The Crane of the Year 2004-2005 award winners were announced by Germany's premier crane and heavy transport magazine, Kran & Schwertransport. The Tadano Faun ATF 80-4 was judged winner of its 4-Axle Crane class while the Tadano Faun ATF 160-G5 took the honours in the 5-Axle Crane category.

Developed at Tadano's European manufacturing base, Tadano Faun in Germany, the awarded Tadano Faun ATF 80-4 and the 160-G5 both represent the engineering excellence of the Tadano name built on incredibly capable all-terrain platforms.

Tadano Faun ATF 80-4
The ATF 80-4 all-terrain truck carrier is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 6 cylinder water-cooled diesel engine that delivers 315KW (428hp) at 1800rpm. At a respectable road speed of 78kph fully loaded, the ATF 80-4 delivers a smooth car-like ride thanks to the hydro-pneumatic suspension.

The crane superstructure draws power from a 4 cylinder 125KW (170hp) Mercedes diesel engine boasting 660Nm of torque at 1200rpm. The ATF 80-4 has a boom extension of 48 metres with an operating range of -2° to +80°.

Comprising one base arm and five telescopic sections, the Tadano Faun ATF series crane booms have an extension system like no other. Utilising a double-acting, single-stage hydraulic cylinder, the ATF 80-4 boom can be fully deployed without the use of any cables or chains in approximately 55 seconds.

Tadano Faun ATF 160G-5
The larger model ATF 160G-5 features all the engineering benefits of the ATF 80-4 including Tadano's boom extension system and effortless speed and movement control but on a more powerful scale. Mercedes Benz 8 cylinder (517hp) and 6 cylinder (184hp) diesel engines power the carrier and crane structure, respectively. The boom extends from 13.2m to 60m by way of a three circuit diesel hydraulic system with one double and one axial piston pump.

Tadano's renowned joystick four-piston cross-shift levers and four electronically pre-controlled three-way valves enable simultaneous and independent crane movements with seamless speed control.

James Equipment
Exclusive Australian Distributor For Tadano

James Equipment is proud to be associated with the world leader in crane design and manufacturing innovation that consistently puts consumer needs at the forefront of business development.

"Tadano offers the global market a premium range of hydraulic crane products that are developed using advanced electronic design and hydraulic engineering technologies along with an intensive research and development testing program," said Brendan James.

The outcome is a market leading range of Tadano cranes respected for their manoeuvrability, operator comfort, safety, electrical sophistication and, above all, reliability. Tadano Cranes are sold in over 90 countries worldwide and their industry leading warranty and parts support makes the Tadano brand a formidable opponent in any competition.

"James Equipment has built its reputation on delivering to the Australian market a premium range of new or fully-refurbished cranes from our established network of international suppliers."

"Our commitment to customer satisfaction and support stands alongside the reputation of Tadano and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the world's most innovative and dedicated crane manufacturer," Brendan James concluded.

For further information on this story contact:

Brendan James
Managing Director, James Equipment
Tel (03) 9369 6823
Fax (03) 9369 1777
Email info@jamesequipment.com.au