Link-Belt, a prominent name in the construction equipment industry, has recently launched its 5th generation crawler crane, the 218|V. This powerful and versatile machine represents a milestone in the company’s HYLAB series, which has been a symbol of innovation and reliability for over 35 years.

With its enhanced features, eco-friendly technologies, and improved visibility, the 218|V is set to make a significant impact in the construction sector. This article delves into the remarkable capabilities and groundbreaking advancements of Link-Belt’s latest crawler crane, emphasizing its efficiency, user-friendliness, and adaptability to various jobsite requirements.

The 218|V crawler crane boasts an impressive 99.79-tonne lifting capacity and is powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7 Stage 5 engine, delivering 281 horsepower to a responsive Kawasaki pump and motor package.

This exceptional powertrain ensures smooth and precise fingertip control, allowing simultaneous operations for increased productivity. Furthermore, the crane can be operated using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), making it an environmentally conscious choice while remaining fully compatible with regular diesel fuel.

With the innovative Link-Belt Eco Winch system, the 218|V offers improved fuel economy, reduced engine RPM under load, and fewer emissions. The crane’s 26mm rope provides the required line pull, and the Eco Hoist feature maximizes line speed for lighter loads while keeping the engine under 1,000 RPM, optimizing fuel efficiency.

Additionally, the standard “auto-engine shutdown” option automatically shuts down the engine after prolonged periods of inactivity, subject to critical operating criteria, further contributing to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Link-Belt has integrated several new features into the 218|V crawler crane to enhance its performance and user experience. The crane is equipped with a user-friendly 30cm touchscreen LMI operating system, offering improved visibility with better sightlines. Ergonomic foot pedals placed closer to the cab floor provide unobstructed views of the ground level, promoting operator comfort and safety.

The high-resolution winch-view, back-up, and non-cab side swing-view cameras with night vision significantly improve jobsite visibility from within the cab, boosting overall operational efficiency and safety.

Additionally, the operator interface provides critical information, including stacked counterweight readout, live ground bearing, swing angle indicator, list and trim indicator, engine RPM monitoring, and advanced diagnostics.

The lattice crawler crane’s self-assembly process is made efficient with a quick reeve boom head and button-style termination, simplifying setup for block and ball removal from the 26mm rope. Moreover, the 218|V features a quick-deploy swing-out extender in the undercarriage, making setup and retraction hassle-free.

Link-Belt’s 5th generation 218|V crawler crane exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the construction equipment industry.

With enhanced performance, eco-friendly features, and improved visibility, the 218|V sets new standards of efficiency and adaptability for crawler cranes. Its advanced technologies and user-friendly interface ensure seamless operations and improved productivity on various jobsites.

As Link-Belt continues to push the boundaries of engineering, the 218|V serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to providing top-notch solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction sector.