Crane company Konecranes launched the Boxhunter container gantry in May onto the local market, which is built around the operator’s graphical user interface (GUI), says Konecranes service, sales and marketing director John MacDonald.

He explains that the crane operator is now at ground level, as opposed to other cranes where operators sit up to 80 m in the air and the cabin sits on the truck lane.

“The Boxhunter operating concept is unique, as it is a complete rethinking of the rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane operation and operator ergonomics,” says MacDonald.

“It is no longer essential to have a cab at the top of the crane. Bringing the cab down has led to the relocation of the hoisting machinery to ground level. “This simplifies the overall structure and brings a new ease of access to this machinery, which is great from a service perspective,” he notes.

“We look forward to offering this innovative crane to our customers in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” MacDonald notes.

“We are confident that this container crane holds excellent value for money and that it will meet the needs of our clients,” he adds.

The Boxhunter operating concept is based on advanced video and laser technology developed by Konecranes for its top-of-the-line automated stacking cranes.

He explains that video cameras located at strategic points around the crane and a sophisticated GUI in the cab give the operator improved visibility.

Boxhunter also has a new counterweight system that eliminates the weight of the spreader from every load lifted, therefore saving energy, MacDonald adds.

He highlights that a simpler structure brings valuable savings to the customer across the board.

“Boxhunter is the most modular and standard RTG ever produced by Konecranes that offers a variety of customisable options. It is delivered in containers by regular container ship,” he points out.

“There is no other RTG on the market today that combines this level of innovation, operator experience and reliable performance at such a competitive price,” enthuses MacDonald.

Konecranes serves a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. The company provides productivity-enhan-cing lifting and services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes.