Manitowoc’s RT540E rough-terrain crane, from Grove, features dual-axis, electronic joysticks and a sleeker, more modern cab.

According to Neil Hollingshead, global product manager for Manitowoc’s rough-terrain crane product line, the new cab and controls improve operator comfort and productivity.

“Operators can easily view gauges for all engine functions on the clean, automotive-style control panel in the dash,” he said. “The joysticks provide smoother control and improved comfort. Because there are electronic controls in the cab instead of hydraulics, no excess heat is brought into the cab through hydraulic lines.”

The 40-ton (36 t) crane has a 102 ft. (31 m), four-section full-power main boom. An offsettable telescopic swingaway jib is available that extends tip height to 154 ft. (47 m). Other features include a 4.7-ton (4.3 t) counterweight pinned to the superstructure, a load moment indicator and anti-two block system.

Power for the crane comes from a 160-hp (119 kW) QSB 1.8-gal. (6.7 L) Tier III Cummins engine. A new load sensing hydraulic system uses piston pumps for crane functions. There is standard full length steel decking on the crane with anti-skid treatment. An 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m) wide chassis allows for easy transport to the job site.

The RT540E is manufactured at Manitowoc’s factories in Shady Grove, Pa., for the U.S. market and in Niella Tanaro, Italy for cranes sold into the EMEA region.

This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.

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