Tadano AC 5.250L-2 Sets New Standards for Main Boom Length and Load Moment
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 18, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 12
30-Second Takeaway
Tadano has introduced the AC 5.250L-2, a long-boom variant of the AC 5.250-2, featuring a 259.2-foot main boom and a maximum system length of 357.6 feet. The 5-axle all-terrain crane delivers a load moment of up to 736 mt and offers self-erecting boom extensions up to 98.4 feet. Designed for urban construction, tower crane assembly, and heavy lifting at height, the AC 5.250L-2 combines long reach, high lifting performance, and efficient taxi crane transport configurations.
With the new AC 5.250L-2, Tadano is literally going one better: With its 259.2-foot-long
main boom, this 5-axle machine is at the top of its class. And the maximum main
boom extension of 98.4 feet is also “best in class”. Remarkably, all available main
boom extensions from 19.0 to 98.4 feet are self-erecting. The available maximum
system length of 357.6 feet makes the compact AC 5.250L-2 the ideal crane for urban
applications, for example for lifting air conditioning units over obstructions onto tall
buildings. Additionally, it is also ideally suited to the assembly of large tower cranes.
“Our AC 5.250L-2 is also top of the class when it comes to load moment, which at up to 736 it is one of the best on the market,” explains Peter Kleinhans, the responsible project manager, with pride.
This high load moment is achieved with a working radius 23 feet, a 44.3 foot-long main boom and a load weight of 231,920 pounds. In addition, Tadano offers an optional heavy-lift attachment for even heavier loads up to 305,780 pounds on the short boom with additional sheaves.
Economical Use as a Taxi Crane
Like the basic AC 5.250-2 model, the “main boom long version” also impresses with its
outstanding transport configurations. The crane with 10 x 6 drive can be moved on cost-
effective 16-inch steel wheels on public roads while complying with the 26,500 pounds axle
load limit with a considerable amount of equipment including a 32-tonne Vario hook block
and outriggers with a total weight of less than 132,300 pounds, transport brackets for
extensions, and up to 550 pounds of equipment in the rear box.
In compliance with the 36,400 pounds axle load limit with a total weight of exactly 181,900
pounds, the AC 5.250L-2 can even be driven on public roads with a 10 x 8 drive on 16-inch
steel wheels. It can not only carry a 35 US ton of hook block, outriggers, and a 39.4-foot
extension including transport brackets, but also 44,100 pounds of counterweight and up to
1,100 pounds of equipment in the rear box.
Sophisticated Counterweight Concept
The AC 5.250L-2 can pick up its maximum counterweight of 176,400 pounds in three lifts:
109,300 pounds with a radius of up to 22.3 feet at a full radius of 360° and two 33,500
pounds with a radius of up to 42.7 feet divided into 22,050 and 11,500 pounds for hanging on the right and left of the basic package. If required, the counterweight can also be divided into smaller pieces. For example, the 12,150-pound base plate can be picked up from a distance of up to 75.5 feet in a full radius.
“Thanks to the standard IC-1 Plus crane control system, the possible radius can be increased considerably in certain areas of the slewing angle,” emphasizes Peter Kleinhans.
Maximum flexibility in transport logistics is also ensured by the division of the counterweight, with no element weighing more than 22,050 pounds. This means that smaller trucks can be scheduled for transportation if space conditions on the construction site require it.
On board: IC-1 Plus and Surround View
Tadano has also equipped the AC 5.250L-2 with a comprehensive range of standard
features that benefit all current cranes in the Tadano AC family. This includes the innovative
IC-1 Plus crane control system, for example. It determines the maximum load capacity of the
crane in real time for each boom position depending on the slewing angle of the
superstructure. This means that the crane can always use the maximum available capacity -
especially when lifting over the outriggers. This advantage literally comes to the forefront
when the counterweight is reduced, and the outriggers are not fully extended. The AC
5.250L-2 benefits greatly from this, as its outriggers can be extended asymmetrically in five
positions of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent.
The unique Surround View camera system is also available as an option for the Tadano AC
5.250L-2, making it easier for the crane operator to optimally position the crane on the
construction site. This patented system uses six cameras to display the maximum possible
extension widths of the outriggers at the crane's current position in a computer-aided display.
“With Tadano Surround View, the crane operator can see on a display in the cab exactly how he needs to position the crane on the construction site in order to extend all outriggers sufficiently and ensure the required slewing radius. This eliminates the need for tedious and time-consuming measuring and trial-and-error when searching for a location so that thecrane is ready for use more quickly,” explains Peter Kleinhans.
The system also helps to better recognize pedestrians and cyclists on the way to the construction site when turning.
Comfortable and Safe Workplace
When developing the AC 5.250-2, Tadano did not disregard the needs of the crane operator
- and the AC 5.250L-2 naturally also benefits from this: all noise-emitting hydraulic
components are positioned away from the upper cabin, making it pleasantly quiet. In any
case, the generous amount of space in both cabs ensures a high level of operating comfort
and pleasant working conditions. Safety is ensured by well-placed access steps, attachment
points for the driver's personal safety equipment, and a step that can be extended from the undercarriage for safe and convenient entry and exit to the upper cab.
The optional pendant light and a load view camera also ensure greater safety during
operation. These can be mounted alternately on the boom head and on the extensions so
that one system can be used for all configurations. When lifting over interfering edges with an extension, the repeater, which is also available, is recommended for mounting on the boom head to ensure a wireless connection to the camera in such cases.
Ecological and Economic Operation
On the engine side, the AC 5.250L-2 has the same drive that already delivers a convincing
performance in the AC 5.250-2: The modern Mercedes-Benz engine with 530 hp output and
a maximum torque of 1,917 lbf-ft ensures decent acceleration and strong lifting performance.
The HVO-compliant diesel engine meets the current EU Stage V and US EPA Tier4 Final
requirements. Thanks to Eco Mode, it is also particularly economical: the engine only
delivers as much power as the crane needs at any given time. The corresponding
calculations are made via the IC-1 crane control system, which also includes a fuel-saving
start/stop function. This switches off the crane engine at the touch of a button without
deactivating the control software - and the hill start assist, which is also fitted as standard,
ensures stress-free driving when starting off and maneuvering on inclines.
With the AC 5.250L-2, Tadano has added a convincing variant to the proven AC 5.250-2
basic model, which significantly extends the range of applications of this already versatile
crane even further thanks to the 259.2-foot-long main boom. The high load moment of up to
736 mt in combination with the long system length of 357.6 feet makes this crane an
extremely interesting option for many applications where heavy loads have to be lifted to
great heights - and thanks to its good taxi crane properties, it is also definitely a convincing
economic option.
About Tadano
Tadano Ltd. is a Japan-based global manufacturer of lifting equipment with a product portfolio that includes all-terrain cranes, rough-terrain cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and crawler cranes. Founded in 1948, the company has built its reputation on engineering-driven design, safety-focused innovation, and long-term reliability. Tadano operates globally through regional sales and service networks supporting construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial lifting applications. The company maintains a strategic focus on lifting equipment and continues to invest in advanced crane control systems, efficient transport concepts, and emissions-compliant powertrains.
🔗 Visit the Manufacturer https://www.tadano.com
About the Tadano AC All-Terrain Crane Series
Tadano’s AC series all-terrain cranes are designed to combine high lifting performance with efficient road travel and flexible on-site configuration. The series spans multiple axle classes and incorporates technologies such as the IC-1 Plus crane control system, variable outrigger positioning, and optimized counterweight concepts. These cranes are widely used for urban construction, infrastructure projects, industrial maintenance, and tower crane assembly, where compact dimensions, long reach, and high load moments are required.
About IC-1 Plus Crane Control
IC-1 Plus is Tadano’s proprietary crane control system that determines maximum permissible load capacities in real time based on boom position, slewing angle, outrigger extension, and counterweight configuration. Unlike traditional load charts with fixed values, IC-1 Plus allows operators to utilize the crane’s maximum available capacity in each specific working position. This is particularly beneficial in confined job sites, asymmetric outrigger setups, or when operating with reduced counterweight.
🔗 Learn More https://www.tadano.com/products/technology/ic-1-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tadano AC 5.250L-2?
The Tadano AC 5.250L-2 is a long-boom variant of the AC 5.250-2 5-axle all-terrain crane, featuring a 259.2-foot main boom and a maximum system length of 357.6 feet.
What makes the AC 5.250L-2 different from the AC 5.250-2?
The AC 5.250L-2 offers a significantly longer main boom and boom extension lengths while maintaining similar transport configurations and taxi crane capabilities as the base AC 5.250-2 model.
What is the maximum load moment of the AC 5.250L-2?
The crane delivers a maximum load moment of up to 736 mt, achieved with a 44.3-foot main boom at a 23-foot working radius and a load of 231,920 pounds.
What types of applications is the AC 5.250L-2 designed for?
The crane is designed for urban construction, lifting over obstructions, tower crane assembly, and applications requiring heavy loads to be lifted to significant heights while maintaining compact on-site positioning.
Can the AC 5.250L-2 be used as a taxi crane?
Yes. The AC 5.250L-2 offers multiple road-legal transport configurations, complying with both 26,500-pound and 36,400-pound axle load limits while carrying key components such as hook blocks, outriggers, extensions, and counterweight.
What counterweight options are available?
The AC 5.250L-2 has a maximum counterweight of 176,400 pounds, which can be picked up in three lifts. Individual counterweight elements are divided to allow flexible transport logistics and the use of smaller transport vehicles when required.
What crane control system does the AC 5.250L-2 use?
The crane is equipped with Tadano’s IC-1 Plus crane control system, which calculates maximum load capacities in real time based on operating conditions and slewing angle.
What engine powers the AC 5.250L-2?
The crane is powered by a 530-hp Mercedes-Benz diesel engine delivering 1,917 lbf-ft of torque and meeting EU Stage V and US EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards.
