At last year’s ConExpo, Tadano unveiled its massive, 100-ton electric rough-terrain crane, promising performance comparable to its diesel-powered counterpart. Now, details are emerging about this impressive machine, officially christened the Tadano eGR-1000XLL-1 EVOLT.
This heavy-duty mobile crane is equipped with six lithium-ion battery packs, providing a substantial 226 kWh of power. According to Tadano, this setup allows for up to seven hours of continuous operation at a single location, or alternatively, up to five hours of operation alongside five and a half miles of driving before requiring a recharge.
The process of “re-juicing” the crane is facilitated by a standard CCS/J1772 DC fast charger, capable of speeds up to 150 kW. Tadano indicates that this system can fully charge the eGR-1000XLL-1’s batteries in under two hours. Overnight charging using an 80A 220/240V AC charger is also an option.
However, the EVOLT’s true strength lies not only in its battery capacity or 100-ton lifting capability. It is the crane’s ability to function continuously, 24/7, when connected to grid power that sets it apart. In situations where the job site experiences a power outage, or when power shutdowns are scheduled for routine operations, the crane can maintain operations for up to seven hours using its battery power. It can also connect to mobile charging stations if needed, or be driven short distances to access grid power for recharging.
Moreover, with its 4x4x4 drive system, the crane is not limited to paved or even clear paths, making it ideally suited for applications like disaster recovery.
“We are very confident in the investment we’ve made in this crane,” said Dean Barley, president and CEO at Tadano America, reflecting on this 100-ton-capacity machine. “This crane has been tested and retested. We wanted to make sure that the first fully electric rough terrain (RT) crane in North America meets all the requirements of the market.”
The EVOLT’s full-electric design makes it suitable for night work in urban and sensitive environments due to its quiet operation. Further, because it produces no exhaust emissions, it can also be deployed indoors in locations such as hangars and stadiums, where diesel emissions would be a health hazard.
Considering the potential dangers of moving up to 100 tons of material, Tadano integrates safety systems such as the Lift Visualizer and AML Crane Control.
Lift Visualizer
The eGR-1000XLL-1 includes a Lift Visualizer feature to enhance safety and efficiency. This system uses a suspended load monitoring camera that enables operators to monitor suspended loads directly from above. It provides critical lift information, including radius, capacities, and load details, derived from the AML control system, that is displayed on a video screen. This is particularly helpful in areas with restricted visibility, such as rooftop work, improving operator safety and efficiency.
AML Crane Control
The AML Control System provides dependable crane control and monitoring solutions, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Featuring an enhanced operator interface, a wide range of functionalities, and the reliability and ease of use inherent in Tadano products, the system is also designed to facilitate time and cost savings through on-board diagnostics and easily adjustable lifting limits.
In addition to enabling construction crews to bid on work they would not be able to undertake without an electric option, Tadano states that the EVOLT models will reduce annual operating costs by approximately 35% compared to the diesel-powered version of the same crane. This cost reduction estimate encompasses the costs of fuel and electricity, as well as maintenance and downtime, assuming approximately 1,200 engine hours of operation annually.
eGR-1000XLL-1 EVOLT Specifications
- Capacity Class: 90.7 tonnes (100 tons)
- Main Boom Length: max 51 meters (167 ft.)
- Boom Extension: max 17.7 meters (58 ft.)
- Max. Tip Height: 68.3 meters (224 ft.)
- Outrigger Bases: 7.33 x 7.33 meters (24 x 24 ft.)
- Hoist Line Pull: 9,090 kg (20,040 lbs.)
- Max. Radius: 57.91 meters (190 ft.)
- Dimensions: 15.18 m L, 3.31 m W, 3.74 m H (50 ft. L, 10′ 10″ W, 12′ 4″ H)
- Axles: 2
- Drive: 4x4x4
