Mercedes-Benz Arocs truck with Palfinger loading crane

The superlatives are obvious when we break down the technical data of the Arocs 5051 10 x 6/6 NLA with the Palfinger-PK 20000 2L-SH loading crane. The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 5051 truck model series for construction transport and special operations has a gross weight of almost 50 t, with a gross weight of 48 t with a permanent individual special permit for the German State of Baden-Wuerttemberg. This means that the special road usage costs which would usually be incurred do not apply. The Euro VI series six-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 12.8 l and an output of 375 kW (510 hp). The axle conversion to a 10 x 6/6 five-axle truck was carried out by CTT. An air-sprung nine-ton trailing axle was added to the base of the Arocs Grounder 8 x 6/4 with steel-sprung rear axles and a first front axle with continuous drive. Thanks to the steerable fifth axle, the turning circle is only 22.60 m with a wheelbase of 4.550 mm. The Mercedes PowerShift transmission is an automated manual transmission. The Arocs is equipped with a turbo retarder clutch. The StreamSpace cab is 2.30 m wide – with a total vehicle width of 2.55 m. In order to convert it to a crane chassis, the frame was reinforced with a 2 x 60 kN front support. Because of its planned usage, an exhaust gas recirculation system for crane bodies was added. The crane is also equipped with a winch able to lift up to 18 tonnes.

Technical facts about the Palfinger loading crane: with the new loading crane, the PK 200002 L-SH, Palfinger have combined an articulated arm crane with a loading crane in a long arm design. Eight hydraulic extensions, polygonal in shape for special stability and lightweight construction, and the fly jib (the technical term used for the boom extension) ensure a hydraulic lifting height of over 49 m, with the work platform actually 51 m high. When in operation, the crane is supported by four lateral extensions and additional support cylinders at the front and rear of the Arocs carrier vehicle, ensuring good stability. The support widths are 7.60 m on one side and eleven metres on both sides.

The first practical assignment this special vehicle had, was at the Mercedes-Benz soccer stadium, home of VfB Stuttgart. The Arocs-Palfinger combination was able to set up safely despite the cramped working conditions provided by the grass soccer pitch and the grandstands, and to use the full height and width of its pivoting range. The maximum lateral range is 46 m for which a payload of half a ton on the hook is still possible. The intelligent stability monitoring system, HPSC, guarantees maximum comfort and safety in the process. The intuitively operable radio remote control enables precise, error-free operation.

Thanks to close collaboration between the Mercedes-Benz body mounting consultants and Palfinger concerning the design of the body, everything forms a single cohesive unit. The platform body is standardised and offers space for the work basket, the stops and all the accessories required for operations. With an overall body height of four metres when the crane is folded and an especially low tare weight, the PK 200002 L-SH is easy to install as a complete ex factory solution on the five-axle Arocs. The drastically reduced maintenance requirements and the especially short set-up time contribute directly to the unrivalled economic efficiency of the new Arocs 5051 10x6/6 NLA with Palfinger long-arm crane in daily operations.

Not only the Mercedes-Benz Arocs chassis and the Palfinger crane are unique. Another technical speciality is that it's the first loading crane of its type that can be operated purely electrically. After the diesel engine has been switched off, the electric motors are connected to the external electricity supply. This means that indoor work, such as in factory buildings, hospitals or in disaster areas, and also in all low-immission zones, can be carried out efficiently, at low cost, to the highest safety standards and in an environmentally friendly manner. It can be switched from diesel to electrical operation for indoor jobs, with an output available of 1 x 64 Amperes/400 V – or an optimum performance of 2 x 64 Amperes. Another 20 m of cable extension are part of the standard equipment.

The basic advantages which a loading crane has over a truck crane are huge: besides the shorter access and fitting times, its flexibility means that it can be applied to many uses. Also, it is speedy and does precise work. All these are clear advantages of using a loading crane. This means that using a loading crane can ensure considerable savings in time and money. The basket transported on the platform can transform the loading crane within minutes into a fully operational 50 m work platform.

This was one of the first assignments of the heavy Arocs 5051 five-axle vehicle made by LANZ. Its job was to clean, inspect and maintain the huge LED display screens at the Mercedes-Benz Arena of VfB Stuttgart, members of the German Soccer Bundesliga. The monitors are suspended above the grandstands at a dizzy height (corresponding to the maximum range of the crane, with 50 m height and 48 m lateral range). There are no stairs or other forms of access. Either these jobs would have to be carried out with low efficiency by technical tower climbers, or the work can be done by the Arocs-Palfinger work platform combination. The Arocs was so efficient that the cleaning and maintenance of the screens was finished long ahead of the scheduled time.

Just as impressive as the Mercedes-Benz five-axle Arocs is the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the home of the VfB Stuttgart Bundesliga team: There are two identical LED display screens at both ends of the arena; their dimensions are 7.12 m by 7.22 m, each with 603,136 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and each weighing 11 tonnes. The surface area of each display screen is 115 square metres.