Palfinger Crane Passion 11 2014

CRANEPASSION
THE MAGAZINE WITH A PASSION FOR CRANE TECHNOLOGY NO. 11 | 2014
PaLcom P7:
NEW CRANE CoNTRoL CoMBINEs
DEsIGN WITH PRECIsIoN RIGHT
DoWN To THE LAsT DETAIL
PROFILE ON PALFINGER
CUSTOMER GROSS:
INTELLIGENT CRANE TECHNO-
LOGY FOR RECOVERY FLEET
PAGE 12
LONG PARTNERSHIP:
GENERAL AGENCY
DOSTERT RELIES ON
PALFINGER
PAGE 14

Contents | CRANE Passion
08
PALcom P7
04 NEWS
News from the world of PALFINGER.
06 L-crane
PALFINGER will present the completely revamped
L-crane model series as a highlight at IAA.
07 P-Fold
A new assistance system enabling cranes to be
folded and unfolded in an automated fashion was
presented at the IAA.
11 Job report Hörmann
Hörmann is constructing halls
across Germany with a fleet of modern cranes.
12 Job report Gross
The Gross group, Europe's largest ADAC partner, is
placing its trust in intelligent crane technology for its
fleet of recovery and towing vehicles.
17 Mounting Competence Centre
The MCC has developed a standardised and
optimised compact crane assembly kit.
14
Dostert
Imprint:
Editor:
PALFINGER AG,
Franz-Wolfram-Scherer-Straße 24
A 5020 Salzburg/Austria
Telefon: +43 (0) 6 62/46 84-0
www.palfinger.com
18
International
Marketing:
Hubert Meschnark, Anita Edtbauer
Information for customers and partners
of PALFINGER
Text:
Peter Lukas, Michael Völker, Paul Göttl, Oliver Willms
Photos:
PALFINGER AG, Oliver Willms
Graphic:
Simone Strobel
Conception and implementation:
Paul Göttl, ETMservices, a division of ETM Verlag, Stuttgart
Publisher:
ETM Verlag, Handwerkstrasse 15, 70565 Stuttgart, www.etmservices.de
© by ETMservices 2014
2

ESEarcH
dEvELoPmENt
cuStomEr bENEFit
dEar PartNErS aNd FriENdS oF PaLFiNGEr!
standing still is like taking a step backwards – this is particularly applicable to companies that
aspire to be innovation leaders. We measure ourselves against this aspiration. The latest example is
the PALcom P7, the entirely newly developed crane remote control for our loader cranes. our
primary aim was to make this link between human and machine so simple and intuitive that it
makes our customers' work even easier. In the end, the PALFINGER development department
worked together with external experts, research institutes and practical workers. You can read
about what the PALcom P7 can do, what ideas guided us during development and what our
customers have to say in our cover story from page 8 onwards.
"Ateliers mécaniques Dostert", our primary importer in Luxembourg, has been closely linked to
PALFINGER for 40 years. since the early days, owner Franz Dostert has sworn by the products from
salzburg – partly due to the fact that PALFINGER is a technological leader. A nice compliment for
us from a long-standing partner. You can read about what else links Dostert and PALFINGER in our
portrait from page 15 onwards.
of course, PALFINGER makes its expertise available worldwide. With lifting solutions tailored to the
country and use in question, our aim is to make our customers' work even more cost-effective and
simple. More than 4,500 sales and service support points in over 130 countries spread across all
continents ensure that we are always close to our customers. Current examples of how our
products are used around the world can be found from page 18 onwards. But you can also reach us
on the Internet, at any time and from anywhere in the world. our activities in this area are
summarised for you on page 5.
I hope that reading CRANE PAssIoN provides you with plenty of ideas for your work.
Wolfgang Pilz (CMo)
3

NEWS | CRANE Passion
Recognising
quality
Assembly training for the sales team
UNDER THE SLOGAN "Recognising quality", the
majority of the sales team took advantage of the
opportunity to witness first-hand the individual
steps involved in the production of our PALFINGER
cranes. For a whole week, we swapped theory for
practice and assumed the role of an assembly operator.
Following a general introductory training
session led by training officer Paul Grubits, we
were immediately faced with the task of assembling
the extension boom system. Under the expert
eyes of the assembly team, we had the opportunity
to look at and assemble the many detailed
solutions and quality characteristics. "It's a perfect
opportunity to gain an understanding of the
quality that goes into each and every component
of a PALFINGER crane. That will undoubtedly help
us in our day-to-day dealings with customers,"
says Bernhard Kletzl, a member of the sales team.
From the assembly of extension booms, control
valves and knuckle booms to the "marriage" (connection
of the arm assembly to the base), as well
as the electronic assembly and inspection of the
crane, we were able to witness the entire process
involved in the crane manufacture, first hand.
PALFINGER awarded "Green Brands"
PALFINGER is the first company in Austria to be awarded the "Green Brands Austria 2014/15" seal for its commitment to sustainability
and the conservation of resources. Green Brands is an independent international organisation based in Ireland. Following a three-stage
awarding process carried out by the Green Brands organisation, Herbert Ortner, CEO of PALFINGER AG, had the honour of receiving the
award. "We have invested a great deal in making our entire value chain eco-efficient over recent years and intend to carry on optimising it.
We are proud to be a Green Brand," said Ortner when he was presented with the seal. Any company that wishes to receive the quality seal
needs to practise environmental sustainability and live by this both inwardly and outwardly. The following measures implemented by
PALFINGER were just some of those that played a key role in the decision:
• Use of (environmental) management systems at manufacturing and assembly locations
• Preparation of internal energy saving guidelines
• Use of painting systems with water-based or high-solid solvent-based paints
• Regular analysis and ongoing improvement of energy consumption
• Use of waste optimisation programmes
• Reduction of hazardous waste
• Promotion of products for environmental and social purposes and sustainable products
and equipment such as the PALFINGER Hybrid
4

StabLE aNd
oPErator-FriENdLy
iN ordEr to ENSurE optimum lifting capacity combined with perfect highperformance
stability control for cranes between four and twelve metre tonnes,
PALFINGER has put together a special offer: PALpackage Comfort.
A total of 16 crane models from PK 4501 to PK 12502 sH can be equipped with
this system. The package includes the intelligent HPsC (high-performance
stability control) system and a halogen work light. The HPsC system ensures
maximum utilisation of the crane's lifting capacity at every point on the stability
control curve. Fully variable stabiliser positioning ensures operation even in difficult
conditions. The halogen work light provides the operator with a clear view,
even in poor light conditions. You can find out what else the PALpackage Comfort
can do from the details given on the back of this issue of Crane Passion, or
you can find further information on our homepage at www.palfinger.com.
PaLFiNGEr at tHE iaa
at tHiS yEar'S iaa, PALFINGER will present a wide range of
innovations at its stand in Hall 26, D16, and in the K44 outdoor
exhibition area. In addition to a large
number of solutions for industries
such as the construction sector and Zukunft bewegen
forestry, PALFINGER will also unveil
several product firsts. It's well worth a
visit – anyone who is unable to attend
will find a description of the highlights
on the next pages.
25. SEPTEMBER – 02. OKTOBER 2014
HANNOVER
PALFINGER oNLINE
PaLcom P7 coNtroLS raciNG truck
The truck racing driver Jochen Hahn, the new
PALcom P7 crane control and a young boy are the
stars of a new viral video that has appeared on You-
Tube and can be viewed at www.palfinger.com. In
this short tongue-in-cheek video that is well worth a
watch, the boy is playing with a remote control model
racing truck. Jochen Hahn suddenly appears with
a real racing truck weighing in at five tonnes with
1,200 hp – and
controls it using
the PALcom P7.
The scene takes
an exciting twist,
but we won't
give too much
away here. Tip from the editorial team: make sure
you watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/user/
PALFINGERAG and enjoy.
cHooSiNG a craNE ovEr tHE iNtErNEt
The new Loader Crane Finder on PALFINGER's website
makes choosing a crane child's play: Customers
start by selecting their industry and then enter the
load they want to lift and in what range. The
PALFINGER Loader Crane Finder then displays the
models that meet the customer's requirements. This
platform also allows customers to compare technical
data and select additional equipment. As soon as
a selection has been made, the local dealer will
receive a non-binding information request.
youtubE cHaNNEL WitH uSEr vaLuE
PALFINGER's YouTube channels provide users with
useful clips: As well as product presentations and
trade fair images, the channels also include image
videos and animations. The PALFINGER AG product
channel is the main channel (www.youtube.com/
PALFINGERAG), and there are also channels for different
countries. It's definitely worth taking a look.
PLaNt viSit From tHE comFort
oF your dESk
The virtual plant tour provides an innovative example
of how the Internet can be used. Here, viewers
can see the precision and meticulous care that go
into creating the innovation leader's products.
PALFINGER plants can be visited online via the
homepage at http://virtualtour.palfinger.com. The
tour gives visitors an in-depth look behind the
scenes. Users will find a detailed presentation of
worldwide production facilities and product groups
as well as hot spot videos on modern, innovative production
methods, points of interest and other additional
information. A virtual tour is also possible in
selected plants, where users can take a look around
the entire plant. Further content is added to the tool
on an ongoing basis – particularly hot spot videos.
5

L-CRANe
| CRANE Passion
PALFINGER L-crane series
The best
BECOMES
even better
PALFINGER will unveil another highlight at IAA in the form of the completely redesigned L-crane
model series. The new generation offers impressive performance capacity and ergonomics.
Improved working
conditions:
the top seat models
have an ergonomically
designed seat from
which the operator
can see the entire
working area.
PALFINGER
is demonstrating
the fine art of
making an outstanding
product even better with the new
generation of the brick and block
crane series. The new models will
make their début at IAA 2014 in
Hanover.
The L-crane series has already gone beyond its competitors
in the rear-mounted brick and block crane segment.
Features such as the 440˚ tiltable range and an
excellent loading height set the crane models in this
series apart.
The advantages of the new all-rounder for demanding
loading and supply operations on the construction site
include its ease of servicing. The entire slewing mechanism
runs through an oil bath right up to the head bearing,
ensuring permanent lubrication. Therefore extensive
maintenance of the lubrication system is no longer necessary.
The new internal hose routing system also saves on
operating costs. The protected installation of hydraulic
hoses prevents damage and allows for compact set-up
dimensions.
The new L-series offers improved working conditions for
crane operators as well. The top seat models offer an
ergonomically designed top seat and a new joystick
control. The redesigned workstation allows operators to
work in a relaxed environment over a longer period of time
and provides a perfect view of the entire working area.
The workstation can be equipped with a weatherproof
roof and an LED or halogen work light if required.
A Danfoss control valve is available as an optional extra,
which enables manifold controllability and optimised
working.
The lifting moment is up to 15% higher than previous
models while the crane weight is virtually the same,
which improves the performance capacity of the new
L-crane series. This has extended the working range of
the crane and actively helps to ensure economically
viable operation.
The performance range of the four new L-crane types
extends from the PK 20501 L with 19.7 metre tonnes and
the PK 22001 L with 21.8 metre tonnes of lifting moment
– each with a maximum range of 13.7 metres – to the
PK 23001 L with 22.9 metre tonnes and the PK 26001 L
with 25.3 metre tonnes of lifting moment – each with a
maximum range of 16.2 metres. The PK 22001 L and
PK 26001 L are both equipped with S-HPLS technology
and are supplied with the new PALcom P7 remote
control.
6

CRANE Passion | P-Fold
Perfectly
set up
with fingertip movement
With the P-Fold assistance
system, another product
innovation from PALFINGER
will celebrate its world premiere
at IAA 2014. Cranes can be
folded and unfolded easily by
using the P-Fold.
Comfort, safety and efficiency – PALFINGER
offers these strengths with the new PALcom P7 loader
crane remote control. As an additional function of the
PALcom P7, PALFINGER is launching the new P-Fold
assistance system on the market exclusively for all cranes
in the SH model series, from the PK 42002 SH to the
flagship PK 200002 L SH.
The crane operator activates P-Fold using the PALcom P7
operating menu. After the assistance system is activated,
the crane is set in motion by moving just one control lever.
The intelligent P-Fold controls take over coordination of
the crane movements until a defined working position is
reached.
After operation has ended, the crane can be folded down
from any working position. P-Fold then takes over coordination
of all crane movements again and controls the
additional foldable knuckle boom and rope winch as
well. The operator controls the innovative system with just
one control lever while the crane is folded down fully. Of
course, the P-Fold system also works together with the
new RTC (Rope Tension Control) system. Both systems
perfectly support the crane's set-up processes. This
reduces set-up times to a minimum and prevents damage
to the vehicle, load, rope and surrounding area.
In addition to the significant increase in operator comfort
and the prevention of costly damage, the new assistance
system significantly reduces the crane's set-up times.
This conserves valuable working and service life, which
directly benefits the productivity of PALFINGER cranes.
The P-Fold assistance system offers a unique method of
operation and will be launched on the market for all
SH cranes from PK 42002 SH to PK 200002 L SH in
combination with the new PALcom P7 remote control at
the end of 2014.
P-Fold:
the controls take over coordination of
the crane movements until a defined
working position is reached.

PaLcom P7
PrEmiErE
HumaN aNd macHiNE
bEcomE oNE
The PALFINGER loader crane radio remote
control PALcom P7 is an entirely new
development that combines the highest
level of operator-friendliness, safety and
working efficiency with innovative design.

PErFEct Form For
PErFEct FuNctioN
CRANE PAssIoN | PaLcom P7
The design of the new PALcom P7 crane remote control
from the team of designers at formquadrat constitutes a
highlight for a range of industries. As the most important link
between crane and operator, the control requires ergonomics
and intuitive usability to be as close to perfect as possible.
"The goal will only be achieved when the user and control
merge together to become one and the control functions
as an extended arm for the operator," explains formquadrat
CEo and Chief Designer Mario Zeppetzauer.
The designers focused on the intuitive operation of the new
PALdrive rotary push switch and ergonomically shaped control
lever in order to achieve this. Circumferential lines in a
red-and-black PALFINGER design characterise the styling.
The "running boards" on the base bring out the control's
robust construction.
ELEctroNic maStErPiEcE:
the perfect industrial design of
the new palcom p7 remote control
comBines optimum ergonomics with
modern, intuitive operating logic.
aS tHE moSt imPortaNt link between the operator
and crane, the crane remote control takes on a central
role when it comes to loading or assembly work. With the
innovative PALcom P7 loader crane radio remote control,
PALFINGER is setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Maximum ergonomics for precise, fatigue-free working is
just as much a development objective as easy readability
of information and a long battery life. Working together
with external experts, research institutes and crane operators,
the PALFINGER development department took a
leading role in designing a completely new type of radio
remote control that is perfectly suited to loader cranes.
This allows the clearly structured display to inform operators
about all important operating conditions during each
work step. The operator is not distracted from operating
the crane. Furthermore, the hand rests and layout of the
control levers are carefully chosen to enable fatigue-free
work.
When it came to the key task of designing the operating
elements, the ambitious development team specifically
explored a new approach. For example, the control ergonomics
are consciously based on intuitive use by the operator,
thereby ensuring maximum operational safety
even over long working times. As a result, the key functions
can virtually be operated "while blindfolded" after a
brief training period. The centrally located "PALdrive"
control knob constitutes a further highlight of the new
PALFINGER PALcom P7. The control element, known
from luxury-class cars, and the intuitive menu with a clear
graphic design ensure particularly easy and safe operation.
This sees a central 4.1-inch TFT colour display with transflective
technology used in the new PALcom P7 for the
first time in the crane sector.
„
the neW crane controL From
PaLFinger has been rigorousLy
designed to imProve ergonomics
in many PrototyPe stePs. the
chaLLenge Was to combine oPerating
eLements, ergonomics and
saFety With a stand-aLone design
scheme.
“
mario zEPPEtzauEr, cEo oF
Formquadrat GmbH, LiNz
9

oNEPaLcom
PaLcom P7 | CRANE PAssIoN
HumaN
aNd
macHiNE
bEcomE
New and innovative safety concepts were integrated during
the development of the PALcom P7 radio remote control.
safety features such as rollover and acceleration
sensors prevent unintentional crane movements. operational
safety is the key focus at all times. For example, if
the control handset exceeds a certain inclination angle or
the radio console falls to the ground, the function of the
control lever is deactivated.
With the new PALcom P7, PALFINGER is exploring a new
approach in terms of energy management as well. Before
quick charging, the in telligent charging station checks the
charge state, need for refreshment and the temperature
of the batteries. From all of this information, the charging
device inputs the optimum charging current. This provides
a sustained increase to the service life of the batteries
over the long term. Reduced power consumption enables
the PALcom P7 to run for up to twelve hours in
continuous operation without recharging, making unproductive
battery charging breaks a thing of the past. The
innovations of the PALFINGER PALcom P7 span all areas
relating to the interaction between humans and machines.
Two ergonomically optimised strap systems with a
diagonal or waist belt and large areas of padding ensure
the highest level of wearing comfort, even over long periods
of operation.
The perfect balance between further optimised intuitive
control, clear communication of information and maximum
operator comfort sets a new benchmark for crane
remote controls with the PALcom P7. Crane operators
therefore reap the benefits of a sustained workload reduction,
maximum safety and a longer battery life.
PaLcom
„
„
„
in terms oF oPeration and
Wearing comFort, i am 100%
haPPy With the PaLcom P7.
“
maXimiLiaN rEitEr, 24, craNE oPErator,
drivES aN mb actroS 2646 WitH a Pk 34002 SH
aNd WorkS at bErGEr bau- uNd iNduStriEbEdarF
GmbH, trauNStEiN.
the neW PaLcom P7 Provides
cLear Feedback that is easy
to understand When aP-
Proaching the Limits With
the crane.
“
markuS moLL, 40, cEo moLL traNSPortE,
GiNGEN/FiLS, traNSPortS traNSFormErS,
cabLE drumS aNd SyStEm comPoNENtS
For tHE ENErGy iNduStry WitH a
ScaNia r500 WitH Pk 34002 SH.
changing to the neW PaLcom
P7 didn't reQuire any sPeciaL
adJustment For me. aLL oPerating
eLements are Positioned
Where they beLong.
“
micHaEL GutiErrEz, 24, traNSPortS
coNStructioN matEriaLS aNd PaLLEt
GoodS WitH HiS maN aNd Pk 34002 SH
For tHE comPaNy bauWarEN maHLEr,
auGSburG.
I have been working with the PALcom P7 for a good two weeks now and am
very pleased with it. Changing from the conventional remote control to the
new PALcom remote control constitutes a huge step forward. Even though I
only recently became acquainted with the new remote control, I can perform
most commands intuitively without looking at the device. The grip and positioning
of the lever have been perfectly designed. I really like the graphic
menu – you can understand the symbols instantly. It's really self-explanatory.
The backlighting on the display means I can read the information easily in any
light. The device also offers a significant improvement in wearing comfort
compared with my old remote control. I truly am 100% happy with the new
device.
The ergonomics of the new crane control are fantastic! I am familiar with the
rotary control knob from my car. I absolutely love using it to control the crane
– it has a true luxury-class feel to it. After only a few days of using it, I have really
got the hang of operating the control. The new display is very easy to read.
Here, I can see the current load and stabilizer conditions on the display. This
is extremely important when approaching the lifting capacity levels.The
backlighting is an excellent feature in our field of work, which often requires
the power to be switched off during assembly. The sensitive control and good
modulation of the PALcom P7 makes working with our heavy and expensive
loads a great deal easier. The wearing comfort is perfect. If I don't need the
remote control, I simply swivel the waist strap around so it sits against my
back.
After using the new PALFINGER remote control for almost three months,
I don't have a bad word to say about it. Changing from the former control
wasn't a big adjustment for me. The new rotary knob in the centre improves
operation during use. I like the display of capacity utilisation and stabilization
width in percentages as well as the direct menu access. The control is extremely
sensitive, which is very important for us when lifting pallets of plasterboard
to the third floor, for example. Thanks to the diagonal strap, wearing the
remote control remains comfortable even over longer periods. And there is
every reason to be extremely pleased with the long battery life.
10

CRANE Passion | Job Report Hörmann
Reaching new
heights
With PALFINGER assembly cranes
Family business Rudolf Hörmann GmbH, based in Buchloe,
Allgäu, is constructing more than 740 commercial, barn and
storage halls across Germany. A fleet of modern PALFINGER
cranes is completing the skilled on-site construction work
right on schedule.
CONSTRUCTING HALLS WITH
HYDRAULIC ASSISTANCE:
HÖRMANN ASSEMBLY OPERATOR SIGI
KIRCHNER SWEARS BY DAILY USE OF
HIS PALFINGER PK 92002 SH ON
FOUR-AXLE MAN CHASSIS.
Both the people and machines at Hörmann, one of Germany's leading hall
construction companies, have to work with maximum flexibility. "Each hall is
unique," reports Thomas Novacek, 47, head of the Timber Construction and
Assembly divisions in the company with 650 employees. The hardworking
Allgäu employees receive dynamic assistancefrom their fleet of PALFINGER
cranes. A total of 13 assembly cranes, some of which are mounted on three
axle, four axle or semi-trailer tractors, are taking on a leading role in the construction
of approximately 740 halls this year.
The new flagship of the Hörmann fleet, a PALFINGER PK 92002 SH, is mounted
on a four-axle MAN chassis that has been specially modified for cranes.
Altogether, 480 hp, a hydraulic drive for the second steering axle and an
additional auxiliary frame to hold a hydraulic stabilizer system with a loadbearing
capacity of 30 tonnes on the front of the vehicle make the heavy MAN
a high-tech substructure for PALFINGER that can be used universally. For example,
the heavy assembly crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 30 tonnes
and electronic high-performance stability control can also slew over the front
of the vehicle – a truly major advantage that time and again proves beneficial,
particularly in confined spaces on rural construction sites.
"Unbelievably simple and extremely sensitive," says Bavarian hall assembly
operator Sigi Kirchner, 42, praising his hydraulic assistant mounted on the
back of the heavy four-axle MAN chassis. In just five days, he and his colleagues
will place a complete hall extension on the foundations. Narrow access
roads, unpaved surfaces and extremely confined working spaces often
placed the highest demands on the assembly team and crane.
„
We have been working with PALFINGER
assembly cranes since 1994. We believe
that PALFINGER is the best brand on the
market for day-to-day operation as well
as maintenance, spare parts service and
value retention.
“
Thomas Novacek, head of the Timber Construction and
Assembly divisions at Rudolf Hörmann GmbH, Buchloe
From unloading the materials and preparing for construction to building the
hall and assembling solar elements on the roof, the premium products from
Austria operated non-stop. "The sensitive control, the electronic active oscillation
suppression system, the continuous slewing system and the fly-jib or overstretchable
knuckle boom fitted on the vehicle perfectly suit our requirements,"
praises Thomas Novacek. In addition, reliability, the closely integrated
service network extending to the swift repair service at the
construction site and ultimately the resale value all cast a
positive light on the Bavarian-Austrian liaison.
11

The Company Gross | CRANE Passion
„
I simply can't afford to use simplistic
technology. For us, PALFINGER is the
non plus ultra when it comes to
loading devices!
“
Rainer Petermann, CEO of the Gross
group from Köngen near Stuttgart
Great
business
With PALFINGER
Europe's largest ADAC partner, the Swabian Gross group, is placing its full
trust in intelligent crane technology from PALFINGER to ensure its fleet of
recovery and breakdown vehicles can lift gently and effectively.
The lifting work in vehicle recovery and
transport business must be performed gently and quickly.
The sensitivity of the hook is important to clear blocked
roads as quickly as possible on the one hand, and to avoid
putting people and the expensive vehicles being used in
danger on the other. Headquartered in Köngen, the
Swabian Gross group swears by the innovative, robust
technology of PALFINGER cranes for this reason for its
35 tow and recovery trucks.
The Gross fleet of recovery vehicles is in operation
throughout Europe around the clock, 365 days a year.
As an established technology expert, CEO Rainer
Petermann chose PALFINGER to be the partner company.
"Once I have been won over by a service, then I stick
with it!" says the 52-year-old Gross CEO, describing the
structure of the high-quality vehicle fleet. "PALFINGER
and vehicle body manufacturer TBZ are simply the perfect
combination for us," explains the consummate businessman,
summarising his many years of experience
with countless competitor products. The Austrian premium
products had the edge over the competition not
only in terms of technical implementation but also for
spare parts supply, service and sales advice. Bruno
Nocce, financial expert and member of the management
team at Gross, attests that the reliability in 24-hour
operation as well as the zero external damage rate for
vehicle transportation and the later resale value all clearly
put PALFINGER cranes on top. And it makes sense to
opt for the best product instead of a simply good one in
economic terms as well. The somewhat higher acquisition
costs for the top-class product are amortised
several times over throughout the vehicle's entire
service life. For the practical workers in the Gross group,
working with a PALFINGER crane every day constitutes
an essential component of their success. Recovery truck
driver Patrick Wälde summarises the benefits of his
PALFINGER PK 17500 T. "The intuitive control plays a
major role in ensuring the successful transportation of
cars." For example, even vehicles positioned directly
behind the vehicle platform can be optimally lifted
without swinging. "The extremely sensitive response is
extremely important if a car has to be lifted on from a
confined space using a vehicle recovery yoke!"
Many detailed solutions cast positive light on modern
PALFINGER cranes. For example, the cylinder attached to
the side of the main boom often provides those crucial
extra centimetres when working in confined spaces.
What's more, the response behaviour is optimal straight
away even after a frosty night. "It's clear that PALFINGER
puts a great deal of consideration into operation and
makes use of its consolidated expertise," says Daniel
Beyersdorf, manager of the Gross fleet of cranes and
recognised vehicle recovery expert, praising the characteristics
of the Austrian quality product.
After the last third-party product was taken out of service,
the Gross fleet now rolls out for operation with only
PALFINGER cranes. CEO Rainer Petermann continues to
place his trust in the company's technical expertise and
remains loyal to the best products. When it comes to
cranes, the clever businessman is certain that he has
found a partner for life in PALFINGER.
12

The Gross group:
everything for cars
Thanks to Swabian diligence and perseverance, the filling
station business with a metalworking shop founded
in 1953 by Karl Gross has evolved over three generations
of owners to become a successful group of companies
comprising more than 50 divisions, 400 employees
at 31 locations and 320 trucks. This makes Gross the
most important ADAC partner company in Europe and
sees it take on a wide range of transport tasks on behalf
of the Daimler Group, including the transportation of
prototypes, test vehicles and vintage cars for the museum
by truck. The slogan of the bustling Swabian company,
"We do everything for cars", is perfectly fitting.
SWEARING BY THE PALFINGER
BRAND ALONE: GROSS CEO
RAINER PETERMANN (LEFT) AND
MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT
TEAM BRUNO NOCE.

atELiEr
mÉcaNiquES
doStErt
a comPaNy carEEr cLoSELy
LiNkEd WitH PaLFiNGEr
Ateliers mécaniques Dostert has served as primary importer of PALFINGER
products in Luxembourg for 40 years – a success story written by a tradition
of innovation.

CRANE Passion | Dostert
LUXEMBOURG TECHNOLOGY TEMPLE:
THE NEW DOSTERT COMPANY PREMISES FROM
FRANZ DOSTERT OFFERS LOTS OF SPACE FOR SERVICE,
SALES AND MODIFICATION. THE EXTENSIVE SPART
PARTS WAREHOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE UNDER-
GROUND HALL.
For Franz Dostert, true meaning has just
been given to the ancient Greek philosophical
saying "everything flows". Special hydraulic
solutions define his working life, which has
closely linked him to PALFINGER for 40 years
now. Ever since his childhood, the Director of
the family business Ateliers mécaniques Dostert
has been acquainted with the mechanical
and hydraulic business of his family.
So it's no surprise that the likeable company
boss enthusiastically got to work as a qualified
journeyman at the designer's desk and
workbench in the historical workshop building
located in Hunsdorf, a small town of 8,000 residents, when he
was just 16 years old. At the young age of 21, he took over management
of the company from his uncle who had fallen ill, and this was
the year that the first PALFINGER crane made its entrance.
Franz Dostert can still remember his first rendezvous with the Austrian
crane very well. The extremely talented mechanics expert immediately
recognised the technical finesse of the first PALFINGER
crane and has since served as primary importer
of the Austrian products for Luxembourg, which
currently has a population of around 500,000. In
the beginning, five to six cranes were distributed
to the customers each year, whereas now around
35 PALFNGER cranes, numerous truck-mounted
forklifts and hookloaders leave the historic
halls in Rue Franz Dostert.
Together with his son and Junior Director
Charles, 35, Franz Dostert also deals with special
customer requirements, modifications and chassis
adaptations. PALFINGER has always been the
designated partner of choice for the 61-year-old
company Director. He believes that the Austrian-Luxembourgish alliance
is unbeatable, in terms of both the technology and people.
"The global PALFINGER family is unique. There is a genuine friendship
among the dealers – it's not all just about the shareholder
value!" says Franz Dostert, affirming the values of the long-standing
alliance.
Making an appearance at the EMEA Sales Conference in Luxembourg
A partnership now stretching over 40 years links PALFINGER to
our Luxembourg dealer Franz Dostert. Together with the fact that
the Dostert company moved into a new building this year and
that PALFINGER was optimally branded in a lighthouse project at
the same time, this was reason enough to make an appearance
at the 2014 EMEA Sales Conference in Luxembourg.
The opening ceremony for the new Franz Dostert workshop was
without doubt the emotional highlight of the event. In addition to
a heartfelt speech given by Management Board member Wolfgang
Pilz, old friends and employees gave their congratulations
on the anniversary in the form of video messages. Hannes Palfinger
and Management Board member Martin Zehnder were also
among the well-wishers in the cheerful audience. Of course,
alongside this icebreaker on the agenda, the three days of the
event also offered a wealth of content and provided the invited
dealers with current information about the markets, marketing
activities, dealer standards and service projects as well as all relevant
information for crane, hookloader, MBB and Epsilon products.
Following an extremely compact and informative agenda, a
social evening event in Luxembourg old town, a fantastic and
above all productive event drew to a close in style.
PALFINGER FAMILY MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN LUXEMBOURG:
(From left to right) Martin Zehnder, Wolfgang PilZ,
Hubert Meschnark, Hannes Palfinger, Franz Dostert,
Felix Strohbichler.
15

doStErt | CRANE PAssIoN
„
essentiaLLy, We do things that
others can't. there is no such
Word as "can't" at our comPany.
hydrauLics even characterise
our thoughts!
“
FraNz doStErt, dirEctor oF atELiErS mÉcaNiquES
doStErt, HuNSdorF iN LuXEmbourG
For example, his holiday agenda features extremely
frequent visits to his foreign PALFINGER importer colleagues.
The exceptional design engineer, who has received
several innovation awards, believes the global
exchange of information is extremely important. Dostert is
now the oldest living PALFINGER importer, which doesn't
stop the enterprising expert from setting the course for
expansion for the company's future with an impressive
new construction in Rouscht, Bissen.
on the spacious new company premises, Franz Dostert
wants to enhance performance potential with an in-house
sandblasting facility, paint shop and hydro jet cutting system
system. The representative PALFINGER customer
area and an extensive spare parts warehouse in the fully
underground, spacious hall are leading the innovative
workshops of the Dostert family company to a new era of
the company's 130 years of history. A semi-trailer tractor
lifting platform with a lifting capacity of 60 tonnes, abundant
parking spaces and an in-house TÜV testing facility
complete the comprehensive offer, which had always suffered
from problems with space at the old location. The
likeable senior Director and his 38 employees in the new,
ultramodern PALFINGER branch will have no problem
bidding farewell to the historic workshop in Hunsdorf,
where Franz Dostert witnessed the fascination surrounding
shaped metal in the forge when he was just a child.
However, Franz Dostert does not want to forget the company's
history after moving into the modern facilities. The
historic forge, where founder of the company Bernard
Dostert shaped the first metal parts in 1884, will remain in
Hunsdorf as a company museum.
driviNG ForcE For iNNovatioN
For morE tHaN 130 yEarS
Dostert's company history can
be traced back to the French
Revolution. 1884 is the official
founding year of the mechanical
Dostert workshops in Hunsdorf,
Luxembourg, where Bernard
Dostert ran a blacksmith
and wheelwright's workshop,
from which an in-house vehicle
construction facility was born over the decades.
Construction of truck tipper bodies and the manufacture
of pumps and cylinders began in 1936. The
year 1946 saw the arrival of an innovative waste
collection vehicle with a tipper container for compacting
waste on the market. In 1974, current Director
Franz Dostert took on the role as primary
importer of PALFINGER products for Luxembourg,
which he continuously expanded together with his
son Charles. In 2014, Ateliers mécaniques moved
to the new location in Rouscht, Bissen, where the
company's activities are being further expanded.
Bernard Dostert
bELLoWS aNd ForGE:
in 130 years, dostert has evolved from
what started as a Blacksmith and wheelwright's
workshop into a high-tech
specialist.
16

CRANE Passion | Mounting Competence Center
EXPERTISE
in a compact design
PALFINGER presents new compact crane assembly kit for 3.5-tonne
vehicles at IAA. The lightweight loader cranes stand out from the crowd
with short assembly times and PALFINGER quality.
The PALFINGER Mounting Competence
Centre (MCC), known for crane
projects in the high-end performance
range, is now demonstrating its
strengths with small vehicles as well.
The experts from Lengau, Austria,
present their latest development –
an assembly kit that can be used to
install compact cranes on lightweight
3.5-tonne transporters much more
easily and cost-effectively.
Until now, comparatively high assembly
and installation costs in relation to
the vehicle purchase price have represented
a market hurdle for these
compact all-rounders on the loading
platform. The head of MCC Gernot
Pichorner and his experts worked together
with their sales colleagues to
survey dealers and customers in
depth. Their aim was to clarify the
requirements profile for lightweight
loader cranes in this Europe-wide
vehicle class. Based on this, the
PALFINGER developers created an
extremely assembly-friendly kit that
can be configured for the standard
models of leading suppliers in this
segment.
SIMPLE PRINCIPLE: THE COMPACT PC
LOADER CRANES ARE EASY TO ASSEM-
BLE WITH NO NEED FOR INTERVEN-
TION ON THE CHASSIS AND ARE AVAIL-
ABLE FOR ALL STANDARD 3.5-TONNE
TRANSPORTERS.
„
WITH THE NEW COMPACT CRANE
ASSEMBLY KIT, WE OFFER A "PLUG-
AND-USE" ASSEMBLY SOLUTION THAT
GUARANTEES ALL-ROUND PALFINGER
QUALITY AT REASONABLE COSTS.
“
GERNOT PICHORNER, HEAD OF ASSEMBLY
AND INFRASTRUCTURE, PALFINGER PLANT IN LENGAU
The design of the PALFINGER PC crane does not feature
an additional auxiliary frame to reduce the payload or
additional welding or drilling work on the chassis. Only the
longitudinal profile of the platform substructure and the
screen-printed wear floor of the platform is cut out for
crane assembly. The new crane kit does not need any
further interventions on the chassis or the ladder frame
construction of the platform.
The 120-millimetre high, extremely compact cross-rail for
the stabiliser support system is assembled separately
from the crane and is fixed to the chassis using screw and
clamp connections like a hydraulic crane. "This design
means that the crane can be assembled, retrofitted or
transferred to a new chassis without any problems,"
states Gernot Pichorner, explaining the innovative assembly
concept that yields benefits for a wide range of customers.
The lightweight KTL dip-painted PALFINGER
crane is much easier to assemble and can be constructed
in appropriately qualified workshops. The new
PALFINGER crane kit entails only around a third of the
time required to assemble other types of crane, which
translates into a significant cost advantage.
Three power classes, ranging from the lightweight
PALFINGER PC 1500 with 1.4 metre tonnes and a lifting
capacity of up to 990 kilograms and the PC 2700 to the
PC 3800 with 3.7 metre tonnes and a maximum lifting
capacity of 2.000 kilograms cover the wide-ranging fields
of application on the transporter platform. An electrohydraulic
pump assembly or a hydraulic pump driven by the
engine V-belt with a magnetic clutch is used to drive the
fully hydraulic compact crane. With the new compact
crane assembly kit, PALFINGER has enabled operators
of lightweight commercial vehicles to benefit from the
usual PALFINGER quality, even with all their sensitivity to
costs.
17

International | CRANE Passion
Construction work with PALFINGER
Solar energy
for Ghana
PALFINGER is playing a prominent role in a nationwide solar energy project
for rural regions in the West African nation of Ghana.
Use solar energy! The Ghanaian
government is running a campaign
under this slogan, with the primary
aim of bringing electricity to rural
regions in the West African country.
Today, around half of all Ghanaians
work in agriculture. Their main activities
are growing cocoa, coffee, tea
and coconuts and extracting natural
rubber. The Ghana Cocoa Board has
been running a long-term project
since 2008 to install solar-powered
street lighting and build houses supplied
with solar energy in rural areas.
The first solar street lights erected
with the help of a PALFINGER loader
crane were constructed in a small
farming village without electricity
around three hours from the capital
Accra. So far, 11,000 solar-powered
street lights have been installed in
western Ghana, which is around the
Construction:
same size as the UK.
Solar street lights are assembled
using the PK 8500 and the
In areas without an electricity supply
manipulator PZM 0500.
grid, lighting not only plays an important
role in terms of safety in the evening. The sun goes down early in the evening
in the tropical coastal land throughout the year, and so the artificial light
from solar-powered street lights means that people can continue working or
trading on markets or simply carry on with their social activities. The extra light
improves people's quality of life in the rural western region of the country.
A crane structure specially adapted by PALFINGER at the Austrian Mounting
Competence Centre (MCC) is being used to erect the many solar lamp posts.
As well as the loader crane, which has been adjusted for the application together
with a manipulator from the PALFINGER Equipment Centre, the new
two-axle vehicle has a loading platform for transporting the lamp posts and
solar light modules. In addition to the street light project of the Ghana
Cocoa Board, the electricity supply for private households and small businesses
is also being consistently expanded in Ghana. The Ghanaian government is
using free-of-charge, environmentally friendly power supplied by the sun to
run a lighthouse project that is a prime example of sustainable energy production
in the rural infrastructure of the Third World. A PALFINGER loader crane is
also playing an important on-site assembly role in this project.
18

couNtry rEPort
braziL
tHrEE aPPLicatioN SoLutioNS
with one vehicle –
PALFINGER do Brasil set this
efficient and affordable crane
solution in motion in collaboration
with the energy group
AEL sul. PALFINGER is assembling
a combined loader and
working crane on a locallyproduced
truck. The crane
uses a hook device for carrying
cargo, which can be
replaced with a high-voltageisolated
workman basket
where necessary. This allows
service personnel to work
effectively, both when the
power is switched off and
when connected to the 46 kV high-voltage mains supply, without having
to change vehicle.
uSa
PaLFiNGEr NortH amErica is launching the new generation
of PW loader cranes on the major Us sales market.
The PW 32001 and PW 35001 sH models make an
impression on the demanding North American market
with their continuous slewing mechanism with two rotary
actuators. The two actuators have been hydraulically pretensioned
against each other, and thus reduce the crane's
rotation play to a minimum – an invaluable advantage
during usage with large outreaches. The double rotary
actuator ensures a high rotation torque and very precise
crane movements. The compact set-up dimensions allow
for maximum available loading space compared with
competitor products.
PEru
at tHE Foot oF tHE
HimaLayaS
tHE PEruviaN PaLFiNGEr
importer Zapler has ac-
quired an important client in the form of the south Ameri-
can mining company Cerro Verde. The mining group runs
one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the south
American country. Zapler has assembled a PALFINGER
PK 76002 EH on a truck chassis to carry out servicing and
maintenance work on the electricity pylon network. As
well as carrying out servicing tasks in the copper mine in
Arequipa, the PALFINGER truck also transports pylons to
the group's other mining locations. Cerro Verde is so impressed
with the performance capacity of PALFINGER
products that – alongside ten of its own crane vehicles –
around 70% of all third-party vehicles used by Cerro Verde
today are equipped with PALFINGER loader and assembly
cranes.
bHutaN, where's that again? Bhutan lies at the foot of the Himalayas
surrounded by India, Nepal and Tibet. A PK 100002 was sold here,
which was waiting to be set up and approved. Michael Mödlhammer
(Head of Training) flew out there on 23 November 2013 to add the finishing
touches to the crane. The crane was sold by the local PALFINGER
dealer in the country. Its main use will be to construct hydroelectric
power stations, which will supply Bhutan and neighbouring India with
electricity.
19

LiFEtimE EXcELLENcE
PaLpackage comfort
HIGHER oPErator comFort
tHE bESt StabiLity coNtroL
SyStEm For SmaLL
LoadEr craNES
without extra charge and with free
work light.
all models from pk 4501 to
pk 12502 sh can be equipped
with the palpackage comfort. the
package includes the intelligent
hpsc stability control system and
a halogen work light. this offer is
valid for all orders from the 1 st april
to the 31 st december 2014.
please ask your dealer about the
price advantage for your loader
crane.
HPSc – HiGH
PErFormaNcE
StabiLity coNtroL
≥ Maximum lifting capacity
at any point of the stability
control curve
≥ Maximum flexibility in loader
crane use due to variable
stabilizer positioning
≥ A maximum of comfort and
safety even during crane
operation where space is
restricted
≥ Highest operator comfort
thanks to clearly laid out
display on the operator´s
console and on the display
of the radio remote control
≥ Avoiding of faulty operations
thanks to an automatic shut-off
in extreme conditions
HaLoGEN Work LiGHt
≥ High performance halogen
work light – factory mounted
≥ Compact dimensions
≥ Heavy Duty Glass Fibre
Reinforced Housing and lens
made of high strength glass
≥ optimised light output
(1750lm / 24V and 1450 / 12V),
anti-vibration dampening
WWW.PaLFiNGEr.com/PaLPackaGEcomFort
KP-CRANEP11+E