Link-Belt HT-450

The Link-Belt HT-450 is a heavy-duty 45-ton truck crane developed to deliver both rugged lifting performance and reliable over-the-road mobility. It features a four-section hydraulic power boom fabricated from HRS alloy steel. This boom uses a telescoping mechanism with three double-acting hydraulic cylinders mounted in parallel to provide synchronized section movement. The main boom extends from 35 feet to 105 feet (10.67 m to 32.0 m) and is identified by base, lower, center, and top sections. A 21-foot (6.4 m) optional boom extension is available, mounted to the tip, and adds extra lifting versatility.

The boom design includes a gooseneck-style tip, enabling a tighter rope lead and accommodating high rope angles without fouling. It is fitted with two deflector sheaves and three load sheaves—each 14-5/8 inches pitch diameter, mounted on anti-friction bearings. Boom hoist speeds reach 36 ft/min for elevation and 34 ft/min for retraction, and a built-in Boom Angle Indicator with operator panel feedback allows for precise control of load angles and radii.

The jib is a 25-foot fabricated channel lattice structure with a single sheave and storage underneath the boom. It can be optionally outfitted with a weighted ball for load stability.

The load handling system employs dual wire rope drums controlled by a two-mode hydraulic system. It supports both high-speed, free-fall style lowering using a two-shoe clutch, and low-speed, precision-controlled lowering. Drums feature internal expanding Speed-o-Matic hydraulic clutches, external band brakes, and are splined to the drive shaft. The hoisting mechanism incorporates a two-directional hydraulic gear motor that drives the winch drums via an FMC spur gear reducer. Front and rear wire rope drums provide 567 ft of 3/4″ wire rope each, with capacity for both load and jib duties.

The HT-450 is mounted on a custom 8×4 carrier, with a wheelbase of 230 inches (5.84 m) and a rear track width of 94.5 inches (2.4 m). Its Shuler front tandem axles and Clark BD50-60 planetary rear axles offer a 10.145:1 reduction ratio. Suspension consists of solid equalizer beams on the front and bronze bushed bogie rear axles, both lacking traditional spring systems to enhance frame rigidity. The crane frame is a welded steel box structure integrating outrigger boxes and a formed bumper.

The crane is powered by a GM 6-71N inline 6-cylinder diesel engine producing 238 bhp at 2,300 rpm, with a peak torque of 649 ft-lbs (880.2 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. A Fuller RT009513 transmission provides 13 forward and 4 reverse gears, while an auxiliary Fuller #2A-92 two-speed gearbox increases the range to a total of 26 forward and 4 reverse speeds. This gearing enables the crane to travel up to 45.7 mph (73.5 km/h) in high gear and as low as 0.61 mph (1.0 km/h) for creep speed operation.

The HT-450 includes robust outriggers with full-width extension on sliding beams. These are operated from the crane cab and include 30-inch square base aluminum floats for superior ground stability. Air brakes (Maxi-type) and cast spoke wheels provide stopping power and durability across tough terrains. Emergency and parking brakes are air-actuated with heavy-duty springs.

Inside the operator cab, the crane is equipped with full instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, oil pressure, air pressure, water temperature, throttle control, and manual clutch controls. The operator seat is a Bostrom “T-bar” with full adjustments and weather protection. A 160-gallon (605 L) hydraulic reservoir supports both the crane and carrier control systems, while a 60-gallon (227 L) fuel tank supplies ample operating time on job sites.

The Link-Belt HT-450 stands out for its durability, precision, and ability to handle complex lifting operations with efficiency. Its advanced hydraulic control system, powerful dual winch setup, and 26-speed powertrain make it highly suitable for bridge building, steel erection, and industrial site lifting where both reach and control are crucial.