Terex AT20-3 "Franna" Mobile Pick & Carry Crane

The Terex AT20-3 “Franna” pick & carry crane has a lifting capacity of 20 ton at 1.4 metre and a maximum hook height of 17 metres. Unlike conventional cranes, the four section telescopic boom is fixed to the chassis with articulated steering providing an arc of 400 to each side of centre. Powered by a Mercedes OM 906 Euromot 3a turbo charged diesel engine, the crane has a top travel speed of 85kph using an Allison 3000 6-speed automatic transmission and heavy duty Kessler D71 planetary axles, while tipping the scales at 19500kg.

The 1:50th scale replica by Conrad has captured the rather unique looks of the full sized crane very well with an articulated chassis which provides the steering and positioning for lifting operations although there are no steering cylinders fitted to the model.

The front wheel covers have integrated light housings although the lenses are unpainted and are hard to distinguish which gives the front of the model an unfinished look. A red and white chevron pattern is printed along the front of the chassis.

The rear of the model features the engine housing with metal safety railings and a rear storage area for the extension jib which can be set at two different angles when connected to the boom. It is also possible to connect an auxiliary lifting hook to the tip of the boom as required.

The rear engine grille is crisply moulded with inset rear facing light clusters which have painted lenses, including the small side lights. The flaps below the body panels are made from a flexible material and feature printing of the Terex logo.

The graphics on the sides of the rear body are authentically replicated from the full sized crane with the Big Hill Cranes name and contact information printed on the sides of the main boom.

Both axles are fitted with dual wheels and have drive shafts fitted front and back with simplistic wheel hubs and replicated suspension strut detailing. The tyres have a treaded pattern which looks authentic with yellow finished wheel centres and bolt detailing apparent on the hubs.

The telescopic boom extends smoothly with lower attachment points for a fixed hook which pins into place while the main load block features a working winch and metal pulleys.

A spreader bar is included which clips to the front bumper when not in use and rear view mirror frames need installing on the side window panels.

The model is available in the Terex corporate colours (pictured below) while a range of exclusive Australian liveried versions have been commissioned by Quarry Diecast Models including the Big Hill Cranes version reviewed here.