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Issue #5 

The magazine with a passion for crane technology 

Safety Check 

– Safety in Truck-mounted 

Crane Operation 

In the Best Hands 

PALFINGER service

PALFINGER 

A Synonym for Reliability 

DEAR PARTNERS AND 

FRIENDS OF PALFINGER, 

A new decade demands new ideas and 

new concepts. The call for reliability and 

value retention is becoming louder and 

louder particularly in the investment 

goods sector. In the long term, it takes 

more than just innovative design achievements 

to hold one’s own in the market. 

Sustainability, efficiency and above all reliability 

when it comes to product quality, 

security of service and corporate stability 

are more in demand than ever. 

As a leader in technology and after-sales 

service, the PALFINGER brand has always 

been seen as the epitome of quality and 

reliability. The basic values of the 

PALFINGER brand such as dealing responsibly 

with people and the environment, 

not to mention a high quality 

standard, are increasingly gaining importance. 

Quality is a question of value 

and esteem. The desire for perfection in 

product development, production and 

service are the expression of this esteem 

that PALFINGER as a premium producer 

owes its customers. 

With the new High Performance range, 

we can proudly point to the best generation 

of truck-mounted cranes that 

we have ever built. Over the last three 

years, we have positioned 37 new crane 

models in the market across all the 

performance categories. The particularly 

positive feedback from dealers and 

customers speaks in favour of the enormous 

customer benefit of the new crane 

range: A higher lifting moment with the 

dead load remaining almost identical, 

functional design, a maintenance-free 

extension boom system, Power Link Plus 

and Single Link Plus reverse linkage systems 

are the highlights and performance 

features that have found a particularly 

positive resonance in the market. The 

SH series - as the crowning achievement 

- is impressive due to its perfect blend of 

power and intelligence. 

Our truck-mounted cranes attract great 

favour among our customers and there 

are good reasons for this. The perfect 

mix of materials combining highstrength 

fine grain structural steels with 

intelligent plastics makes PALFINGER 

cranes efficient lightweights that hold 

their value. Regardless of the model one 

decides on at the end of the day - all the 

High Performance truck-mounted cranes 

are impressive thanks to the significant 

advantages of attractive appearance, 

user-friendly functionality, efficiency and 

safety not to mention the considerably 

lower effort and expense required for 

maintenance and repair. 

We make our customers more successful 

because our products are reliable 

and safe, and because our dealers and 

service partners think and act with 

customers in mind. This edition of our 

magazine seeks to underline that with 

PALFINGER you are always on the safe 

side and in the best hands. 

Enjoy reading! 

Wolfgang Pilz, CMO 

palfinger – passion – performance – power – perfection 

crane passion | 2 crane passion | 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Editorial 2 – 3 

Safety Check 6 – 7 

Integrated Stability-Control 8 – 9 

(ISC), Warning Systems and 

Functional Design for 

Greater Safety 

Intelligent Electronic 10 – 11 

Control System 

In the Best Hands 12 – 13 

Consultancy and Crane 14 – 16 

Mounting, Product 

Information and 

Technical Support 

Spare Parts Supply 17 – 18 

and Country-specific services 

New PALFINGER ALUMINUM TANK 19 

crane passion | 4 

crane passion | 5

SafEty 

Check 

Safety in Truck-mounted Crane Operation 

PALFINGER knows the real requirements of practical work. 

Salzburg’s premium producer of truck-mounted cranes 

equips its products with an unrivalled number of safetyrelated 

features and functions for comfort and convenience 

that make the crane operator’s life considerably 

easier. 

“Safety in crane operation” was and is a high-priority topic at 

PALFINGER. As the new machinery directive MR2006/42/EC 

and the new crane standard EN12999:2009 come into effect, 

PALFINGER, as a global technology leader, is now underlining its 

expertise in the business of producing innovative solutions for 

the flexible, safe and standard-compliant use of truck-mounted 

cranes. 

In the Safety Check we take a look at what makes PALFINGER 

truck-mounted cranes so safe. 


crane passion | 7

Integrated 

Stability Control (ISC) 

As the new crane standard 

EN12999:2009 has come into effect, 

incorporation of the stabilizer system 

into the crane’s load moment limitation 

system has become mandatory in Europe. 

PALFINGER offers a skillful solution to this 

in the ISC system which is available in 

three different versions (ISC-S, ISC-L and 

ISC). 

ISC (Integrated Stability Control) helps 

the crane operator to achieve maximum 

stability during crane operations even 

where space is restricted. In densely 

built-up areas, in flowing traffic or similar 

situations the vehicle can often only be 

supported within the width of the vehicle 

or only fully on one side. So that working 

with the crane is possible even in cases 

such as these, PALFINGER has developed 

a system to monitor stability and has 

brought it to series maturity to coincide 

with the new standard coming into force. 

The ISC system incorporates the current 

stability support situation into the 

safety system. It adjusts the crane‘s lifting 

force depending on the current stability 

support situation and the position of the 

crane boom to ensure the vehicle‘s stability 

over the entire working range. 

The ISC monitors all the crane’s stabilizers 

in three different outrigger positions 

(retracted, semi-deployed, fully deployed) 

and the stabilizer cylinders (supported, 

unsupported). The operator can read 

off the current status at any time on the 

clearly laid out display on the operator’s 

console or on the display of the radio 

remote control. 

Functional Design for 

Greater Safety 

Covers of synthetic material and protected 

hydraulic hoses located on the inside 

are not only more pleasing visually but 

serve first and foremost to protect both 

the operator and the crane system. LEDs 

which backlight the control panel make it 

easier to read off the machine functions 

and provide the crane operator with a 

rapid overview of the entire panel during 

the working process. The integrated tilt 

display and the redesigned load carrying 

plate on the crane, which is matched 

individually to each crane model, provides 

the operator with a perfect view directly 

from the control panel. LED warning 

lights on the supporting cylinders mean 

greater safety for crane operator and 

passers-by. 

Outrigger Safety and 

Warning Systems 

PALFINGER cranes are equipped as 

standard with the patented manual 

outrigger safety system referred to as 

the INTERLOCK SYSTEM. The Interlock 

System, which monitors interlocking of 

the manual outriggers, was introduced 

back in 2007 and the latest version of 

EN12999:2009 now makes it mandatory 

to extend this monitoring to the hydraulic 

stabilizer supports. The operator is 

warned by means of a visual and acoustic 

signal in the cab if the hydraulic outriggers 

are not in the transport position. 

Radio-controlled stabilizer supports can 

only be operated from the side of the 

truck on which the operator is located 

so that the movements are always visible 

to him. The operator’s correct position is 

acknowledged by means of an additional 

control switch on the control panel of 

each stabilizer support. 

The established spiral hose for protecting 

the hydraulic hoses has now become 

standard for all PALFINGER cranes. The 

larger stabilizer plates of the supporting 

cylinders are movable and enable better 

adaptation to the ground surface. Pivotable 

stabilizer plates and clearly marked 

hose connections that cannot be mixed 

up are already part of the standard equipment 

on PALFINGER’s High Performance 

truck-mounted cranes. 

The design of the control levers in different 

shapes and colours enables ergonomic 

working and helps prevent operating 

errors. 

In accordance with the new crane standard 

EN12999:2009, all cranes sold in CE 

countries are fitted with a flashing green 

light which is activated during remotecontrolled 

operation to warn passers-by 

and to protect the environment. 

In addition to Integrated Stability Control, 

PALFINGER also incorporates the crane’s 

transport position in the control system in 

accordance with the new crane standard. 

The system identifies whether the crane 

has been folded when travelling according 

to the transport position specified 

and whether the interlock of the outriggers 

is activated. If this is not the case, a 

warning is emitted in the driver’s cab. 


crane passion | 9

Display showing the current level of 

the crane’s load capacity utilization 

Intelligent Electronic 

Control System 

Visual display of the stabilizer 

support positions 

PALFINGER offers its customers a complex 

safety system combined with sophisticated 

control technology: in addition to 

the standard functions of a conventional 

radio remote control system, PALFINGER 

also offers a remote control console 

with a display to indicate the level of the 

crane‘s capacity utilization or overload. 

PALFINGER has not only mounted the 

overload indicator directly on the console 

but also an indicator displaying the relevant 

utilization level of the crane‘s own 

capacity. An overload situation of the 

fly jib or the cable winch for example is 

also displayed. Regardless of the distance 

from which the crane is controlled, the 

display incorporated in the control panel 

continuously provides the crane operator 

with information regarding the load 

utilization situation. 

With the development of the latest 

generation of SH truck-mounted cranes, 

PALFINGER raises the controllability and 

functionality of its truck-mounted cranes 

to a completely new level. 

The PALTRONIC 150 (PAL 150) – the 

customized electronic safety system for 

the series-production crane – incorporates 

all the comfort and safety functions 

which make its operation as simple and 

convenient as possible for the user. The 

standard overload protection device, 

pivot angle-dependent limitation of the 

lifting power (SHB), Integrated Stability 

Control (ISC), Active Oscillation Suppression 

system (AOS) and the Dual Power 

System Plus in fly jib use (DPS Plus) are 

among the most important functions. It 

goes without saying that the new electronic 

control system meets the requirements 

of the newly implemented crane 

standard EN 12999:2009. 

New Radio Remote Control 

with LCD Graphic Display 

Information about oil level 

and oil temperature 

The interaction of PALTRONIC 150 and 

PALFINGER‘s new radio remote control 

system enables the crane to be used to its 

best advantage in respect of lifting power 

and outreach taking all safety aspects 

into account. 

The radio remote control for the new SH 

models is presented as an attractive user 

interface – ergonomic, clearly laid-out 

and operator-friendly as usual. It is child’s 

play to navigate the menu design using 

four soft key functions and four menu 

buttons and to switch to the actual functions 

desired. 

The new LCD graphic display screen 

provides the operator with precise 

information about a variety of operating 

conditions such as capacity usage, active 

systems, servicing intervals or movements 

currently accessible. It is even possible to 

provide an accurate visual display of the 

position of the stabilizer supports. 

Reminder about servicing intervals 

You’re 

guaranteed 

to be on 

the safe side 

with PALFINGER! 


In the Best Hands 

“Making the impossible 

possible, giving 

our best every day 

and trying with all 

our might to offer 

the customer perfect 

service should be the 

incentive for us all!” 

Outstanding service management has been PALFINGER’s top 

priority for years even in respect of strategy. Salzburg’s crane 

producer constantly sets itself apart from its competitors due to 

a comprehensive range of in-depth services. 

PALFINGER offers the customer a coherent overall package 

which starts with professional advice and ends with perfect and, 

above all, guaranteed service. Over 200 independent general 

importers in over 130 countries and 4,500 sales and service 

support points all over the world are significant reasons why 

PALFINGER is considered to be not only a technology and quality 

leader but also a service champion in the industry. In addition, 

as the producer, PALFINGER offers numerous instruments and 

tools to make life easier for dealers and end customers. What’s 

more, each dealer supplements this range with services that are 

tailored precisely to the different requirements of its customers 

and the country in question. PALFINGER customers have the 

certainty of knowing that they are in “the best hands” regardless 

of where and when they require help or services. 

“The PALFINGER family is a global family. We are there for our 

customers whenever they need us on five continents – knowing 

that their concerns will always be our top priority.” 

A look behind the scenes of this global player’s worldwide service 

organization shows that this philosophy is actually put into 

practice at PALFINGER and is not just a matter of lip service. 


Consultancy and 

Crane Mounting 

Product Information 

and Training 

Experienced sales experts advise and 

provide support during the selection 

of products and equipment so that 

the loading solution accurately meets 

the requirements for its intended use. 

PALFINGER customers benefit from in 

depth mounting expertise. Every crane 

mounting set-up must be calculated and 

documented in advance to meet statutory 

requirements such as axle load or vehicle 

dimensions. Correct dimensioning of the 

subframe and optimum hydraulic and 

electrical attachment of the PALFINGER 

products to the chosen vehicle are further 

basic requirements. 

PALFINGER provides a majority of their 

dealers the PACWIN.NET and PAF software 

for optimum vehicle design, calculation 

of axle loads, stability and subframe, 

not forgetting visualization of the set-up 

prior to sale. State-of-the-art software, a 

complete international vehicle database 

and unrivalled functionality make these 

programs an essential tool for project engineers 

dealing with customer enquiries. 

Projects using special vehicles, fixed superstructures 

or a combination of several 

pieces of equipment on one vehicle represent 

a particular technical challenge – but 

for your trained PALFINGER partner this is 

merely child’s play! 

Those who want to act professionally and 

offer customers rapid solutions to problems 

must constantly adapt and expand 

their range of knowledge. More than 

ever, the wide product range, superior 

technology and increasingly intelligent 

electronic systems require thoroughly 

skilled and proficient service engineers. 

PALFINGER offers its partners a practiceoriented 

and diverse training program for 

precisely this reason. Specialized trainers 

deliver courses on site at the dealers’ 

premises or at PALFINGER itself. The 

“Train the Trainer” training method ensures 

that knowledge is distributed right 

down to the end customer. Technical 

training courses, sales training, product 

presentations and service and dealer 

conferences are run at various locations 

of the PALFINGER training academy. 

academy. As a provider 

of training services, 

PALFINGER guarantees and 

raises expertise throughout 

the entire service organization. 

This makes a significant contribution 

to the fast and widespread 

dissemination of product and technology 

know-how to partners and end customers. 

The documentation for each piece 

of equipment is an essential part of this 

process. In addition to statutory document 

requirements such as the Operating 

Instructions or the appropriate certificates, 

PALFINGER is particularly proud of 

the “Operator DVD” that it supplies – a 

data carrier with demonstration video 

and practical tips for working with the 

equipment. Rightly so, because this DVD 

that replicates realistic conditions meets 

the requirements of modern customers. 

the entire product range with its service 

partners in the best possible way and to 

create the perfect basic framework for 

daily use. This is confirmed by thousands 

of trained service engineers and satisfied 

end customers all over the world. 

Problem-solving skills of the highest level 

are passed on at the PALFINGER training 

With its training philosophy, PALFINGER 

guarantees to share its knowledge of 

“Mr Veronesi, you are in charge of 

calculations for mounting set-ups in 

Switzerland. What are the benefits of the 

software tools developed by PALFINGER 

for the end customer?” 

“With the help of PACWIN.NET, our sales 

department can provide an accurate 

set-up calculation within the shortest 

possible time and this means that we can 

tell the customer quite clearly whether or 

not it is possible to meet his requirements 

on the crane and the vehicle. Thanks 

to the crane and truck data stored, we 

can provide calculations that are sometimes 

within +/- 100 kg of the predicted 

weights.” 

“Mr Schaubel, you are one of the service 

trainers for PALFINGER’s dealership 

network in North America. How can 

you guarantee that your dealers are able 

to solve the problems and answer the 

questions posed by your customers in a 

professional and competent manner?” 

“With the help of the training programs 

at our PALFINGER University, we give our 

dealers’ technicians the knowledge they 

need to work with PALFINGER cranes. In 

particular, we also encourage their ability 

to identify problems and to deal with 

these cases using professional service 

management. So our dealers are prepared 

to eliminate any problems with the crane. 

As much as possible we place emphasis 

on preventing any problems with the machine 

by making use of proactive service 

and maintenance programs. Our service 

technicians know exactly what information 

and documents are available and 

how to obtain them. Ultimately you also 

have the certainty that our own service 

managers can be contacted for support at 

any time. A PALFINGER customer is never 

left alone with a problem and can always 

count on professional support!” 


Technical 

Support 

“Mr Lohninger, as head of after-sales 

service for cranes at Kuhn, you are the 

contact for approx. 12,000 customers in 

Austria when service is required. You have 

to answer questions and solve problems 

quickly, professionally and reliably. How 

satisfied are you as a PALFINGER dealer 

with the support you receive from the 

producer?” 

“For us, excellent collaboration with the 

producer is hugely important and absolutely 

necessary. With its specific software, 

PALFINGER offers the dealership network 

a lot of tools that make servicing work 

on the equipment easier and cut down 

fault localization times. What’s more, we 

can call up product documentation and 

training resources in relation to serial 

numbers on the Internet around the 

clock. This means that the necessary information 

is always available immediately for 

our service staff. The skilled backup of the 

producer’s after-sales service department 

is essential for complicated cases and 

PALFINGER can always be contacted when 

necessary. We can then solve problems 

and keep downtimes as short as possible. 

So our customers can always feel at ease 

when they are out on the road!” 

PALFINGER cranes are designed in every 

detail for ease of servicing and maintenance. 

Particular attention is paid to these 

characteristics during the initial design 

phase. Functional design elements, easy 

accessibility to components, simple installation 

and removal of components and 

the maintenance-free extension boom 

system are just some of the examples that 

are evidence of this. Should there still be 

a need for help, then this requires rapid 

support, skilled staff and straightforward 

processing. 

With approx. 4,500 sales and service 

support points, PALFINGER provides a 

nationwide network of dealers, service 

partners and authorized repair shops 

that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. 

The superbly trained staff offers rapid assistance 

in repair shops with an exemplary 

level of equipment and – depending on 

the problem – will also happily deal with 

the machine on site. This is facilitated by 

mobile service vehicles that are in use all 

over the world. 

As the manufacturer, PALFINGER supports 

its service partners and is available 24/7 

for technical queries. Simple and technical 

mature diagnostic tools are the primary 

method of keeping repair shop stays short 

and keeping down costs for the customer. 

The company’s own PALDIAG.NET diagnostic 

program reduces fault localization 

times to a minimum and at the same time 

provides an opportunity to make customer- 

or vehicle-specific adjustments on 

the spot. The PALREMOTE software can 

be used to carry this out from any location 

in the world. This ensures the fastest 

possible skilled support in every case. To 

the customer’s satisfaction! 

It is a matter of course for PALFINGER to 

guarantee the products it produces far 

beyond the defined statutory warranty 

period. PALFINGER sets a clear example in 

the market with a 2-year warranty on the 

radio remote control systems and 3-years 

on all load-bearing components. It is also 

possible to extend the full warranty on 

the whole machine to several years on the 

factory’s part which provides complete 

protection for the sales partner. 

eClaim, PALFINGER’s own online warranty 

program, enables fast and straightforward 

processing of warranty claims for service 

partners. Simple graphics-based operation 

with clear and precise instructions 

makes internal processing easier. Fair and 

sympathetic solutions are the visible result 

for the customer. 

Spare Parts Supply 

Fast, comprehensive supply of the full from the central spare parts warehouse, 

range of original spare parts is something 

we take for granted at PALFINGER. different original PALFINGER spare 

as the warehouse stocks around 21,000 

Several spare parts centres worldwide parts. Orders received by 15:30 can be 

guarantee uninterrupted supply. At the dispatched the same day if there is an 

central spare parts warehouse in Salzburg, 

for example, 170,000 items a year service partner in Europe within 24 hours. 

urgent need, and supplied directly to the 

are handled and processed smoothly and Normally deliveries go to the general 

professionally by an external logistics agent, who can quickly cover the normal 

professional. In total just under 94% parts requirements in the country from 

of the items which are most commonly his own inventory. 

ordered online can be supplied on time 

We learn about the practical ins and parts catalogue PATIS-Online. The order 

outs from Manuel Dominguez, Manager then takes place fast online via the 

of the Spare Parts Warehouse in Spain/ Extranet, where the current availability, 

Mycsa: “Here in Spain there are a lot of price and lead time are shown”. 

large cranes in use, which occasionally 

need spare parts urgently. Hence we have Ordering original PALFINGER spare parts 

a large warehouse in Madrid, where we and parts directly from the PALFINGER 

dispatch over 90% of the parts orders Equipment Center via the Internet has 

the same day – in urgent cases even up key advantages. All original spare parts 

to 18:00. This means our customers can are provided with uniform barcodes, are 

often collect their repaired crane from registered via the scanner, are tested and 

the workshop the very next evening and meet the PALFINGER Quality Standard. 

carry on working. Parts are specified by This not only prolongs the crane’s lifetime, 

but also guarantees short repair 

our service partners simply using the 

serial number and the electronic spare times and protects your wallet. When 

a series expires, the availability of spare 

parts is guaranteed for at least 10 years. 

In the “GLOBAL PALFINGER WARE- 

HOUSE” obsolete parts can be offered by 

all dealers; the worldwide availability of 

these parts is evident in the PALFINGER 

spare parts exchange. This means these 

parts can be acquired quickly and costeffectively 

when needed. 


All things crane 

New PALFINGER 

ALUMINUM TANK 

Country-specific services 

A Lightweight That’s Heavy on Design 

In addition to the services offered by PALFINGER as a manufacturer, 

numerous additional services are offered in most countries 

by the local authorized dealers. A representative example must 

surely be the range on offer at PALFINGER Germany. 

Robert Eisl, in charge of service at PALFINGER Germany, talks 

about organization, products and the service philosophy 

embodied here. 

“Our service network of more than 

200 PALFINGER partners nationally 

is unique in its concentration and 

quality. Because service quality is a 

central issue for us, we have made it 

the pivot and focus of all our efforts. 

Every year we ramp the standard 

up higher. With our training program 

and our Full Service offering 

we create the basis to make our customers more successful. 

With customized finance services and the “PALFINGER all-round 

protection” we support our customers and lessen their load in 

everyday business life. 

When we are selecting our service partners our principle is 

“quality before quantity”. This means our customers can rely on 

the fact that in an authorized PALFINGER workshop they are in 

the best of hands. Clearly defined training conditions and the 

compulsory attendance at technology courses guarantee the 

high standard we have set for our service partners. Thus for 

instance on our foreman training days we offer further training 

sessions for our service partners’ workshop managers covering 

the latest system developments in loading cranes. An information 

day for new service partners includes a presentation of the 

PALFINGER organization, a general introduction to the service 

procedure and a tour of one of our plants. Basic courses of 

instruction in hydraulics and electrical systems for workshop 

staff and technicians, courses on crane technology, bodywork 

training for vehicle bodywork technicians and a variety of software 

courses complete the training program. The crane driver’s 

license with both theoretical and practical exams enjoys great 

popularity in practice. 

Our customers are specialists. They demand complex industryspecific 

system solutions (e.g. in the urban sector, heavy loads, 

roofing/carpentry/façade construction, recycling and waste 

disposal) and naturally want comparable professional treatment 

where service is concerned too. The level of our service 

partners’ technical expertise is equally high. In addition, we also 

attach the highest value to our partners’ social skills. A service 

workshop recognized by PALFINGER quite clearly runs on the 

principle that “the customer is king”! 

Our customer service centre of expertise is set up and organized 

around our customers. So major customers, for instance, have 

their own dedicated service technicians, who take special care of 

operator training courses, maintenance concepts right through 

to complete fleet management. If there are complex technical 

problems, we give our service workshops support by phone 

(service hotline) and also on the spot. 

As a premium manufacturer in the loading crane sector, we owe 

our customers perfect service. Fast, reliable and clean processing 

lies close to our hearts. Through our commitment, there 

are visible positive effects on customer satisfaction and loyalty; 

which is why we consistently continue along the path we have 

adopted – with the objective of becoming even better and 

thinking of ways to move forwards into new service dimensions. 

The real winners are our customers. With PALFINGER products 

and the PALFINGER service offering they can achieve the head 

start they need to leave their competitors trailing by the proverbial 

short head! 

PALFINGER’s motto “We’ll make you more successful” means 

we are a company which thinks and acts with the customer 

firmly in mind. And of course what’s true for cranes is also true 

for equipment and crane accessories. Here too the focus is on 

efficiency and customer benefits. 

With its new aluminum tank with inclusive assembly console, 

the PALFINGER Equipment Center offers its customers an attractive 

accessory with everything they could desire in terms of 

weight, lasting value and assembly-friendliness. 

Developed according to PALFINGER’s specifications and manufactured 

by a well-known Austrian aluminum fabricator, the new 

add-on aluminum tanks guarantee the utmost in functionality 

and product quality. The appliances are ideally adapted to suit 

the design of PALFINGER cranes, and with their new, assemblyfriendly 

console represent an ideal “plug & play” solution. 

Aluminum. The Material of the Future. 

- Lasting visual upgrading of your vehicle 

- Higher lifespan compared to steel tanks 

- Low dead weight 

- Corrosion-resistant 

Assembly Made Easy 

- Easy to attach to the PALFINGER crane 

- Effective savings on mounting times and costs 

- Mountable directly on the vehicle frame with just 8 screws 

- No need to weld on mounting plates or additional cross beams 

- No final sandblasting and painting required 


Next issue 

Crane accessories 

for your 

every need! 

PALFINGER AG · 5101 Bergheim / Salzburg, Austria 

E-Mail: info@palfinger.com · www.palfinger.com 

KP-CRANEP05+E

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