Link-Belt’s new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) integrated into the 85|RT will improve efficiency and the lifespan of the crane, while reducing fuel consumption and minimizing emissions, according to the manufacturer. 

Link-Belt Cranes will have the 85-ton (80-mt) 85|RT, its newest rough terrain crane on display at its booth in the Festival Grounds (F-9213) at ConExpo-Con/AGG 2023.

New to Link-Belt customers at the show will be Link-Belt's new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) integrated into the 85|RT. The use of Link-Belt's lithium powered APU will improve efficiency and the lifespan of the crane, while reducing fuel consumption and minimizing emissions, according to the manufacturer.

"In our ongoing effort to produce products that are more sustainable, our engineering team has leveraged some of the latest, cutting edge technology to develop an APU unit that is lean, clean, and green," said Kelly Fiechter, product manager for rough terrain cranes.

For Link-Belt, this APU design will be a new option that allows a crane to keep the operator "cab comfortable" by maintaining the integrated HVAC system while the engine is off. The APU will run from a self-charging lithium-ion battery power source.

Once the engine is started, the APU will go into charge mode and the crane's engine takes over as the power supply. The APU when used in combination with the 85|RT's auto idle/shutdown feature provides the operator with uninterrupted comfort regardless of engine status.

A study of shared telematics data concluded that almost 70 percent of rough terrain crane engine hours are logged at engine idle. This APU system can help reduce idle time, reduce engine hours on the crane, reduce engine emissions and potentially reduce required regular service. The APU also is very quiet, compared to main engine run sound levels, the manufacturer said.

Testing for the APU is well under way on the 85|RT and should be complete by end of summer 2023.

For more information, visit www.linkbelt.com.

This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.

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