American 4450

The American 4450 is a powerful 40-ton capacity lattice boom truck crane, designed for heavy-duty construction and industrial projects. Built for performance and reliability, this crane combines a robust powertrain, flexible boom configurations, and advanced hydraulic systems, making it a go-to solution for a wide range of lifting tasks.

Key Features and Specifications:

Powertrain:

The standard power source for the American 4450 is the Waukesha Model F554G gasoline engine, which is a 6-cylinder engine with a bore and stroke of 5¼” x 5½”, displacing 554 cubic inches. The engine delivers 179.5 horsepower at 2,600 RPM, ensuring robust performance for both lifting and transportation.

Alternative engines include:

• Cummins NHC-4IP diesel engine: 4-cylinder with 93 HP at 1,700 RPM.
• Caterpillar D-330-A turbocharged diesel engine: 4-cylinder with 95 HP at 1,700 RPM.

These engine options give operators the flexibility to choose based on job site fuel availability and performance requirements.

Transmission:

The crane is equipped with a Fuller Model SC-65 transmission, providing 5 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. The auxiliary transmission offers 3 additional speeds, giving the crane a total of 10 available gears. This setup allows for easy adaptation to various terrains and job site conditions, whether the crane is navigating steep grades or traveling at higher speeds on highways. The crane can reach a maximum speed of 40.3 mph on the road, with excellent gradeability for off-road operations.

Boom and Jib Configurations:

The American 4450 features a modular boom system, built from high-strength alloy steel. The standard boom length consists of sections available in 10, 20, and 30 feet, which can be extended up to a maximum of 150 feet. The boom is designed with tubular and lattice construction for optimal strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the crane to handle heavy loads without compromising stability.

The crane also offers two jib options:

1. 7 HL Jib: A 30-foot, two-piece tubular steel jib with alloy chords for added reach.
2. AFB Jib: Available in 10, 20, and 30 feet, this option provides greater flexibility for jobs that require extra reach.

The safety boom stops are telescoping, and an optional boom hoist limiting device is available to prevent over-hoisting, enhancing both operator safety and operational efficiency.

Hydraulic Control and Operation:

The crane utilizes a Speed-O-Matic hydraulic system, featuring self-adjusting hydraulic clutches for all critical functions, including hoisting, swing, and boom operations. The independent gear-driven boom hoist allows for precise raising and lowering of the boom, and the controlled load lowering system provides smooth and secure control over heavy loads. The hydraulic system ensures reliable performance under a variety of conditions while reducing wear on mechanical components.

Performance and Lifting Capacity:

The American 4450 is capable of lifting up to 40 tons (80,000 lbs). It includes three drums—main, third, and hoist—mounted on anti-friction bearings for smooth operation. The single line pull for hoisting operations is rated at 17,300 lbs, with the same capacity for clamshell and dragline operations. Line speeds for hoisting can reach up to 299 FPM, ensuring fast and efficient load movement.

The crane is equipped with robust drum brakes, featuring cooling flanges and large contact surfaces for effective heat dissipation, ensuring that the brakes perform reliably even under continuous heavy loads.

Carrier and Axle System:

The crane is mounted on a heavy-duty carrier frame built with reinforced wide-flanged beams. It features a 200-inch wheelbase, ensuring stability during both lifting operations and transport. The carrier is supported by Clark Model BD-45-60 planetary drive axles at the rear, with a capacity of 50,000 lbs per axle. The carrier rides on 12.00 x 20 non-directional tires, providing the necessary traction and durability for off-road conditions.

The steering system consists of Ross TE27592 and Garrison hydraulic steering gear, ensuring precise and responsive handling during operation.

Cab and Operator Controls:

The operator’s cab on the American 4450 is designed for comfort and visibility, featuring full vision safety glass windows, a fold-down front windshield, and sliding side windows. The controls are ergonomically positioned for ease of use, with finger-tip hydraulic controls for precise operation. The cab is equipped with a full instrument panel, including gauges for engine temperature, oil pressure, and other critical systems.

Additional Features:

• Retractable A-frame: Simplifies setup and transport by allowing the crane to be easily collapsed for movement between job sites.
• Lubrication system: The crane’s lubrication system includes anti-friction bearings and bronze bushings for low maintenance and high durability. The lubrication points are accessible for easy maintenance, reducing downtime.
• Jib backstops and peak sheave: These features are mounted on needle bearings, which eliminate the need for daily lubrication, reducing the maintenance burden.

Conclusion:

The American 4450 is a reliable and versatile 40-ton lattice boom truck crane, built for efficiency and durability across a variety of job site conditions. With its modular boom system, multiple engine options, advanced hydraulic controls, and strong lifting capabilities, it is well-suited for construction, material handling, and industrial lifting tasks. Its robust frame, retractable A-frame for transport, and safety features make it a practical choice for operators who require performance and flexibility on the job.