Release of four new models of rough terrain crane to global markets

Following are the outlines of the four new models of rough terrain crane which we will put together on the market for export.

1.Models:
GR-800EX GR-600EX GR-500EX GR-300EX for general export models.

GR-1000XL GR-750XL GR-550XL GR-350XL for North America and South America models.
(But, The some parts specification of South America models is different from North America models.)

2.Concept of product development
As you may know, the ratio of our overseas sales to total sales is on the increase year by year. Among all those product types, our flagship rough terrain models account for approx. 30% of the world market share (based on our investigation conducted in 2010) because of exceptionally low running costs. To secure a further competitive advantage in the market we have developed the above four new models provided with remarkably improved machine performance and also with environment-friendly new systems, in addition to maintaining the level of high-quality products along with their exceptionally low running costs which our customers high evaluate.

3.Market
These new cranes are expected to display their capability, among many other things, in the sector of energy [mainly in Canada, North America, Middle East and Russia] as well as in the sector of mineral resources (for mining) [mainly in South America, Australia, South Africa and Russia] where the utmost requirements will be the supply of high-quality and yet durable products with low running cost as well as how to respond to environmental issues in terms of machine operation. Furthermore, for Russia in particular, our product development is currently underway to enable machines provided with cold-resistant structure and equipment to operate at 40°C below zero as well as to meet specific requirements from the viewpoint of the specifications. In addition, in the light of the energy-related or mining work site being distant from the location of our distributors or service facilities, we have arranged that these new models be equipped as standard with satellite communications systems or mobile communications system in vehicles by making use of our information gathering functions for ease of checking and managing machines on the part of customer (Crane Owner). Thus, we are confident that these new models of rough terrain crane will meet customers’ specification needs to their satisfaction.

4.Primary features

(1) Maximum boom capacity in their respective classes
The new models except the GR-300EX adopt a rounded boom structure made of lightweight high-strength and yet high tensile steel. The all four models particularly boast of the longest boom in their respective classes as well as their excellent lifting capacities, thus creating vast work space.

(2) Environmental issues duly taken into account
As a means to deal with environmental issues, the four new models are provided with newly developed environment-friendly function such as fuel monitor system and eco-mode system (fuel consumption reduction by adjusting an engine speed during crane operation) including a positive control system (fuel consumption reduction by restricting hydraulic pump displacement at the time of engine idling) which has already been made available for our Japan domestic rough terrain cranes. Thus, we will be the first to introduce our eco-friendly products to the large-size rough terrain crane market of the world ahead of competitors in this sector.

(3) Safety device of proven reliability
The newly developed AML monitoring system provides improved machine operability and visibility, and the AML (Automatic Moment Limiter) adopts a system to disable the emergency release function for safety’s sake. In addition, the AML controls the asymmetric outrigger extension width to offer a maximum operational performance for each of the widths, the system of which has not yet been made available by our competitors. The performance and reliability of the latest model [AML-C] is already well proven in the Japan domestic market.

(4) Information communications system(Hello-Net Service)
The four new models are equipped as standard with the information communications system (Hello-Net Service) which enables customers to remotely check and manage operating date and a record of maintenance of their cranes over the Internet via a communications satellite. We are confident that this system will much assist our customers with their crane operation and management. (This system was introduced into our Japan domestic models released in 2008 onward.)

5.Main specification

Model for export	GR-800EX	GR-600EX	GR-500EX	GR-300EX
Max. Lifting capacity	80ton / 3.0m	60ton / 3.0m	50ton / 2.5m	30ton / 3.0m
Model for North America	GR-1000XL	GR-750XL	GR-550XL	GR-350XL
Max. Lifting capacity	90.7ton / 2.5m	68ton / 2.5m	50ton / 2.5m	31.8ton / 2.5m
Boom length	12.0m - 47.0m	11.0m - 43.0m	10.7m - 34.7m	9.7m - 31.0m
Jib length	10.1m , 17.7m	10.1m , 17.7m	8.8m , 15.2m	7.2m , 12.8m

Product photographs