Tadano GT-550EX

The GT-550EX hydraulic truck crane by Tadano offers a combination of strong lifting performance and travel efficiency, ideally suited for construction and industrial applications. This 55-ton capacity crane features a 5-section round hexagonal box-type telescoping boom that extends from 11.1 meters to 42.0 meters. The telescoping operation is partially synchronized with two hydraulic cylinders and a cable system that ensures smooth and controlled boom extension, achieving full extension in just 123 seconds.

The boom is complemented by a two-stage swing-away jib stored under the base boom section, with selectable offsets of 5°, 25°, or 45°, and extension lengths of 9.0 meters or 14.6 meters. This provides flexibility for lifting at extended heights or over obstacles. The maximum lifting height reaches 55.5 meters when the jib is deployed.

The hoisting system includes independently controlled main and auxiliary winches, each driven by hydraulic axial piston motors. The main winch achieves a single line speed of 143 m/min with a 4,300 kgf line pull, while the auxiliary winch delivers 123 m/min at a 4,500 kgf line pull. Both winches use spin-resistant wire ropes for enhanced safety and load stability.

The swing mechanism utilizes a planetary gear speed reducer powered by a hydraulic motor, offering continuous 360° rotation at a swing speed of 1.9 rpm. The boom elevation system is powered by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, tilting from -2° to 80° in 68 seconds.

The GT-550EX is mounted on a TC-4255 carrier chassis, which features a left-hand drive 8×4 configuration. It is powered by a Nissan PF6 turbocharged diesel engine producing 257 kW (345 hp) at 2,100 rpm, with a torque output of 1,460 Nm at 1,200 rpm. This setup provides the crane with a maximum road speed of 83 km/h and a gradeability of 53%.

Outrigger support includes four hydraulically operated H-type outriggers with extension widths ranging from 2.39 m (minimum) to 6.80 m (full extension), plus a front jack for full 360° lifting capability. The crane’s onboard Automatic Moment Limiter (AML-L) ensures safe lifting by continuously monitoring and restricting operations that could lead to overload conditions.

For operator comfort and control, the GT-550EX is equipped with an ergonomic cab featuring a sliding door, tinted safety windows, and an adjustable suspension seat. The crane control interface uses standard ISO layouts with tilting lever stands and AML digital LCD displays for boom angle, load weight, hook height, and other key parameters.

Overall, the Tadano GT-550EX offers high mobility, quick setup, and dependable performance, making it a versatile option for contractors needing efficient lifting solutions on diverse job sites.