BOLOGNA, Italy, July 30 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Getting ahead on international ground requires enormous drive -- something that doesn't stop at the Terex(R) Bendini Rough Terrain Crane, but instead applies to the entire company as well. On the occasion of its 40th anniversary in the middle of June, Terex Italia extended an invitation to Bologna in order to celebrate the historical milestone for two days. Rick Nichols, President of Terex Cranes, and Marco Gentilini, General Manager of Terex Italia, welcomed customers and dealers from all around the world the first day. Meanwhile, the second day was aimed at suppliers, representatives of regional authorities, journalists, and team members and their families.
The first day centered on the exhibition area, which featured real-life product demonstrations right next to the "crane parade" (comprised of seven successful machines produced by Terex Bendini and Terex Demag). Among the highlights shown were the brand new Terex(R) Bendini RC 30, scheduled to start production in 2009; and the newly designed Terex(R) Bendini RC 60 as well as the crawler crane Terex(R) Bendini TCC 60. During the plant tours, Terex Italia provided detailed insights into its production processes -- from assembly, going through customer-specific customization, to final acceptance. The main focus throughout was on the subject of safety for team members and crane operators, as well as on the implementation of the Terex Business System, both of which were demonstrated in vital production steps.
Strong Synergies Behind Success
"As part of the third largest construction equipment manufacturer in the world, we profit enormously from the Terex Corporation's global presence," Marco Gentilini explained to guests during his presentation. In addition to its crane technology, Terex Italia was also able to showcase an extraordinary level of company growth. Production figures have increased constantly since Bendini became a part of Terex.
According to Gentilini, Terex Bendini profits from synergies inside the Terex Group on three levels:
Firstly, through the transfer of know-how in the areas of manufacture and crane technology, our customers can benefit from the expertise of Terex in other crane segments as well. Secondly, through the global and established distribution and service network, qualified advice on Terex(R) Bendini cranes can be found in even more places worldwide. Finally, the Terex Business System, which ensures quick and continuous process improvement on all business levels, and as a result leads to improvements in customer satisfaction as well.
The Bendini SpA company was founded in 1968. The product range includes lifting capacities from 30 to 60 tons, seven wheeled crane models, and three crawler crane models. "In the past, Bendini was an Italian crane manufacturer that concentrated mainly on the domestic market. Today, we export the majority of our products. Europe, Africa, and the Middle East belong to our main markets," adds Fabio Fenzi, Terex Italia Sales Director.
Continuity in Reliability and Operator Comfort
According to engineering manager Marco Busconi, continuous crane development, guided by the concept keywords of simplicity and reliability, has also been crucial for this success. Moreover, the Design Department operates according to a consistent platform strategy; as a result, models RC 30 and RC 34, as well as series RC 35 to RC 45, are all based on the same reliable and tested superstructure and carrier, while there is a high level of choice in the product range. Also, all models with a lifting capacity of up to 60 tons are equipped with the control technology and components necessary for the best possible operator comfort, including spacious panorama cabs, comfortable access ladders, comfort seats, and much more.
Terex(R) Bendini RC 30 -- Small and Powerful
The new Bendini RC 30, which will replace the A300, is a product that is closely linked to the history of Bendini. The crane was introduced to the market in 1985 (with a lifting capacity of 25 tons) as 25 Beta, and was later developed into the A300 (with a lifting capacity of 30 tons) in 1997. The new 30-ton machine provides a three-stage telescopic boom with a maximum hook height of 27.4 meters. The boom can be telescoped with a partial load. The basic version weighs 24 tons -- 11 in front and 13 on the rear -- with an extremely compact width of only 2550 millimeters. The necessary driving power is supplied by a turbocharged engine with 104 kW at 2200 U/min and a transmission with all-wheel drive and six forward and reverse gears. The engine complies with all Tier 3 requirements. Power steering can be comfortably switched to two or four steered wheels from the cab. The maximum speed varies between 34 and 36 km/h, depending on the wheel size.
Terex(R) Bendini RC 60 -- The New Flagship
Production for the Bendini RC 60, which is offered to customers as an additional alternative to the A600, has been running since the end of 2007. The 60-ton machine offers a remarkable lifting capacity across all load ranges, as well as a wide stabilizer base of 8 meters. When retracted, the boom is 10.3 meters long, and it can be extended up to a length of 40 meters, with a maximum hook height of 42.5 meters. T2, T3 and T4 (if extending chain is engaged) are telescoped proportionally; T1 independently. The boom's angle of inclination ranges from -1 to 78 degrees. The total weight is 41.4 tons, distributed with 18.5 tons in front and 23.5 tons on the rear. The outriggers can be extended simultaneously and can be operated either from the cab or from the ground. The machine features a six-cylinder engine with 164 kW at 2200 U/min and full compliance with all Tier 3 requirements. The transmission automatically switches on the all-wheel drive feature in creep mode. The maximum speed is 29 or 31 km/h, depending on the tire size.
Terex(R) Bendini TCC 60 -- Power on a Crawler
The TCC 60 crawler crane replaces the previous A600C. An important innovation in comparison to the A600 C is the crane's improved operational capability on uneven ground: The machine can pick up loads on surfaces with an angle of inclination ranging between 1 and 4 degrees.
This puts the crane on the same level as wheeled RT cranes, in which the crane truck is brought to a perpendicular position via the stabilizers. The 32.4 meter-long, four-stage telescopic boom allows T1 to be telescoped independently and T2 and T3 proportionally even when with a partial load. The machine's width is 6 meters, and its maximum lifting capacity can be achieved across all 360 degrees. Moving with a lateral load is also possible, which makes the crane a tremendously flexible machine and can reduce working times dramatically. Its 59-ton weight is distributed almost evenly between both sides. A six-cylinder engine with 164 kW at 2200 U/min powers the machine, which has a maximum speed of 3 km/h.
About Terex
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with 2007 net sales of more than $9.1 billion. Terex operates in five business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, Terex Materials Processing & Mining, and Terex Roadbuilding, Utility Products and Other. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries. Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information on Terex can be found at http://www.terex.com .
