Kato KA-3000

Kato introduced the KA3000 all-terrain crane in February 2001, marking a significant addition to its lineup of high-capacity mobile cranes. Engineered for heavy-duty lifting operations, the KA3000 boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 300 tonnes at a 2.5-meter working radius. The crane is built on a robust six-axle Nissan carrier chassis and achieves a top driving speed of 60 km/h, enabling swift transportation to and within job sites. It was developed not only for performance but also to meet the stringent emissions and safety regulations of its time.

The crane features Kato’s proprietary “Super Boom®” design—an innovative round boom section that offers enhanced vertical and horizontal rigidity. This boom extends from 13.6 meters to 50.0 meters in five sections, ensuring reduced deflection and higher lifting stability. Thanks to the use of high-strength steel and rigorous computer-aided structural testing, the Super Boom excels even compared to conventional box-type or square booms.

The KA3000 is further equipped with two advanced jib systems: the SL (Super Luffing) Jib and the HL (Heavy Luffing) Jib. The SL Jib ranges from 10 to 31 meters with a stepless working angle between 5° and 60°, and features the same Super Boom structure for maximum rigidity. It can lift up to 8.0 tonnes at 34 meters working radius or 4.2 tonnes at a 60° boom angle. The HL Jib extends from 13 to 54 meters and allows for single-line lifting up to 12 tonnes. Enhancements in reeving systems and hydraulic boom pin connections simplify jib installation and minimize setup time.

The crane’s total maximum lifting height is 106.9 meters when using the HL jib in full configuration (50m boom + 4.4m adapter + 54m HL jib), and 83.1 meters with the SL jib setup. It also boasts impressive working radii, reaching up to 85 meters under the HL jib.

The operator’s cab adopts a swing-and-tilt design that tilts up to 17° and swings 900 mm laterally for optimal visibility during high-reach lifts. Additionally, the crane is fitted with a new-generation ACS (Automatic Crane Safety) Compuload system, featuring a large color display to provide real-time operational and safety information. It includes multiple safety systems such as over-hoist protection, boom angle limiters, hydraulic safety valves, and drum monitoring cameras.

Stability is achieved through a five-stage outrigger system with maximum spread of 9.4 meters, including a side-support system for additional lateral stiffness. The crane is powered by a high-performance 382 kW (520 PS) engine producing a maximum torque of 1,814 Nm. Despite its size, the KA3000 remains highly maneuverable with a tight turning radius of just 11.6 meters, making it suitable even for confined job sites.

Designed to comply with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism low-noise and emissions standards, the KA3000 emphasizes not just power but also environmental responsibility and operator safety. Whether for infrastructure construction, heavy equipment installation, or power plant assembly, the Kato KA3000 stands as a dependable workhorse for high-capacity lifting challenges.