Link-Belt Crane -Overview & Top Models
Let’s talk about the heavy construction equipment industries in America. It is impossible not to talk about Link-Belt Cranes, which was founded in 1880 and specializes in telescopic and lattice boom cranes. Its headquarters is in Kentucky, a subsidiary of Japanese Sumitomo Heavy Industries. This article will focus on Link-Belt Cranes and its top models.
History of Link-Belt Cranes:
Link-belt Machinery Company founded Link-Belt Construction Equipment company in 1880. The company’s founder Ewart came up with the idea of a secure detachable chain belt system to be used in harvester equipment. Link-belt world corporation went on to purchase the speeder machinery corporation in 1939. The Speeder Machinery Corporation was a crane and shovel manufacturer.
It introduced the first wheel-mounted excavator in 1922, and the Link-belt crane and shovel division merged with this company to form the Link-belt speeder corporation, which was wholly owned by Link-belt corporation.
Mergers & Acquisitions
The Syntron company was the manufacturer of vibratory feeders that purchased Link-belt in 1955. Eventually, the whole company was bought by FMC Corporation in 1965.
A couple of years later, FMC Corporation merged with Link-belt company and started producing Link-belt branded cranes and excavators.
It also produced fire truck fire pumps and pumper bodies with an OEM arrangement with ladder towers for the marketing of aerial ladders. The fire operator division expanded its role in aerial ladders on fire trucks in the 1980s, leveraging the Link-belt crane division. It failed to expand into the production of aerial ladders, and its fire practice division was shut down in 1990.
By the end of the century, the company spun off its excavator products from the Link-belt construction equipment company to the LBX company, which was a standalone joint venture between Sumitomo construction machinery and case corporation to manufacture, market, and sell Link-belt excavators.
Sumitomo, a construction machinery company, gained ownership of LBX company in 2010. The company was established in Brazil in 2012 to meet the growing demand for Brazil’s booming excavator construction equipment.
Crane Types
Link-belt has produced cranes in different categories that include:
- rough terrain
- All-terrain
- Telescopic truck
- Truck terrain
- Lettuce crawlers
- Telescopic crawlers
Top Crane Models of Link-belt cranes:
Link-Belt Cranes RTC-8050 series 2:
A rough terrain crane offers remarkable control, reliability, and capacity performance. It also features weatherproof electrical connectors and is color-coded in numbered wiring. The full lighting package includes cab lights, turn indication, marker, backup, and stop. Quick reeve boom head eliminates the need to remove the bucket when changing the reeving.
Two extended modes enhance the structural capability and are fully synchronized for normal operation. The gear winch motor provides smooth and precise hoisting and powerful hydraulics. The Main and the available auxiliary range are equally matched in size and performance.
The operator’s cab features excellent ventilation, six-side adjustable seats, extra-large windows, Bluetooth, gauges, indicators, and controls.
Link-Belt Cranes HTC 8640 SL:
It is a hydraulic truck crane and a sleek and mean machine built to meet the toughest road laws. It gives an automatic drive feel and the power of manual transmission. Air ride suspension on the front and rear axle are available, and the operator travels with full counterweight. It reaches speeds of up to 60.6 mph on the highway, unmatched in the industry today. It offers a three-stage engine, compression brake, cruise control, and an ether injection system.
Two-speed motor with automatic brake and grooved drums minimize harmonic rope motion and improves spooling. The comfortable carrier cap provides high visibility with ultra-cab fiberglass construction. Dash-mounted comprehensive instrumentation with backlit gauges, suspended pedals, right-side view, and backup cameras offer better visibility.
Air ride suspension offers a smooth ride and precise handling. The operator’s cab is roomier and quieter than traditional cars with an automotive-style windshield.
Link-Belt Cranes ATC 3210:
It is an all-terrain crane by Link-belt cranes that offers excellent transportability to meet strict transportation laws. The offset fly options have manual control and feature four offset positions that include 2, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. It has larger removable engine hood doors that allow ease of service. Regardless, a Link-belt service manual is a tool that helps the owner fix minor issues on his own. Similarly, a mechanic should refer to this guide when making any repairs.
The operator’s cab offers 20 degrees tilting with AM/FM radio and Bluetooth. It accesses ladders and folding guard rails. It features cameras for the right-side carrier, right-side upper backup, and main and auxiliary winches. Halogen daytime running headlights and LED lighting, along with illuminated compartments and controls for nighttime operation, are its characteristic features. Its best feature is that it is compliant with the highest emission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Link-Belt?
Sumitomo Heavy Industries owns Link-Belt today.
Is Link-Belt an American company?
Link-Belt was developed in the United States and has a headquarters in Kentucky. However, Link-Belt machines are produced today on multiple continents and can be found all over the world.
What engine does Link-Belt use?
Many of Link-Belts machines are powered by Cummins engines. For example, the Link-Belt 228 HSL is powered by a Cummins QSB engine.