Skip to main content

Hiab launches the VSL PLUS stability feature

Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched the VSL PLUS stability feature for its heavy crane range. Variable Stability Limit PLUS (VSL PLUS) is a safety system that automatically regulates crane capacity in relation to the actual stability of the vehicle while it is working. The system senses the position of each stabiliser leg and whether there is a load on the truck. It is designed to protect the crane operator, people nearby and the crane and vehicle outfit. It takes the total weight of the truck into a
March 22, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Hiab, part of 3335 Cargotec, has launched the VSL PLUS stability feature for its heavy crane range.

Variable Stability Limit PLUS (VSL PLUS) is a safety system that automatically regulates crane capacity in relation to the actual stability of the vehicle while it is working. The system senses the position of each stabiliser leg and whether there is a load on the truck.

It is designed to protect the crane operator, people nearby and the crane and vehicle outfit. It takes the total weight of the truck into account when calculating stability.

"The new and improved VSL PLUS stability system can take advantage of the vehicle's loaded platform because the extra load on the truck acts as a counterweight," explains Sergio Peiró, product manager for the Heavy Range at Hiab Loader Cranes. "VSL PLUS automatically adjusts the crane's lifting capacity on the basis of optimal stability.”

Pressure on the stabiliser legs is measured. More load on the truck bed means more pressure on the legs, which means greater stability. So, a load of cargo on the truck will mean that lift can be significantly more before the system stops the crane, allowing the crane to always operate at its optimal allowed capacity.

This means that stability and high capacity are maintained when working in confined spaces. Peiro said that if a customer arrives on site to find a narrow delivery space, the stabiliser beams cannot be extended fully. So lifting capacity must be reduced.

“But if you have VSL PLUS, and you have additional load on the truck bed, then you can have up to 100% lifting capacity," he said.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Wacker Neuson’s dual power 803 works inside the Kocher Viaduct
    May 1, 2015
    Wacker Neuson’s smallest excavator, the 803 dual power, is punching above its weight on the Kocher Viaduct demolition project near Heilbronn in Germany. The electric-hydraulic and diesel-powered mini-excavator can fully deploy its advantages with emission-free work in confined spaces on site where construction company Leonhard Weiss is reconstructing the viaduct. At 185m, the Kocher viaduct is the highest bridge in Germany. Around 50,000 vehicles cross it daily. The Kocher viaduct was designed as a pr
  • CECE Summit – is Europe ready for a digital construction worksite?
    November 20, 2015
    The CECE has voiced his concern over government regulations that could strangle innovation for the digitalisation of construction machinery. China’s imploding economy was another topic at the recent conference in Brussels, reports David Arminas. The CECE has urged the European Parliament and European Commission to enact legislation that promotes rather than hinders the construction sector’s transition to a digitalised way of working. “We need a smart regulatory framework that helps to unlock the full poten
  • Improving a key route through Florida
    November 9, 2015
    Upgrading a key route through Florida – novel construction techniques are helping widen a road in difficult geological conditions – Lucio Garofalo reports. A major road widening project underway in Florida is due for completion soon. The work will improve an important section of road, reducing congestion at peak period and cutting travel times for drivers. The US 331/SR83 highway runs for some 79km and provides an important link in Florida’s Panhandle area, as it connects with Route 98.
  • New safety barrier solutions protect road users
    February 21, 2012
    Novel safety barrier solutions are coming to market, writes Mike Woof The safety barrier market is a focus for innovative products designed to meet a range of different applications. The diverse range of vehicle types on the road poses numerous technical challenges to barrier manufacturers. At the same time, different applications such as motorcycle safety, end treatments, bridge barriers and roadside obstacle protection require novel solutions. Although motorcycles account for only a small proportion of ve