New product announcements: 01/21/2009
| Heavy Lifter: Crawler Crane Germany-based Demag has been muscling its way into super cranes for decades but has recently added more leverage. In 2002 it launched the 1,250-tonne CC-8800 and doubled down in 2007 with the 3,200-tonne, twin-boom CC 8800-1, the largest crawler crane on the planet. Now, a 1,600-tonne midsize version has arrived, the CC 9800. Built with similar components as its big brother, the 9800’s hook tops out at 230 meters and achieves a load moment of 27,000 tonne-meters using an 800-tonne Superlift counterweight at a 30-m radius. Designed for chemical and powerplants, the rig can also handle 6-MW wind turbines, says the manufacturer. With a 132-m main boom and a special 18-m-long wind jib, it can hoist 375 tonnes to 147 meters. Belgium-based Sarens Co. and Tulsa, Okla.-based Enercon will get the first two units early this year. Costs have not been disclosed. Terex-Demag; 49-6332-83-1029; www.terex.com |
| Pickup Truck: Smooth Ride Dodge went out on a limb by cutting out the leaf springs that most full-size pick-ups use to support the rear end and switching to coil springs, which Chevy abandoned more than three decades ago. But revisiting the car-like suspension, which also features multiple links guiding the live axle, has greatly bolstered Dodge’s ride, even if its parent company, Chrysler, is sagging under financial woes that forced it to seek a bail out. Construction users will feel comfortable behind the wheel of the 2009 Ram 1500, which Tudor Van Hampton, ENR’s equipment editor, recently drove thanks to a weeklong loaner from Chrysler. The ride and handling are silky smooth, but it’s a pity that Dodge didn’t find a way to bump up the Ram’s 9,100-lb tow limit. Our mid-trimmed SLT Quad Cab 4x2 came equipped with a 4.7L V-8 motor, a step up from the base 3.7L V-6 but not as punchy as a top-line 5.7L HEMI V-8. With a cloth interior and simple-yet-rugged dash, the controls were easy to grab even when bundled up with winter gloves. An optional crew cab can be ordered with a lockable, bed-mounted RamBox cargo bin. Fuel economy gets up to 14 gallons city, 20 highway; we averaged an unimpressive 13.5 mpg. Remember that bailout money? Chrysler is offering zero percent financing thanks to the cash infusion. Prices start at $22,170; $32,965 as tested. Dodge; 1-800-4ADODGE; www.dodge.com |
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