When first introduced the Link-Belt 298 HSL crawler crane had a 230USt (209 t) capacity, in 2012 the 298 HSL was upgraded from a 230 USt capacity to a 250 USt lifting capacity.

The 230USt variant has 55, 000 lbs. (24, 948 kg) of available line pull and a maximum line speed of 525 fpm (160 mpm). To handle this kind of line pull, the wide, 35-in. (89 cm) front and rear drums demand 1.1-in. (2.8 cm) rope.

The controls on this crawler are patterned after the 218 HSL. A Mitsubishi Tier III approved 6M70-T3 engine, rated at 365 hp (272 kW), powers the pump package to allow a more constant line speed under load. This gives the operator smooth performance and fine control. Front and rear hoist drums are driven by variable displacement hydraulic piston motors that power the double planetary drive. Hoist drums with adjustable speed control further enhance hoist and lowering control allowing the operator to synchronize drum speed.
Optional on the 298, is front and rear drum “freefall” using a new, customer-driven wet brake design. This wet disc-style brake allows precise control of even the lightest loads in the freefall mode. A third drum also is an option. These features provide greater operator control and significantly longer component life.

The 298 HSL’s counterweight removal system removes the hydraulic cylinders and integral frame in one piece with the counterweights to reduce the weight of the main transport load. The removal system has a remote control. Counterweight pin releases are within easy reach for one person, expediting the whole assembly/disassembly process. The 160, 000 lbs. (72, 575 kg) of upper counterweight are designed for easy handling and blended load-outs. The main unit transports at less than 88, 000 lbs. (39, 916 kg).

The 298 HSL offers a 60- to 300-ft. (18 to 91 m) tubular lattice boom. A jib also is available up to 90 ft. (27.4 m) and is offsettable to 5, 15, and 25 degrees. For additional tip height, a 270-ft. (82.3 m) main boom can be combined with the 90-ft. (27.4 m) jib for a maximum tip height of 365.5 ft. (111.3 m). Further, the “blocked-over-end” capacities make this crane extremely versatile and productive.
The 298 HSL’s cab is highly functional, yet very comfortable.

In addition to the full complement of backlit gauges and adjustable armchair-mounted controls, the ergonomic design offers the operator several advantages: greater visibility; more room; adjustable boom, swing, and load hoist controls; six-way adjustable seat; and an AM/FM digital clock radio. Audio and visual alarms for swing, full engine instrumentation, and a service monitor augment the controls. And for those hot days, high-output air conditioning is standard.

To make the operator’s life even easier, Link-Belt’s rated capacity limiter is standard equipment. The color graphic display features load-on-hook, as well as maximum allowable load-on-hook, boom length, boom angle, tip height, and an audible/visual warning. The limiter also features a function kick-out for both overload and anti-two block occurrences. The system uses a sensor in the boom hoist dead end to feed data to the load limiter computer.

Standard left, right, and front catwalks remove and stow easily for transport.

•    Optional third drum mounts
•    Side frames transport at 41, 500 lbs. (18, 824 kg) with standard 48-in. (122 cm) shoes.
Other features of the 298 HSL include:boom.
•    Available 180-ft. luffing boom + 200-ft. luffing jib (55 m + 61 m).
•    Supported 24/7 by Link-Belt Preferred including online manuals, literature, a ground bearing calculator, and 3D Lift Plan.in

The 250 ton (226.8 mt) Lattice Crawler Crane

• 365 hp Tier III Engine

• Transport weight is 87, 100lbs with carbody, live mast with self assemble cylinder, and hoist rope

• HSL counterweight removal system, lowers entire counterweight assembly to ground no blocking required • Highly functional and comfortable cab with latest rated capacity limiter with color graphics • Standard upper guard rails

• Self assembles (no helper crane needed)

• Options: - Freefall system with internal wet brakes - Luffing attachment - Auxiliary tip - Offsettable jib - 60 ft (152.4 cm) shoes

Recently Link-Belt introduced the 298 HSL Series 2 that supersedes the 298 HSL