Terex AC1000-9 Mobile Crane
The AC1000-9 is the latest launch from Terex specifically designed for windmill erection work, based on a nine axle carrier with attached main boom allowing quick erection times on site. First shown at the Baum trade show in 2010, it continued to be refined before final release in the second half of 2012.
With a maximum lifting capacity approaching 1200 tonnes, the crane can be driven on the road with its 50m main boom attached while an additional 50m secondary boom gives a lift height of 100m, extending to over 160m when using a fly jib. The chassis is over 20m in length with a 653hp engine providing all the propulsion and lifting power.
The 1:50th scale die-cast model from Conrad was first announced at the toyfair in 2011 and has taken nearly two years to reach dealer’s shelves. The delay in release is down to the continued development of the full sized crane to iron out various issues with the field trial units. the version reviewed her has been authentically finished in the Steil company colours.
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Out of the box, the model is presented with the outriggers attached to the chassis but for those who want to display the crane in a transport situation, the outrigger arms can be detached by removing the four pins and detaching the hydraulics from the chassis.
Once removed, the included wheel guards and safety boards can be fitted which is a very welcome addition to the model. |
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As is typical from Conrad, the model is sturdy with plenty of metal used throughout, complimented with plastic parts here and there resulting in a heavy weight. |
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The four outriggers are telescopically extending with each jack housing an internal thread so, as they are lowered, they look very realistic. The pads are plastic with loose inserts allowing them to pivot slightly while four large and heavy crane mats are also supplied in the box.
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The front cabin has a plastic moulded interior with seating and steering wheel visible while holes in the frame allow fitting of the rear view mirrors which add to the realism.
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The design of the area behind the cab allows the main boom head to be stored during transport with good definition of the panels around the engine compartment with a diamond plate textured surface and integrated access ladder. |
The chassis is fairly basic in construction with each axle featuring independent steering while all but one of the axles have a functioning suspension system, ensuring each wheel keeps in contact with the ground. The wheel hubs are very nicely detailed and fitted with rubber tyres that have a good crisp treaded pattern.
The upper structure houses a folding arm holding the cab which can be raised a little and tilted to a very impressive angle, although unfortunately, this angle cannot be held.
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The cab interior has been modelled with a large display screen visible while the outside of the cab has a platform with metal railings and pivoting access steps. The arm swings rearward to allow the cabin to be stowed behind the upper works during transport and this works very well The slewing ring has good tooth definition with two slewing motor housings for added detail. |
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During setup, two support beams are fitted to the upper chassis which hold the winch housing, allowing the crane to self rig the counterweight segments into the side mounted trays. Metal walkways with integrated safety railings are supplied and fit around the winch housing assembly with sliding access steps fitted on one side and a lower platform on the opposite side. The entire assembly then pins into place on the mounting posts of the upper structure.
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The winch assembly houses three main winch drums, two of which are pre-rigged with rope and use metal winding keys to operate. There is also a small thumb operated auxiliary winch.
Metal platforms with integrated safety railings are fitted to th rear and sides of the winch housing
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Two trays hand onto the sides of the winch housing where the individual ballast blocks can be stacked |
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To finish off the assembly, a lower platfrom and seto f access stesp are fitted to the side of the housing |
The model can be constructed in different lifting configurations, with the heavy lift option consisting of the removal of the four smallest boom sections and blocking the opening with a plastic cover. In this configuration, the SSL (Sideways Super Lift) arms can be deployed to increase the lifting capacity and this is supplied separately in the box, allowing it to be fitted as required.
The SSL pins into place on the top of the boom but the pins are not overly tight, so care is needed to ensure they don’t work loose while setting up. The pennant lines are plastic with plastic friction fit pins used to link them to the boom tip brackets.
One interesting aspect of the model are the huge lift cylinders which have been engineered to lock at any extension using the supplied spanner.
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Considering the great weight of the boom sections when fully extended, this is no mean feat and yet they will hold perfectly and cannot be overtightened. This is certainly a step in the right direction from Conrad. Three hook blocks have been included in the box, one with 9 pulleys, one with 5 pulleys and an auxiliary single pulley hook, all cast in metal with good surface detailing and individually rolling pulleys for smooth operation. |
When fully rigged, the crane measures over 2m in height and has a good, even paint finish throughout with the Steil company graphics accurately applied to the cabs and boom with safety chevrons added to the counterweight blocks.
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There is a choice of two different boom setups, shown on the left is the heavy lift option where the last 3 telescopic sections are removed and replaced with a plastic cover
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When higher reach is needed, the three extra telescopic sections are installed and each one locks into place when fully extended. |
While the model is not as finely detailed as releases from other manufacturers, the quality of fit and functionality is typical from Conrad and can be manhandled without worrying about parts braking off.