Essen Fire Department Takes Delivery of Tadano AC 4.080-1

30 Second Takeaway

Essen Fire Department has taken delivery of a new Tadano AC 4.080-1 All Terrain crane following a formal tender process. The four axle crane was selected for its operational flexibility, compact dimensions and ability to support complex rescue, technical assistance and hazard mitigation operations across Essen’s densely developed urban environment.

The 80 tonne capacity crane features a 60 metre main boom, a boom extension reaching up to 16 metres, individually adjustable outriggers and a transport configuration that can reduce axle loads to 10 tonnes when required. Following the installation of fire-service-specific equipment, vehicle lettering and operator training, the crane will officially enter service.

Tadano Crane Selected Through Formal Tender

Essen Fire Department has expanded its heavy rescue capabilities with the procurement of a new Tadano AC 4.080-1. The crane was selected through a formal tender intended to identify a machine capable of addressing the department’s broad operational requirements while remaining economical to operate.

Tender criteria considered the crane’s ability to work under different deployment conditions, its overall performance and the scope of the modifications required to prepare it for fire service operations. The AC 4.080-1 was ultimately selected as the model that most comprehensively satisfied those requirements.

Key considerations included:

• Operational flexibility

• Adaptability to changing emergency conditions

• Compact road and setup dimensions

• Long boom reach

• Lifting capacity at height

• Reduced axle-load configurations

• Individually adjustable outriggers

• Compatibility with fire service equipment

• Operational and lifecycle efficiency

The official handover took place at Tadano’s facility in Lauf, Germany, under the supervision of Helge Prüfer, sales manager at Tadano.

Crane Will Support Complex Rescue Operations

The AC 4.080-1 will primarily be used for complex rescue operations requiring greater reach or lifting capacity than conventional emergency vehicles can provide. Essen contains extensive rows of closely spaced buildings, narrow streets and restricted access routes. In some incidents, rescuers must reach over buildings, walls, parked vehicles or other obstacles to access an injured or trapped person. The crane’s boom system allows rescue equipment to be positioned across significant horizontal distances while the crane remains established at a suitable location.

Planned applications include:

• Rescuing people across substantial distances

• Reaching over buildings and other obstacles

• Supporting rescues from height

• Handling specialised rescue baskets

• Lifting heavy objects during technical incidents

• Assisting with trapped-person rescues

• Supporting structural emergency operations

• Removing loads that prevent access to casualties

• Extending the capacity of conventional rescue cranes

• Responding to environmental and civil protection incidents

The selected configuration for each incident will depend on the load, operating radius, access conditions and approved rescue procedure.

Specialised Rescue Baskets Expand Access

One of the crane’s planned roles involves the use of specialised rescue baskets.

A suitable basket can provide access where conventional aerial ladders or platforms cannot reach the required location. This can be particularly relevant when rescuers must work beyond an obstacle or across a substantial horizontal distance.

Rescue basket operations require more than sufficient crane capacity. The complete system must account for the basket, occupants, rescue equipment, rigging and dynamic forces associated with movement. Weather conditions, communication, emergency lowering procedures and the condition of the casualty must also be considered.

The long boom of the AC 4.080-1 gives incident commanders additional options when developing a rescue plan, but each operation must remain within the crane’s approved configuration and the applicable procedures for lifting personnel.

Heavy Lifting Supports Technical Assistance

The new crane will also support the fire department’s technical assistance operations.

Emergency services can encounter heavy objects that must be lifted, stabilised or repositioned before rescuers can reach a casualty or make an incident area safe.

Examples can include damaged vehicles, industrial equipment, structural components and debris following a collapse or collision. In these situations, the crane can be integrated with other rescue equipment to create a coordinated response. Hydraulic tools, stabilisation systems, cutting equipment and lifting airbags can be used alongside the crane according to the incident plan.

The AC 4.080-1 also provides additional capability when conventional heavy-duty rescue cranes approach their operational limits. Its available capacity will depend on the actual boom length, operating radius, counterweight, outrigger configuration and direction of lift.

Hazard Mitigation Capability Increases

The crane will expand the department’s ability to manage incidents involving trapped people and unstable heavy objects. A load that has shifted during an accident can present continuing risk to rescuers and casualties. Before rescue work begins, the object may need to be secured against further movement. A mobile crane can support this process by holding, lifting or removing the load under controlled conditions.

Potential hazard mitigation work includes:

• Stabilising damaged structural elements

• Supporting components during rescue access

• Removing heavy debris

• Recovering overturned equipment

• Lifting loads from vehicles or machinery

• Assisting during partial structural collapses

• Creating access routes for rescue teams

• Supporting environmental emergency operations

Emergency lifting differs from planned construction work because information can be incomplete and conditions can change quickly. Incident commanders, crane operators and technical rescue personnel must therefore establish the load condition, exclusion zones, communication procedures and safe operating configuration before movement begins.

10 Tonne Axle-Load Configuration Supports Urban Access

A significant advantage for operations in Essen is the AC 4.080-1’s ability to travel in a configuration with an axle load of 10 tonnes. This can allow the crane to use bridges and roadways subject to particular weight restrictions, reducing the need for lengthy detours.

Route flexibility is important during emergency response because road restrictions can influence how quickly a large crane reaches an incident.

According to Tadano, the crane can carry approximately 3.3 tonnes of counterweight while remaining within a 10 tonne axle-load configuration. The equipment carried in this configuration remains subject to the selected road setup and applicable transport regulations.

The AC 4.080-1 can also carry up to 9.3 tonnes of counterweight, together with its swing-away boom extension, while remaining within a 12 tonne axle-load limit.

These transport options allow the department to balance road access with the equipment and counterweight required for the expected operation.

Additional counterweight can be transported separately when the full crane configuration is needed.

Compact Width Suits Confined Streets

The crane has an overall vehicle width of 2.55 metres, supporting travel and positioning within densely developed parts of Essen.

Its compact four axle carrier measures approximately:

• 12.15 metres long

• 2.55 metres wide

• 3.79 metres high

These dimensions help the crane navigate urban roads and approach incidents where space is shared with buildings, emergency vehicles, parked cars and members of the public.

Compact dimensions do not remove the need for traffic control or a suitable setup area. The crane still requires sufficient space for its outriggers, counterweight, upper structure movement and designated working zone. Emergency crews may need to close roads, remove parked vehicles or establish controlled access before crane operations begin.

60 Metre Main Boom Provides Rescue Reach

The Tadano AC 4.080-1 is equipped with a telescopic main boom extending from 10.9 to 60 metres. The boom provides the height and horizontal reach required for work beyond buildings and other obstructions. Tadano lists a maximum tip height of approximately 78 metres when the boom extension is installed. The crane has a stated maximum working radius of 50 metres, depending on configuration and load.

The boom system is particularly relevant in Essen, where long building rows can prevent emergency equipment from being placed directly beneath the rescue location.

From a suitable setup position, the crane can reach across the intervening structure and place lifting or rescue equipment closer to the incident.

The crane’s available capacity decreases as boom length and operating radius increase. Every rescue configuration must therefore be checked using the applicable load chart and control system.

Boom Extension Reaches Up to 16 Metres

The crane’s boom extension provides additional reach beyond the 60 metre main boom.

Tadano offers extension configurations from 9 to 16 metres, with shorter extension options also available for specific applications. The extension can support operations requiring additional lifting height or a different approach angle around an obstruction.

For fire service work, this flexibility can be valuable when the crane must reach over a roofline or position rescue equipment beyond the main boom’s direct working envelope.

Selection of the extension configuration depends on the required height, radius, load and available assembly space.

The department’s personnel will receive training covering the correct installation, inspection and use of the crane’s boom equipment before the unit enters operational service.

Asymmetrical Outriggers Improve Setup Flexibility

The AC 4.080-1 has an asymmetrical outrigger system that allows each outrigger to be positioned individually and steplessly. This provides more setup flexibility than a system limited to several predetermined extension positions.

At an urban emergency, one side of the crane may be restricted by a building, wall, parked vehicle, kerb or other obstruction. The opposite side may have more space available.

Individually adjustable outriggers allow the operator to use the available area more effectively while the crane control system accounts for the established support configuration.

This can be particularly useful in densely built residential districts, where a fully symmetrical outrigger footprint cannot always be achieved.

The crane must still be positioned on ground capable of supporting the expected outrigger forces. Suitable mats or other load distribution measures are required where dictated by the surface and engineered operating plan.

80 Tonne Crane Combines Reach and Capacity

The Tadano AC 4.080-1 has a maximum rated lifting capacity of 80 tonnes.

Its principal specifications include:

• Maximum crane capacity of 80 tonnes

• Four axle All Terrain carrier

• Main boom from 10.9 to 60 metres

• Boom extension reaching up to 16 metres

• Maximum tip height of approximately 78 metres

• Maximum working radius of approximately 50 metres

• Maximum counterweight of 17.7 tonnes

• Maximum outrigger base of approximately 8.08 by 6.48 metres

• Maximum hoist line pull of 6.8 tonnes

• Vehicle width of 2.55 metres

• Vehicle length of approximately 12.15 metres

• Vehicle height of approximately 3.79 metres

• Eight wheel steering

• Mercedes-Benz carrier engine

The maximum 80 tonne rating applies only under the conditions established in the applicable load chart. Available capacity changes according to configuration, boom position and operating radius.

Crane Must Integrate With Emergency Command

Deploying an All Terrain crane at an emergency requires coordination across several response functions. The crane operator must work within the incident command structure while retaining responsibility for safe crane operation.

The operating team must confirm:

• Crane access and setup location

• Ground and underground conditions

• Load weight and stability

• Required lifting radius

• Suitable rigging and attachment points

• Outrigger forces and support

• Personnel exclusion zones

• Communication methods

• Weather conditions

• Emergency stopping procedures

• Interaction with other rescue equipment

Unlike routine lifting work, an emergency scene can contain damaged structures, unstable surfaces, leaking utilities or continuing vehicle movement. The crane can increase the department’s available options, but its operation must be integrated with the complete rescue and hazard control plan.

Fire Service Equipment Will Be Installed

The crane will undergo final preparation before beginning operational service.

This work includes the installation of fire-service-specific equipment and official vehicle markings. Specialised equipment must be positioned so that it remains accessible without interfering with crane movement, road transport limits or maintenance requirements.

The final configuration will reflect the department’s rescue procedures and expected operational roles.

Once the modifications are complete, operating personnel will receive comprehensive training. Training will cover the crane’s driving characteristics, setup process, outrigger system, boom configurations, control functions, load charts, inspection requirements and emergency procedures. Personnel must also understand how the crane interacts with rescue baskets, rigging equipment and the department’s wider technical response system.

Essen Presents Demanding Operating Conditions

Essen is one of the largest cities in Germany’s Ruhr region, with a population of approximately 600,000. The city combines dense residential areas with transport infrastructure, commercial development and an extensive industrial legacy.

Operational challenges include:

• Narrow streets

• Continuous rows of buildings

• Restricted setup areas

• Weight-limited bridges and roadways

• Heavy urban traffic

• Industrial and transport incidents

• Limited access behind buildings

• Complex technical rescue requirements

These conditions helped define the requirements within the fire department’s crane tender.

The selected machine needed sufficient capacity for heavy technical work while remaining compact and configurable enough for urban deployment.

About Essen Fire Department

Essen Fire Department provides fire protection, emergency medical services, technical assistance, environmental hazard response and civil protection across the German city of Essen. The professional fire department has approximately 750 operational employees and operates from eight fire and rescue stations distributed across the city.

A total of approximately 139 emergency personnel are on duty during each shift.

The professional service works with volunteer fire departments, aid organisations and the city’s youth fire brigade. Its central fire station maintains specialist vehicles and equipment for technical assistance, breathing apparatus support, water rescue, emergency medical response and large-scale incidents.

Fire department website: Essen Fire Department

About Tadano

Tadano is a global manufacturer of lifting equipment with product lines covering All Terrain cranes, rough terrain cranes, truck cranes, crawler cranes, telescopic boom crawler cranes and aerial work platforms. The company was founded in Japan in 1919 and produced its first hydraulic truck crane in 1955.

Tadano’s European operations include manufacturing, engineering, sales, service and training facilities supporting crane customers across the region.

The AC 4.080-1 forms part of Tadano’s four axle All Terrain crane range and is designed to combine road mobility, compact dimensions, long boom reach and lifting capacity.

Company website: www.tadano.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Which crane has Essen Fire Department purchased?

The department has purchased a Tadano AC 4.080-1 All Terrain crane.

What is the crane’s maximum lifting capacity?

The AC 4.080-1 has a maximum rated lifting capacity of 80 tonnes.

Why was the Tadano crane selected?

It was selected through a formal tender based on its operational flexibility, adaptability, performance and compatibility with the modifications required for fire service work.

What will the crane be used for?

The crane will support complex rescues, specialised rescue basket operations, heavy technical assistance and incidents involving trapped people or unstable heavy objects.

How long is the main boom?

The telescopic main boom extends to 60 metres.

Does the crane have a boom extension?

Yes. Its boom extension reaches up to 16 metres, providing a maximum tip height of approximately 78 metres depending on configuration.

Why is the 10 tonne axle-load configuration important?

It can allow the crane to use weight-restricted roads and bridges that might otherwise require a detour.

How wide is the AC 4.080-1?

The crane has a transport width of 2.55 metres.

Can the outriggers be extended independently?

Yes. Each outrigger can be adjusted individually and steplessly, helping the crane establish a suitable configuration where setup space is restricted.

Where was the crane handed over?

The official handover took place at Tadano’s facility in Lauf, Germany.

When will the crane enter service?

The crane will enter service after its fire-service-specific equipment and lettering have been installed and operating personnel have completed training.