Tadano AR1000M

The Tadano AR-1000M represents Tadano’s first entry into the all terrain crane segment, developed in the early 1990s in response to a shift from truck-mounted cranes to all terrain cranes in Japan. This landmark model was launched through a joint effort with Tadano’s German subsidiary FAUN GmbH, where FAUN designed the carrier and Tadano developed the superstructure. Introduced in the early 1990s, the AR-1000M was recognized with the 23rd Machine Industry Design Award (1993) for its innovative safety and reliability features.

The crane’s main boom is a 5-section hydraulically telescoping box boom, extending from 11.7 m to 45.0 m, using synchronized and stage-selective extension methods. It is equipped with a jib ranging from 9.0 m to 19.0 m, featuring hydraulic non-stage offset between 5° and 45°, and supports staged swing-around extensions for quick deployment. The crane can lift up to 100,000 kg at a 2.8 m radius using a 17-part line, and has a maximum lifting height of 64.0 m (with jib) and maximum working radius of 47.0 m.

The hoisting system includes both main and auxiliary winches, each powered by hydraulic motors with planetary reducers. Winch line speed reaches up to 106 m/min, while the boom elevates from -2° to 82° in 45 seconds. Wire ropes used for lifting are spin-resistant, with the main rope sized at 20 mm x 245 m and the auxiliary rope at 20 mm x 140 m.

The carrier is a FAUN RTF 100-4 chassis, configured in an 8×4 layout for road use and 8×8 for off-road, with a full floating axle design. It is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM402LA V8 diesel engine, producing 381 PS at 2,100 rpm and 1,730 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm. The drivetrain includes a 6-speed power shift transmission, sub reducer, and torque converter with automatic lock-up. The suspension system uses hydraulic pneumatic suspension with ±150 mm/−120 mm travel, supporting on-road and off-road conditions with improved ride and load stability.

The steering system allows for multiple modes: normal (front axle), clamp (8-wheel steer), crab, and rear steer, offering a minimum turning radius of 7.0 m (8-wheel steer) and 11.3 m with 4-wheel steering—ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces. Braking is handled by air brakes (service), spring-actuated parking brakes, and an electric retarder (auxiliary brake). The fuel tank holds 400 liters, supporting long operational hours.

Safety features are extensive and include:

• Automatic Moment Limiter (AML) with multi-display
• Outrigger extension monitoring
• Swing range controller and automatic stop
• Over-wind protection
• Boom angle and elevation limiters
• Hydraulic safety valves and counterbalance valves
• Hook safety latch, cable follower, winch drum lock
• Equipment and features for operator comfort include:
• Crane cab air conditioner
• FM radio
• Oil cooler
• Hot and cold boxes
• Jib extension and counterweight dismounting devices
• Swing frame alignment tools

The carrier dimensions are 10,635 mm length, 2,780 mm width, and 2,765 mm height, with a wheelbase of 5,995 mm. The gross vehicle weight is 28,100 kg, distributed as 16,100 kg front and 12,000 kg rear. The crane rides on 16.00 R25 and 11.00-25 tires across all axles.

In conclusion, the Tadano AR-1000M marked a significant technological milestone for Tadano in the domestic all terrain crane market. Combining FAUN’s advanced chassis technology with Tadano’s hoisting and safety systems, it delivered powerful performance, high mobility, and award-winning safety—making it a benchmark in the evolution of modern mobile cranes in Japan.