Boecker's New AK 42 Truck Crane is Compact, Works Fast

March 23, 2022 – Boecker’s new AK 42 truck crane works faster than ever and, thanks to its innovative mast profile made of ultra-high-strength fine-grained steel, scores with a high lateral stability for heavy loads, especially in the 1.1- to 3.3-USt t range.

With a maximum lifting capacity of 6.6 USt and boom lengths to 137.8’, the crane lifts 1.65 USt to a 59’ radius at a height of 78.8’.

Thanks to the performance of the powerful hydraulic system which has been increased by up to 70%, the AK 42 operates significantly faster, sets up quickly, and can run several crane functions simultaneously at high speed.

For the first time, a truck crane of this class can raise its mast completely vertically at a 90° angle to the vehicle, an advantage when working close to a structure.

The innovative mast geometry is made possible by the newly developed telescopic mast system with an aluminium jib that can be extended hydraulically to a length of over 49.5’ at high speed.

Another innovation is the jib’s 180° position, which can straighten up as a 180° extension of the boom, ideal for picking up loads close to the crane or for working in platform mode. The straight boom position gives the crane additional height. The endless slewing range lets the crane reach any point by the shortest route.

The vertical positioning of the mast and the strong jib joint also enable the new tower crane function: When the boom is vertical and the jib is at a 90° angle to it, loads can be transported into a building by telescoping the jib out. The jib can be telescoped out fully and at a substantially higher speed under loads of up to 2,200 lbs.

Mounted on a 19.8-USt truck, the AK 42 is extremely compact, thanks to a minimum width of 8.4’ and availability as a hybrid crane with a powerful electric motor.

A short wheelbase makes it maneuverable, as does its short boom overhang. The short, 7’ tail swing makes it easier to choose a setup site. The variable outrigger technology also offers a major advantage in confined spaces. Thanks to its stable mast system, the truck crane is compatible with the most powerful Böcker platforms with a load of up to 1,320 lbs.

The AK 42 is equipped with the state-of-the-art control technology - including automatic setup with auto-levelling and range indication in live mode, automatic rope tracking, switching between rapid and creep speed, rotation and erection angle limitation, transfer control with two cameras, point-to-point travel and go-home function. The modern radio remote control, which displays all operations on the full graphic display in just one operating level, permits an intuitive operation.

For taking tools and building materials to the construction site, the AK 42 has a spacious loading area with completely foldable lateral walls that can be easily accessed on both sides via extendable steps.