ACT EXCLUSIVE: New Tadano ATF 100G-4 and dolly for Champion

Southern California-based Champion Crane Rental recently took delivery of a Tadano ATF 100G-4 all-terrain crane with a TransWorld Manufacturing two-axle boom dolly. Champion Crane – which specializes in motion picture, production and special effects work – had been searching for a 100-ton capacity crane to add to its fleet.    

Champion chose the Tadano ATF 100G-4 for its maneuverability and compact carrier.  

“For the jobs we go on, a truck crane doesn’t always fit the bill,” said Mike Konle, president, Champion Crane. “The all-terrain has a better angle of attack, whereas a truck crane might get stuck.”  

Konle said he also liked that the ATF 100G-4 has two cabs.  

“The ability to have two men in the lower cab allows us train new operators.”   

The solution Tadano and TransWorld Manufacturing delivered includes an auxiliary hoist and hydraulic jib to cut down on mobilization time while remaining within weight limitations, said Crystal Dieleman, president of TransWorld Manufacturing.  

“We had to account for every pound on this build, and we prevailed,” she said. “That meant developing a very strong, ultra-lightweight boom dolly – about 25 percent lighter than a traditional two-axle dolly.”  

The Tadano and TransWorld solution now gives Champion Crane customers the advantages of an all-terrain crane that include better maneuverability due to greater entry and exit angles, better traction and gradeability from its 8x8-wheel drive, as well as easier access to confined sites and the ability to manage more difficult setups in less time and with less wear and tear on the machine, according to Tadano.