What
Leitalpin, together with its partners, is currently working on the development of HULK, a fully electric self-driving skyline crane, the first of its kind. To operate reliably and efficiently in the harshest terrains, we put together the latest and very best technology, without compromises. Leitalpin has registered three patents covering key innovations of the carriage.
The first prototype of the self-driving skyline crane is undergoing extensive testing since 2021. Since the beginning of 2024, tests have been conducted with the significantly optimized and close to production-ready version. Have a look at its key characteristics and the videos below!
Fuel saving
One of the most common questions about HULK concerns the fuel-saving potential. After extensive practical tests, we can now present concrete results. The following figure illustrates the savings compared to tower yarders at different payloads and skyline inclines (both downhill and uphill). With a lateral yarding distance of 60 meters and a transport distance of 300 meters, an average of approx. 75% of fuel can be saved. The minimum saving is approx. 45% (uphill with a large payload). With sufficient incline and appropriate payload, energy-autarkic operation is possible (no refueling).
Energy-autarkic operation
This graphic shows the minimum payload required for energy-autarkic operation, depending on the incline and length of the cableway. As expected, the required payload increases as the cableway length or incline decreases, since the potential for energy recovery diminishes. From a payload of approximately 1400 kg, energy-autarkic operation can be achieved. This minimum payload increases to around 4000 kg with a cableway length of only 100 m or an incline of just 20% (11.3 °). At inclines below 20% (11.3 °), energy-autarkic operation is no longer possible.
innovative remote control
The remote control of the HULK was specifically developed to meet its challenging requirements. HULK can be effectively used over distances of several kilometers. However, the range of industrial radio remote controls is significantly restricted due to increasingly stringent regulations. The remote control of the HULK uses technology that overcomes these difficulties. With a clear line of sight, it achieves a range of approximately one kilometer. The emergency stop signal can be transmitted over several kilometers. This enables the system to cover even the most extreme applications in target automation mode.
The new development of the control system also allowed for optimal adaptation to the HULK. All monitoring and settings can be carried out in the simplest and most straightforward manner via the display. Below is an illustration of the information displayed on the main menu of the display during operation.
