Hiab launches VSL PLUS for Crane Stability
Hiab, part of Cargotec, will officially launch a new stability feature for its heavy crane range, VSL PLUS, at the Bedrijfsauto RAI 2015 exhibition in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Variable Stability Limit PLUS (VSL PLUS) is a revolutionary safety system that automatically regulates crane capacity in relation to the actual stability of the vehicle whilst it is working, by sensing the position of each stabiliser leg, and whether there is a load on the truck.
It is designed to protect the crane operator, people nearby, and the crane and vehicle outfit. It gives major benefits in improved safety and stability, by taking the total weight of the truck into account when calculating stability.
"The new and improved VSL PLUS stability system can take advantage of the vehicle's loaded platform because the extra load on the truck acts as a counterweight," explains Sergio Peiró, Product Manager Heavy Range, Hiab Loader Cranes. "VSL PLUS automatically adjusts the crane's lifting capacity on the basis of optimal stability. This feature brings major performance benefits to vehicles that are fitted with a heavy range crane."
How it works?
"With VSL PLUS, the actual pressure on the stabiliser legs is measured," continues Lennart Andersson, System Manager Control Systems, Product Management, Loader Cranes. "More load on the truck bed means more pressure on the legs, which means greater stability. So, a load of cargo on the truck will mean that you can lift significantly more before the system stops the crane, allowing the crane to always operate at its optimal allowed capacity."
"It makes working in confined spaces easy, whilst retaining stability and high capacity. To illustrate further, if our customer arrives to find a narrow delivery space, it means he cannot extend the stabiliser beams fully. With a standard solution, lifting capacity is reduced accordingly. But if you have VSL PLUS, and you have additional load on the truck bed, then you can have up to 100% lifting capacity."
"This feature is unique to Hiab, and is part of our ongoing commitment to developing products that are perfectly matched to our customer's needs."
Customers have confirmed that the new VSL PLUS gives the operator much greater handling freedom, since it allows the crane to work at maximum capacity with excellent stability.
See the entire range of Hiab X-HiPro heavy cranes at the BedrijfsautoRAI exhibition. Visit Hiab in Hall 7, Stand 200, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands between 20 and 24 October 2015.
