The Franna® AT 22 pick and carry crane made its Conexpo debut earlier this year and after the show concluded, the crane made its way to work at a large LNG project in southern USA. This left-hand drive AT 22 is the first of its kind in North America and given that the Australian pick and carry concept is relatively unknown in the region, this would be a totally new experience for the operator. When the crane arrived on site it didn’t take long for the first operator to complete training and begin to test the capabilities of the machine.

Here’s what the operator had to say:

• The crane is very operator friendly, the LMI system is accurate with all operating information clear and easy to use.

• The cab set up is best in class. It has plenty of room and provides room for the rigger when moving from job to job, eliminating long walks or a second vehicle to transport the rigger.

   

• Daily inspections are very simple, with great access to the engine bay, drive shaft and articulation point.

   

• The automatic greaser is great and helps keep important parts lubricated that can often be neglected when cranes are busy.

   

• The Franna AT 22 capacity is very impressive. Loads being lifted as pick and carry are a breeze with a very good load chart. To be able to lift that much without outriggers is unbelievable.

   

• Not having outriggers makes transporting after picking extremely efficient to relocate material (Pipe, scaffolding, rebar, crane parts etc).

   

• The articulating frame is surprisingly good in its ability to be maneuvered into areas that were tighter than normal (pipe racks, laydown areas etc).

   

• The Franna is #1 when it comes to going from one job to the next with its build being based around a truck like design, made it easier and quicker than any other crane to stow away and head to the next task.

   

• When it comes to assembly and disassembly of crawler cranes, the Franna was an all-star. While staying well within the chart, it loaded boom sections, counterweights and other parts with efficiency and ease. The assembly / disassembly crews were very impressed.