January 27 - ALE has unveiled plans to build a heavy-duty jib, measuring up to 100 m long, which can fit onto both the AL.SK190 and AL.SK350 cranes.
The new jib, which will be made of milled steel, will have a lifting capacity of 3,400 tonnes and is a modular design, meaning that it can be assembled in different configurations.
ALE's AL.SK190 and AL.SK350 can be equipped with a 4,000-tonne capacity main winch system and 600-tonne capacity auxiliary quick winch system. For weights from 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes, a strand jack lifting system can be utilised, said ALE.
"The AL.SK cranes have always been designed with a potential for a jib but it has previously never been required," said ALE technical director Ronald Hoefmans. "We have received client requests to lift with heavier capacities to bigger heights."
He added: "The new jib will enable us to achieve this and lift heavy loads to bigger heights with a larger radius. The jib will be comprised of a unique patented design with a wide strut. It is this special design which will boost the lifting capacity."
The construction of the new jib is expected to begin in March 2016 and be completed by the end of the year.
The first contract for the jib involves lifting modules weighing up to 2,800 tonnes to a height of 65 m.
