Link-Belt 85 RT Rough-Terrain Crane To Debut At Customer-Focused CraneFest 2021 Event

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The new Link-Belt crane can be transported at less than 105,000 pounds with full counterweight or under 86,000 lbs with no counterweight. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

Link-Belt says it plans to introduce its new 85-ton (75-metric ton) 85 RT rough-terrain crane in late September at its CraneFest event at the company’s HQ in Lexington, Kentucky. The crane manufacturer will begin to deliver production units in the fourth quarter of this year.

“General contractors and fleet owners will appreciate the competitive chart and value this crane delivers, not to mention it transports under 105,000 pounds (47,627 kilograms) with full counterweight and under 86,000 lbs (39,008 kg) with no counterweight,” says Link-Belt Product Manager for Rough Terrain Cranes Brian Elkins. “This 85-ton was the next logical choice and really an easy decision for introduction following the 120 RT and 100 RT design.”

The Link-Belt 85 RT

The new 85 RT rough-terrain crane comes with a five-section, full-power telescopic boom that can extend from 38 to 142 feet (11.6 to 43.3 meters). An offset fly option can add a second load line for placing precast panels and other directionally sensitive components. The 9.5-ft (2.9-m) fly can reeve up to four parts of the line and has a lift capacity of 25 t (22.6 mt).

Another option is a 35- to 58-ft (10.7- to 17.7-m), two-piece SmartFly that is manually offsettable to 15, 30, and 45 degrees. A single operator can erect the SmartFly thanks to ground controls and a minimal need to work at height. A hydraulic cylinder and ramp release the SmartFly and return it to its stowed position.

The 85 RT’s matching set of main and auxiliary winches have a maximum speed of 485 ft (147.8 m) per minute and up to 18,603 pounds-force (82.8 kiloNewtons) of line pull. The crane also comes with a new counterweight removal system.

Like other Link-Belt rough-terrain cranes, the 85 RT has a flat deck that is easily accessible by the operator whatever the slew angle. All walking surfaces have non-slip paint and textures for safe footing.

Also, like its 75 RT brother, the new 85 RT uses a 270-horsepower (201-kilowatt), 6.7-liter, Tier 4 Final Cummins diesel engine and a six-speed transmission in its new drivetrain. The engine has swing-out access doors, and all oil and fuel filters are easy to reach.

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The 85-ton 85 RT rough-terrain crane has a full-power, telescopic boom that can extend up to 142 feet. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

A Comfortable Cabin

The new 85 RT’s high-visibility cab features Bluetooth device connectivity, interior lighting, an automotive heat and AC unit, and extra storage space. The cabin can tilt up to 20 degrees for visibility and operator comfort. The user operates the carrier with single-axis electronic joysticks from an ergonomic seat.

The crane comes with the Link-Belt Pulse 2.0 operating system and the Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities (V-CALC) feature. The latter supplies real-time, 360-degree load charts for an infinite number of variable outrigger configurations. The crane supports telematics for maintenance and asset management purposes, and iCraneTrax for fleet management and maintenance scheduling.

Lighting options for the new 85 RT include high-intensity LED work lights on the cab, the upper work platform, and on the left and forward right of the superstructure, as well as single, double, and remote-controlled floodlights for the boom. Camera options include heated rear-view, right-side swing, and winch cameras.

The 85 RT is wired with a 24-volt, modular Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system. Its five modules allow certain crane functions to operate while others are undergoing maintenance or diagnostics. Bulkheaded electrical components in the cabin allow for plug-and-play operation.