Link-Belt HT-400

The Link-Belt HT-400 is a conventional truck-mounted crane designed for 40-ton lifting capacity and built for both mobility and reliable lifting on a wide range of job sites. Its primary lifting component is a four-section telescopic boom, constructed from high-tensile alloy steel and heat-treated to resist wear. The boom’s sections include the base, lower, center, and top, with telescoping controlled by three double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The boom offers a working range from 33 feet to 96 feet (10.06 m to 29.26 m). An optional 21-foot (6.4 m) boom extension pins to the top section, extending the working height and allowing reach up to 117.4 feet (35.78 m).

The boom head uses a gooseneck-style configuration, equipped with two deflector sheaves and three load sheaves—each 14-5/8 inches in pitch diameter—mounted on anti-friction bearings. This design accommodates high boom angles and enhances line control during operation. The hoisting operation is further supported by a boom angle indicator with cab-mounted controls, giving real-time feedback on elevation and radius.

The crane utilizes a dual wire rope drum hoisting system, featuring two distinct operating modes: low-speed power hoist for precise lifting, and high-speed operation using a “high-speed” solenoid function that boosts hoisting speed by 100% while halving rope pull. Each drum is driven by a hydraulic gear motor through a spur gear reduction system. The front and rear drums have a line capacity of 567 feet (173 m) of 3/4-inch diameter Type “N” wire rope, operating at speeds of 200 fpm (low speed) and 400 fpm (high speed).

The HT-400 is powered by a GM 6-71N diesel engine, delivering 238 brake horsepower at 2,300 rpm with a peak torque of 649 ft-lbs (880.2 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. Engine cooling and oil systems are maintained by a hydraulic oil cooler and belt-driven fan. Power is transmitted through a Fuller RT0-9513 main transmission with 13 forward and 4 reverse gears, and a Fuller #2A-92 auxiliary transmission offering two additional ranges. Combined, this gives a total of 26 forward and 4 reverse speeds, with travel speeds ranging from as low as 0.88 mph (1.4 km/h) to a high of 46 mph (74 km/h).

Mounted on an 8×4 custom carrier, the HT-400 features a welded box construction frame and a tandem axle arrangement. The front uses Shuler tubular axles with a 100-inch (2.54 m) track, and the rear uses Clark BD50-60 planetary axles with 94.5-inch (2.4 m) track and total reduction of 10.145. Suspension includes solid equalizer beams on the front and bronze bushed rear bogies without springs, creating a rigid platform for crane operations. It rides on 16-ply tires (16.50×22.5 front and 12.00×20 rear) with cast spoke wheels.

The crane features full-width hydraulic outriggers, with dual sliding beams supported by jack cylinders that can be controlled from the upper cab. Each outrigger is equipped with 22-inch square aluminum floats, and a pilot-operated check valve ensures load stability. A Ross #TE-71 power hydraulic steering system with a 21-inch steering wheel delivers smooth handling.

Inside the operator cab, the HT-400 includes a full instrument panel with gauges for oil and air pressure, fuel, temperature, and throttle. The cab features a Bostrom “T-bar” seat, heater, defroster, windshield washer, ashtray, dome light, and cigar lighter. Safety and operation are further enhanced with rear view mirrors, step access to the carrier deck, and integrated controls for boom, swing, and hoist functions.

Fuel is stored in a 60-gallon tank, while hydraulic systems are supported by a 160-gallon reservoir. The HT-400 is also outfitted with electrical and lighting systems, including four sealed beam headlights, directional and clearance lights, back-up lights, and emergency flashers.

In summary, the Link-Belt HT-400 is a robust and versatile 40-ton crane offering a blend of lifting capacity, extended reach, and over-the-road mobility. With its durable mechanical structure, refined hydraulic systems, and flexible boom configuration, it serves a wide range of construction, utility, and infrastructure projects with dependable performance.