Abstract: Components and systems for a flexible tensioning member for construction equipment. A tensioning member is comprised of a fiber having a specific tensile strength greater than 1,000 kilonewton meters per kilogram. The tensioning member connects two components and has an attachment allowing the tensioning member to flex relative to a component. The attachment may provide a system for connecting multiple tensioning members.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.

Abstract: A compressible stop for use in a crane has a housing, a rod slidably mounted within the housing, a floating piston, and a valve assembly. The floating piston divides the housing into a gas portion biasing the floating piston towards an end of the housing and a liquid portion containing a hydraulic fluid. The valve assembly divides the liquid portion into a support portion and a reserve portion. The valve assembly includes a check valve allowing a liquid to flow from the reserve portion into the support portion, a pressure sensitive valve inhibiting the liquid from flowing from the support portion into the reserve portion unless the pressure is above a threshold pressure, and a frangible divider configured to rupture when the liquid pressure exceeds a rupture pressure.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight unit is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.

Abstract: A method for calculating a crane capacity for a crane having a variable position counterweight at a locked position includes determining a boom combination and determining a maximum capacity at a hook position for the boom combination. A maximum target value for an operating condition dependent on a balance of the crane is determined. An indication of the locked counterweight position is received. At least one new target value for the operating condition dependent on the balance of the crane between the variable position counterweight at the locked counterweight position is established. A new capacity of the crane is calculated by decrementing the maximum capacity of the crane proportionally to a difference in the maximum target value and the at least one new target value. Cranes and crane control systems employing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intermediate suspension connection column segment designed for use in constructing a column which is supported by a suspension that includes a first end having a first connection configured to connect to a first adjacent column segment; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second connection configured to connect to a second adjacent column segment; and an intermediate suspension connection between the first connection and the second connection, the intermediate suspension connection configured to couple an intermediate suspension between the suspension and the column.

Abstract: A system and method for retaining a linear actuator on a crane component such as a mast is disclosed. In the system a retaining mechanism is mounted on either a body of the linear actuator or the crane component and a catch is mounted to the other of the body or the crane component. Retraction of a rod of the linear actuator causes a cap on the rod to contact the retaining mechanism, which causes the retaining mechanism to move into a latched configuration securing the linear actuator.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. At least one auxiliary member includes a counterweight pad that is configured to not touch the ground during a pick, move, and set operation. A linear actuator is configured to adjust a distance that the counterweight pad is above the ground.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit includes a trolley, the counterweight unit being in a movable relationship with respect to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. Other embodiments include a counterweight support beam movably connected to the rotating bed, the counterweight support beam including another rack coupled to a lower surface of the counterweight support beam. A counterweight support beam movement device is connected between the counterweight support beam and the counterweight support frame.