Lift and Access magazine has announced the innovative new products recognized as the top scorers in its Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms (LLEAP) competition for 2014.
Now in their ninth year, the LLEAP Awards continue to bring well-deserved recognition to products that are new, innovative, and elevate the mobile access and lifting industry’s performance and safety.
This year’s LLEAP competition honors products introduced or upgraded significantly between March 1, 2013, and June 1, 2014.
The LLEAP Awards consider entries in five categories:
To provide expert evaluation of the LLEAP entries, Lift and Access assembled a panel of judges who have strong experience and are deeply involved in fields related to lifting equipment, such as rental companies, general contractors, equipment sales, safety, and consulting.
The panel of experts brought many decades of combined practical experience and valuable perspective to the judging process.
In addition to guest experts, the judging panel included staff members from MCM Group publications that serve the lifting and access industries: Lift and Access, Crane & Rigging Hot Line, and Industrial Lift & Hoist.
The judges made their evaluations based on product literature, photographs, videos, technical drawings, and customer testimonials provided by the entrants. The judges did not operate the entered equipment or use the products in order to rate them for the LLEAP Awards, though many of the judges have experience with the products outside of the competition.
The panelists judged each LLEAP entry on:
• Innovation: Is this an innovative product?
• Influence: Will this influence the market in a positive way?
• Benefit: Will this product benefit the owner and/or operator?
• Leadership: Is the manufacturer a leader in the industry?
The two products that earned the top median scores in each of the five equipment categories earned a LLEAP Award. The other entries in each category were recognized as Finalists.
Here are the ten LLEAP Award winners, by equipment category, for 2014.
Category: Aerial Lifts
Genie SX-180 Ultra Boom Lift
The innovative Genie SX-180 boom lift combines 180-ft. maximum platform height with the ability to transport on a standard 8’2”-wide trailer without requiring an over-width permit.
The world’s tallest self-propelled boom lift when it was introduced, the Genie SX-180 offers up to 80 ft. of horizontal outreach, up to 180 ft. of vertical reach, and a working envelope that includes the ability to reach 70 ft. horizontally while at 120 ft. of height. Its maximum platform capacity is 750 lbs. anywhere in the work area.
The Genie SX-180 is designed for reliability and serviceability, with easy access to the systems and components, robust hose and harness routings, and access to slew bearing bolts from topside. The rotating jib offers a sturdy slew bearing and worm drive arrangement.
The lifting mechanism inside the boom structure is designed as a cartridge, so the extension cylinder and wire ropes go into and out of the boom as a unit that a service technician can remove in about 90 minutes.
When stowed, the SX-180 measures just 10 ft. high, 8'2" wide, 42'7" long, and weighs 55,000 lbs., so it requires no over-width or over-height permits, keeping transport costs down and potential ROI high.
The machine’s newly designed and patented “X-chassis” extends and retracts its axles to provide both stability on the job and a narrow profile for transport.
The machine is fully computer controlled using a CANbus system, and all functions are operated by fully proportional Hall-effect joysticks.
Judges’ Comments
This unit is changing how contractors perform some types of work.
The X-chassis provides excellent stability and allows shipment without over-width or over-height permits.
JLG 1850SJ Ultra Boom Lift
JLG Industries’ 1850SJ Ultra Boom is now the world’s tallest self-propelled boom lift. It offers up to 1,000 lbs. of capacity, up to 185 ft. of platform height, and a 3.2-million-cu.-ft. working envelope. Productivity is further enhanced with fast cycle speeds and a boom that extends from ground to full height in less than five minutes.
The 1850SJ combines outstanding reach and performance with outstanding shipability. Its axles extend for stability on the job site and retract to 8’2” in less than one minute, allowing the machine to be transported on a standard trailer without an over-width permit.
The telescopic jib extends to provide excellent horizontal outreach at height for outstanding up-and-over capability, and the ability to telescope into and around structures in applications like steel erection; energy-related construction in petrochemical, power generation, and wind plants; stadium, convention center, and theater construction; and entertainment and studio-related applications.
An updated platform LCD display provides even more information to optimize service and operator productivity. A graphic display shows the operator’s position in the work envelope and also displays service codes, engine status, fuel levels, and other messages that help the operator and service technician.
The powerful 99.8-hp. turbo diesel engine and standard four-wheel drive and steering maximize jobsite maneuverability.
Judges’ Comments
Offers incredible work area, yet transports without over-width permit.
Bigger is better. This is a great rental product.
Category: Material Handlers
Manitou MRT Series Privilige Plus Rotating Telehandlers
Manitou’s updated MRT Series rotating telehandlers, including the MRT 1840 Easy 360°, MRT 2150 Privilege Plus, and MRT 2540 Privilege Plus, feature impressive lifting heights, 360° rotation, optimal visibility, powerful diesel engines, and the three-in-one versatility of telehandler, winch, and platform modes.
The MRT 1840 Easy 360° is powered by a Tier 4 Interim, 101-hp turbocharged engine, and the MRT 2150 Privilege Plus, and MRT 2540 Privilege Plus are powered by a Tier 3, 150-hp turbocharged engine. The MRT Series models feature four-wheel drive and oscillating rear axles with axle lock-out that engages when the upper structure is rotated more than 15°.
Lifting heights range from 58.7 ft. on the MRT 1840 Easy, to 67.6 ft. for the MRT 2150 Privilege Plus, and 80.7 ft. on the MRT 2540 Privilege Plus. Lifting capacities are 11,000 lbs. on the MRT 2150 Privilege Plus, and 8,800 lbs. on the MRT 1840 Easy 360° and MRT 2540 Privilege Plus.
The standard E-RECO attachment recognition system automatically senses which attachment is installed and assigns the correct load chart and safe operation zones.
The ergonomic cab is equipped with two electro-hydraulic joysticks that control boom extension, turret swing, accessories, load lifting, and fork tilting. An optional remote control lets the telehandlers be controlled from outside the cab.
Judges’ Comments
Automatic attachment recognition, three-mode versatility, and the ability to work below grade are outstanding features.
Great multi-application machine with features that eliminate operator guesswork.
Xtreme XR7038 Telehandler
The XR7038 from Xtreme Manufacturing is North America’s largest capacity telehandler. Launched at ConExpo as the XR6538, the telehandler was recently uprated to lift 70,000 lbs. and renamed the XR7038.
It was designed by Xtreme’s in-house engineering team to meet the demands of mining, bridge construction, pipe-handling and other high-capacity rugged applications.
Weighing 115,000 lbs. and featuring 6.5-ft.-tall foam-filled tires and a 24-ft. turning radius, the XR7038 is an alternative to small cranes. It is powered by a Tier 4-Final Cummins 300-hp engine, and it has a 150-gal. capacity fuel tank to reduce the refueling frequency.
It features a fork-positioning carriage as standard and is equipped with the unique boom lift point.
Three cab configurations include open cab, closed cab with heat, and closed cab with heat and air conditioning.
Unlike mobile cranes, the XR7038 does not require a certified operator in the U.S. market, which further reduces running costs.
Judges’ Comments
Interesting lift that may replace a crane in some applications and doesn’t need a certified operator.
Once again, Xtreme dares to go where no one else has.
Category: Cranes
Link-Belt RTC-80150 Series II Rough-Terrain Crane
The 150-ton RTC-80150 Series II rough-terrain crane from Link-Belt Construction Equipment stands among the biggest RT cranes available in North America. Its hydrostatic drive system features fast response, precise speed under varying loads, and infinitely variable speed control.
Instead of drive lines and axles, the crane’s hydrostatic drive runs six individual wheel motor and delivers a turning radius of less than 22 ft. The RTC-80150 Series II also offers four steering modes: independent front, independent rear, combination, and diagonal steering.
The 45-hp Cummins QSL 8.9L Tier 4-Final diesel engine delivers 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque. Combining the smooth hydrostatic drive system, powerful Cummins Tier 4F engine, and a tight turning radius gives the RTC-80150 Series II impressive jobsite maneuverability.
The 42.3- to 195.3-ft., six-section, full-power latching boom features Link-Belt’s unique pin/latch telescoping system.
The 55-ft. on-board offsettable fly jib features four manually offset positions at 2°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, and a hydraulic offset ranging from 2° to 45°. Additionally, there are three 18-ft. fly-jib extensions. Combining the total attachment length of 109 ft. with the main boom, the RTC-80150 Series II offers a 311-ft. maximum tip height.
Link-Belt’s Pulse crane operating system shows maximum allowable load, load on hook, and crane geometry. It warns of an approaching overload or two-block condition and shuts down relevant operations when necessary. It also monitors wind speed. Link-Belt Pulse shows the boom’s mode of extension, as well pin and latch status and telescope cylinder travel. All telescope operation information can be viewed in real time.
Judges’ Comments
Easy transportation, 22-ft. turning radius, and no boom greasing are great features.
Delivers 150-ton capacity in tight-turning package with hydrostatic drive.
Tadano Mantis GTC-1200 Telescopic-Boom Crawler Crane
Tadano Mantis developed the 130-ton-capacity GTC-1200 telescopic-boom crawler crane as a clean-sheet design with features that serve the traditional power-transmission market while also broadening telescopic-boom crawler crane appeal for bridge building, civil construction, foundation work, and general lifting.
The GTC-1200 features a 42'1"to 155'0", full-power, round, telescopic boom with two extension modes; HELLO-NET telematics; and the Tadano AML-C load-moment system. It incorporates hydraulic cylinders, winches, and jib components made by other Tadano Group companies.
With crawlers extended, the GTC-1200 can pick, carry, and swing 360° with a full-capacity load. It can even pick and carry some loads with its crawlers retracted. The operator can telescope and raise the boom with a full-capacity load on the hook, and the crawlers can counter-rotate for pivot turns. A hydraulic circuit to power Mantis-approved tools and accessories is optional.
The maximum boom-and-jib combination of 155 ft. of boom plus 105 ft. of jib gives a maximum tip height of 268 ft. At that height, the GTC-1200 can lift 5,300 lbs. at the 30-ft. minimum radius. With that boom-and-jib combination, the GTC-1200 can also lift 1,700 lbs. at a 161-ft. radius with 210 ft. of tip height.
The upperworks can swing 360° continuously at up to 2 rpm on a shear-ball bearing. The swing function is driven hydraulically, and the operator can select either free or closed-loop swing.
The hydraulically powered crawlers are 23'9" long, and feature 36-in.-wide treads. The crawlers can be extended laterally to 19'1" for lifting stability or retracted to 11'11.9" for maneuvering or lifting in tight spaces. The GTC-1200 can climb a 52% grade or travel at up to 1.6 mph.
Judges’ Comments
I’m impressed with 52% gradeability, 1.6-mph travel speed, and full-capacity pick-and-carry capability.
Easy transportation, fast setup, and features fit both general construction and utility work.
Category: OEM Features or Essential Components
Haulotte Activ’Shield Secondary Guarding System
Haulotte’s new Activ’Shield Bar secondary guarding device is designed to reduce the risk of overhead trapping or crushing. It implements the measures identified in the Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group Best practice Guidance for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
Haulotte’s system alerts the operator to potential entrapment and features a Safety Gap that protects the operator from full entrapment and potentially allows him or her to get out of danger. Following the alert, only reverse/lowering movements are permitted, allowing the operator to get out of trouble. After being triggered, the system is easy to reset and reactivate from the basket, so there is no machine downtime.
The Activ’Shield Bar secondary guarding device complies with machinery directive 2006-42-EC, particularly when the machine is used in confined areas where the risk of overhead trapping is high.
The system has been designed to preserve the machine’s working envelope and maintain easy access to controls, which means no change in working practices for the operator.
The Activ’Shield Bar is available on Haulotte's HA46 RTJ PRO articulating boom lift, and a retrofit kit enables the system to be installed on Haulotte diesel-powered boom lifts manufactured since 2008.
Judges’ Comments
Activ’Shield Bar is at the forefront of secondary guarding systems.
Gives operators an extra safety and room to escape. Easy resetting is a big benefit.
Liebherr VarioBase Outrigger Monitoring System
Liebherr‐Werk Ehingen’s VarioBase system monitors the extension position and support pressure of each support beam during crane operation, allowing the crane control system to calculate exact load capacities and stability. In the near future, VarioBase will be available for all four types of Liebherr cranes and all two- to nine-axle machines.
Individual crane supports can be extended to any length and operation is made safe via the load moment limiter in the crane’s LICCON controller. By measuring the extension position of each support beam with millimeter accuracy and the exact support pressure on the support plate, the precise maximum load capacity for every angle position of the superstructure is calculated by the crane control. The system ensures safe working on any support base and prevents accidents caused by an incorrect setup.
To record each support beam with millimeter precision, a laser length measuring system has been added to the sliding beam. A computer program developed in house has been loaded into the crane’s controller and displays center of gravity, tipping edge, support pressure, and percentage of support position on the LICCON screen.
The VarioBase system also provides added benefits of increasing load capacity and cost savings through reducing the amount of ballast to be transported.
Judges’ Comments
Safe, infinitely variable outrigger configurations will always provide maximum allowable lift chart.
Leading-edge technology eliminates incorrect setup and interpretation by operator.
Category: Aftermarket Support Products & Services
Latchways Personal Rescue Device
Latchways plc has introduced a patented, easy-to-use self-rescue system that allows a person to lower himself or herself gently to the ground from heights of up to 65 ft. The innovative Personal Rescue Device, or PRD, weighs 7 lbs. and incorporates a strong but light full-body harness with a built-in “backpack” that contains a drum of Aramid rope and a friction brake/clutch that regulates rope payout speed.
Worn like any other safety harness, the PRD connects to a safety anchor point on an aerial lift or elevated worksite by the same safety lanyard a worker would use with any other safety harness.
If the wearer falls out of the work platform and is dangling from the lanyard, he or she pulls a shoulder-mounted ripcord to activate the PRD, which lowers the wearer gently to the ground at an average speed of 3.2 fps. The clutch regulates rope payout speed regardless of a user’s weight, which can be up to 310 lbs. The PRD works in temperatures from -40° F to 140° F.
If the PRD wearer is unconscious or incapacitated while suspended, rescuers can activate the lowering mechanism from a distance by pulling on a shoulder-top trigger loop made for easy grabbing with a hook.
The harness and backpack are made of materials that are unaffected by sunlight, and the unit has an expected life of 10 years or one rescue.
Judges’ Comments
Self-activated system shortens rescue time and reduces risk to rescuers.
A “must” for anyone working alone at height.
IPAF Smart PAL Card
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Smart PAL card is a machine-readable card that ensures only trained operators use an aerial work platform.
Data is stored on the card via a wireless icon and embedded chip.
The information includes the operator’s name, number, and types of equipment he or she is trained to use. The information is also printed on the card. A reader fitted to an aerial lift can be programmed to require a card with specific data before letting the lift operate. Smart PAL Cards can be read by virtually all card readers, and there are no restrictions on which smart card readers should be used.
Using a Smart PAL card along with a reader allows control of machine access. Site managers can use the system to ensure that only correctly trained operators operate AWPs or MCWPs (mast-climbing work platforms). They also can track who has operated which machine, how long they have used it, and can prevent fraudulent use.
Judges’ Comments
Increases safety by permitting only properly trained operators to run machines
Another example of IPAF leading the way in safety.
This year's LLEAP Awards competition drew an exciting range of innovative solutions in all product categories. The total of 33 diverse finalists ranged from the world's tallest self-propelled boom lift, to the first synthetic rope designed for use as a crane load line, a telematic fleet-management system, and a solid-rubber tire designed for AWPs.
The 2015 LLEAP Awards competition will begin accepting entries next May or June.
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