millimeter. Since container handling is one of the biggest challenges in everyday working life, PALFINGER has taken this on and developed an intelligent assistant system — Smart Loading Assist. The latest version of this semi-automatic system Smart Loading Assist adds a 3D camera system, sensors, and a high-performance computing unit to the hooklift. It works in a similar way to optical parking sensors and helps the operator to correctly position the hooklift in relation to the container. The integrated Obstacle Detection solution identifies any obstacles or people in the hazardous area and immediately warns the operator. The Smart Loading Assist also provides effective support during the unloading process to protect the surface on the ground and the container.
The Power of E-mobility
The electrification of applications and processes creates sustainable added value. PALFINGER’s electrical solutions, including the innovative eDRIVE technology, enables energy-efficient and completely emission-free operation of loader cranes. With eDRIVE, operators can choose between a Li-Ion battery pack, the power grid, or the vehicle engine at the press of a button while operating the crane. Depending on requirements, the best drive option can then be selected.
In addition, eDRIVE operates almost silently, making it possible to work in noise-sensitive areas and at night. The batteries of this smart system can also be conveniently charged between jobs using the integrated generator. PALFINGER also relies on the power of E-mobility for its access platforms. In addition to retrofittable and mobile power packs, it has come up with two emission-free access platforms: the P250 BK and the P280 CK.
