Kato NK550VR

The Kato NK550VR is a fully hydraulic truck crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 55 tons, engineered to deliver reliable lifting performance for a variety of job site conditions. Built with a combination of Japanese crane engineering and a FAW (First Auto Works) CA5425JQZ truck chassis, this crane is optimized for high mobility, precision control, and heavy lifting operations.

Its boom system features a five-section, box-shaped telescopic design that extends from 11.0 to 43.0 meters. The boom extension is executed using three hydraulic cylinders and one rope system, giving it quick and smooth deployment. The boom’s derricking angle ranges from -2.5° to 81°, allowing for diverse positioning. Two jib options are available: 9.2 meters or 15.0 meters, each equipped with 2-section design and optional angle offsets of 5°, 25°, and 45°. These jib options raise the maximum lifting height to 58.4 meters.

In terms of lifting capacity, the NK550VR achieves its maximum of 55,000 kg at a 3.0-meter radius using its full boom configuration. The crane offers a wide lifting range at various radii, including 40,000 kg at 3.5 meters (11.0 m boom) and 2,500 kg at 30 meters (43.0 m boom). Hoisting speeds reach up to 105 m/min on the second layer, with multiple line configurations up to 14 parts of line.

The carrier portion is based on an 8×4 drive system with front “Elliott” type floating axles and leaf suspension. The truck is powered by a CA6DL2-35E3 (EURO-III compliant) 6-cylinder diesel engine, producing 258 kW (350 PS) at 2100 rpm with a torque of 1500 Nm. It can travel up to 70 km/h with a gradeability of 30% and a minimum turning radius of 11.75 meters. Gross vehicle weight is approximately 41,600 kg.

The hydraulic system includes an axial plunger-type pump for winch and slewing operation and a four-section gear-type pump for overall crane functions. The NK550VR is equipped with dual independent winches and a hydraulic slewing system that provides a swing speed of 2.5 rpm. Outriggers extend up to 7,000 mm fully and offer intermediate stages of 4,800 mm and 2,500 mm for greater flexibility.

Standard features include Kato’s ACS (Automatic Crane Safety) system, automatic winch brake, moment limiter, hydraulic safety valves, and comprehensive load and boom monitoring. Operator comfort is emphasized with air conditioning, power mirrors, front fog lamps, rear and side view cameras (optional), and an ergonomic cab design with improved visibility and safety systems.

With a focus on safety, efficiency, and user convenience, the Kato NK550VR is an ideal solution for medium-scale lifting tasks in civil engineering, infrastructure, and general construction.