FINLAND'S Cargotec has showcased its new ASC+ automated stacking crane at the TOC Europe exhibition in Antwerp.

The new ASC+ is the first of a current range that integrates modularity into the design, to customise application requirements.

"Pre-made cabling and factory-tested subsystems allow factory acceptance of the full crane to be conducted onsite, simplifying shipping in the process and reducing costs and lead time," said product manager Marko Hopeaharju.

The Kalmar ASC+ features optimal stiffness in the portal and rope reeving systems, which simplifies the design and hence the maintenance and precautions required. The platform supports use of multiple main component suppliers and also is adaptable to local requirements.

The crane design offers improved performance with reduced weight of the crane and the spreader, thereby lowering energy use and lifecycle costs. The equipment also features intelligent idle time management and regeneration of energy during lowering and braking. It also offers users high operation speeds for gantry (up to 300 m/min), trolley (up to 90 m/min), and hoisting (up to 120 m/min) operations.