EDINBURGH-based Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes has added a second Böcker truck crane to its fleet.
Fixed on a Mercedes-Benz Arocs four axle Tridem rigid chassis, the firm revealed that the new Böcker AK 52 truck crane is the first of its type in Scotland and brings a range of increased capabilities, when compared to Bernard Hunter’s existing Böcker AK 42. The latter vehicle uses a three axle Mercedes-Benz Antos chassis and was delivered in 2016.
“Our original Böcker truck crane brought a new dimension to our business,” said MD Mark Rafferty. “We’ve always generalised our lorry mounted cranes as Hiabs. These complement our fleet of all terrain Liebherrs and Spierings mobile tower cranes. The Böckers create a brand new group in-between the Hiabs and all terrains, bringing previously unattainable levels of operational flexibility, along with quicker set up and dismantling times.”
The Böcker AK 52 is powered by a 450hp Euro 6, Step D engine and the four axle Tridem chassis has been tipped to excel in narrow spaces where ballast swing radius is reduced. The 52-metre telescopic boom features a built-in knuckle that permits rooftop operations when the crane is parked close to a building. The remote control panel allows the operator to be present at the lifting point.
Mark Rafferty added, “Comparing the new Böcker AK 52 to our existing AK 42 is interesting. We can now lift 12 tonnes as opposed to four and the reach has increased from 46 to 52 metres. We’re also now able to use a new three-man basket, instead of the two-man unit we’ve been used to previously,”
Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes has also invested in its first Böcker inclined lift device. Self-powered and contained within a conventional car/van trailer chassis, the Böcker-Junior construction lift is designed for operation in narrow sites. With a maximum payload of 250kg, the machine can access sites less than one metre wide, thanks to an 890mm manoeuvring width and the main guide rails can extend from 4.1 to 23.7 metres.
