Z-boom cranes have become more common throughout Europe in recent years. The Finnish crane manufacturer Kesla estimates that Z-boom cranes already constitute almost 40% of its crane production. Alongside traditional Z-boom cranes, a front folded version has also been introduced to the market, which combines the benefits of straight-boom and Z-boom cranes.
Z-boom cranes optimise the use of load space
The transport position of a Z-boom crane saves load space compared to straight-boom cranes, which leaves the full load space available for timber transport. The added benefits is several cubic metres. It is also easier to move the crane into the transport position when you do not need to make space in the timber load for the crane.
- “If you neglect to make a gap in the load space for a straight-boom crane and place it on top, the combination may be too high to pass under some bridges. This is not a concern with Z-model cranes,” Business Director Ari Pirhonen of Kesla Oyj says.
The demand for Z-boom cranes has increased significantly in the past few years. While there is significant variation in the demand between countries, Kesla estimates that Z-boom cranes already constitute 40% of its production. Kesla provides Z cranes from the 5-tonne-metre to the 24-tonne-metre class. They are primarily purchased for cut-to-length operations, but the largest 21- and 24 tonne-metre cranes are also suitable for handling long timber.
Z-boom cranes are usually installed at the rear of a truck with the exception of the largest models, which are usually mounted behind the cabin.
A KESLA Vision cabin is available for Z cranes up to the 17-tonne-metre size class. Larger cranes are equipped with an high seat
The front folded z crane combines the benefits of a straight boom and Z boom
A few years ago, Kesla launched the front folded z cranes. They utilise the slew system of a straight-boom crane, but the crane itself is a Z-model. The crane’s pivot point is laterally in the middle of the vehicle, which means that the crane has equal reach on both sides. This model can also be transported with the boom extended in the load space.
Some customers also find that climbing into the cabin of a front folded crane is easier and safer.
In the transport position, the dimensions of a normal and front folded z crane are essentially the same but, due to the mounting position, the front folded crane needs to be slightly slanted when positioned for transport. The crane also takes slightly more space in the vehicle’s longitudinal direction than a traditional Z crane.
Z cranes have a significantly different geometry compared to straight-boom cranes. This may surprise some operators.
“Those considering the acquisition of a Z crane should absolutely try one out before buying, since it operates differently from a straight-boom crane,” says Pirhonen.
Kesla’s crane range includes front folded z cranes with an integrated stabiliser legs in the 11–12 tonne-metre class and with a separate stabiliser legs in the 12–17 tonne-metre class.
“As has been the case with our other crane models, the most popular size class has risen to 12 tonne-metres in recent years,” Pirhonen says.
The benefit of Z-cranes is their space-saving transport position. Pictured is the KESLA 2212Z with a Vision cabin.
For Z-cranes, too, the most popular size class is 12 tonne-metre cranes.