During Work Truck Week 2023, National Crane displayed a unique version of the NBT45-2 boom truck at the Peterbilt booth. The NBT40-2 Series can be designed in several configurations when paired with the right truck chassis for any application. In 2022, a short-chassis variation was at the show, and this year National Crane is partnering with Peterbilt to exhibit an NBT45-2 configuration that does not require a single front outrigger.
The 45-USt boom truck on display highlights the role that Manitowoc’s Truck Mod Center and Lift Solutions departments play in developing customized solutions to meet the industry’s evolving needs. The extended torsion box model is one example of the configurations that can be engineered to ensure that a customer’s truck and crane are field-ready when they leave the factory.
In the 40- and 45-USt boom truck classes, the single front outrigger (SFO) is generally required for full 360-degree stability. Despite not having a separate support frame for the crane, this crane and truck combination still performs at full capacity at all points around the crane. To introduce this product, the engineering team talked directly with boom truck owners and operators about how to make the product functional for their applications as part of Manitowoc's Voice of the Customer process.
“We often get feedback to eliminate any additional setup steps, and not having to remember to engage or disengage the SFO saves time,” said Bob Ritter, National Crane product manager. “Not having an SFO on the front of the chassis also prevents potential damage to the truck should the vehicle be traveling in more off-road situations like power line rights-of-ways.”
On the jobsite, the simplified setup allows outriggers to be set and hook blocks unstowed using the front bumper-mounted controls, removing the need to climb in and out of truck and crane cabs. Optional wireless remote controls are available, while the NTC Performance Package adds versatility during set up.
Performance
With a GVW of 85,000-lbs., powered by a 510-hp Paccar MX13 engine and Allison 4500 RDS transmission, the new machine could also leverage an optional 6,000-lbs. counterweight package for superior load charts. The crane on display features a 142-ft. five-section full-power main boom, plus a 31-ft. to 55-ft. telescopic jib that produces a maximum tip height of 204-ft. This crane also comes equipped with a yoke personnel platform and radio remote controls for utility-related applications.
The hydraulic tilting cab offers an inclination of up to 20°. The system also includes a heated seat and high-output HVAC system, while the speed of the single- and dual-axis electronic joystick controls can be adjusted.
With an integrated control system, the color graphical RCL simplifies setup and operation, as well as monitoring data from the crane cab, such as hydraulic system pressure and temperature. Using onboard diagnostics and real-time error code reporting reduces the need for laptop-based troubleshooting.
