HILL CRANE FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
Present invention is related to a pick and carry crane, which is specially a hill crane, particularly mounted on a mobile vehicle without any articulation but having the slewing provisions for the superstructure assembly of the crane. The proposed crane herein is specially a hill recovery crane, mainly for hilly area usage of the crane, for recovery of wreckage as well as injured (in the event of accident) with minimum turn around time, so that timely help for accident victims and recovery of valuable hardware is possible. It is equipped with all rescue equipments and the crane is provided with all essential hydraulic features, namely outrigger erection, hoisting, derricking, slewing and boom extension.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
Pick and carry cranes are conventionally known and are being used in regular practice. These pick and carry cranes may comprise of one or another features suitable to the cranes, such as hydraulic features, truck-based construction and articulated body of the crane, extendable boom assembly etc. Usually the pick and carry cranes are manufactured and applied for handling loads at construction sites and for industrial applications. The features of the convention pick and carry cranes are governed by the load picking and carrying capacity and therefore, the safety majors in operating a crane becomes main issue of concern. Hence speed and quick functioning of the crane as a whole and/or individual component therein is not very significant or is restricted very much.
Conventionally a light weight, truck-mounted without the articulation provisions and very compact pick and carry crane, very specialized in conducting rescue operations in hilly areas, particularly in Indian high mountain regions, is not available.
Therefore in the present invention of a hill crane, mainly a pick and carry crane as a hill recovery crane, is proposed, which is well equipped with state

of the art facilities for recovery of wreckage as well as injured people in hilly regions. The proposed hill crane is so designed that it takes minimum turn around time and is capable of being setup quickly. The operation and setting up require only one person. The proposed crane is provided with all hydraulically operated mechanisms like outrigger erection, hoisting, derricking, slewing and boom extension.
Therefore, the prime object of the present invention is to propose a compact pick and carry crane as the hill crane, which is capable of carrying out effective rescue operations in the extreme conditions of hilly areas, and wherein the said hill crane is specially equipped for recovery of wreckage as well injured people (in case of any accident) with minimum turn around time, and wherein the said hill crane is particularly designed for quick setting-up of the crane for operation by single person.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a truck-based light weight pick and carry crane as a hill recovery crane, wherein the said hill crane is provided with hydraulic mechanism to carry out various actions, namely outrigger erection, hoisting, derricking, slewing and boom extension etc.; and wherein the whole functioning of hydraulic means of the proposed crane, as well as the motion of the vehicle are co-coordinated through the main engine of the truck/vehicle.
Another object of present invention is to propose a hill crane wherein mainly the back body-part of a truck is installed with the superstructure assembly of the crane, mainly by involving specific superstructure installation mechanism using main pivot pin, side pivot pin, chassis base plate, lock-plate and the slew ring.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a hill crane, wherein the superstructure assembly of the crane is capable of slewing, mainly involving the specific slew-linkage installation and the mechanism therein by involving main pivot pin, side pivot pin, slew cylinder, linkages and the chassis base plate.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a hill crane wherein the functioning of the hydraulic pump is integrated with the propulsion shaft of the

vehicle's engine, mainly involving the P.O.A. Assy, P.T.O. Adopter, Pump Adopter and the Pump.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION:
Accordingly the invention provides a compact pick and carry crane as the hill crane, consisting of the superstructure assembly of the crane on the back body-part of the truck/vehicle, mainly by involving specific superstructure installation mechanism using main pivot pin, side pivot pin, chassis base plate, lock-plate and the slew ring; hydraulic mechanism to carry out various actions, namely outrigger erection, hoisting, derricking, slewing and boom extension etc.; and wherein the said hill crane is specially equipped for recovery of wreckage as well injured people (in case of any accident) with minimum turn around time, and wherein the said hill crane is particularly designed for quick setting-up of the crane for operation by single person; and the said hill crane is characterized in that capable of carrying out effective rescue operations in the extreme conditions of hilly areas; that the whole functioning of hydraulic means of the proposed crane, as well as the motion of the vehicle are co-coordinated through the main engine of the truck/vehicle; that the superstructure assembly of the crane is capable of slewing, mainly involving the specific slew-linkage installation and the mechanism therein by involving main pivot pin, side pivot pin, slew cylinder, linkages and the chassis base plate; and that the functioning of the hydraulic pump is integrated with the propulsion shaft of the vehicle's engine, mainly involving the P.O.A. Assy, P.T.O. Adopter, Pump Adopter and the Pump.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The Hill Crane consists of crane carrier vehicle, preferably a light weight compact truck without articulation provisions and the superstructure assembly of the crane on the back body-part of the truck/vehicle.
A ball ring gear connects these two components to each other.
The superstructure hydraulic system is fed with oil by a hydraulic pump driven by a PTO assembly mounted with the vehicle/truck-engine.

Due to effective installation of the superstructure assembly of the proposed hill crane on the middle region of the vehicle/truck, mainly on its back body, which is suitably incorporated with its slew linkage installation and the slew-mechanism therein, the said superstructure is provided with the unrestricted working ranges of 180 degree as well as various selectable steering configurations, which permit an excellent maneuverability even in very confined area.
The completely hydraulic outriggers installed in the chassis enable perfect supporting on uneven ground.
On the superstructure assembly, there is the operator's chair, in front of which the complete control mechanism, involving multiple levers/valves, is installed. The operator, through the said control panel operates every function of the crane. To carry out functions with the crane, the operator first ejects the outriggers out to make the machine stable. During the operation the crane performs slewing the crane at the base and hoisting of the extendable boom. The boom is an essential component of the superstructure assembly, firmly secured with the help of single luff-cylinder. The extendable boom is preferentially a two part boom, comprising of the automatic rope adjusting means, particularly towards facilitating the synchronized extension and retraction of the extendable boom members through the hydraulic means and the synchronized boom extension and retraction system through rope arrangement.
Main features of the construction of the proposed hill crane are as follow, wherein the said features described in this Para herein below only indicate one specific preferred set of installation and assembly, and the capacities of individual components and the features of the proposed hill crane are not confined to the scope of any specific illustrative embodiment discussed herein.
(a) Chassis
TATA 407 FEATURES:-
• 4 wheel drive.
• Power Steering.

• Road speed 80kmph or more
• Min. Gradeability 25%
• Engine 4 stroke Dl turbo
Charged diesel engine, 55.2 KW @ 2800 rpm
• No. of cylinders 4
CHASSIS FAB.
The chassis is of welded steel construction and is bolted on longitudinal girders of TATA 407 truck; there are integral outrigger boxes at each end of the chassis.
Superstructure:-
The superstructure is a welded fabrication mounted on a slew ring which rotates on a ball bearing; A hydro-mechanical linkage drives the super structure to ensure 180 degree rotation.
(b) Hydraulic System:
The main hydraulic system comprises an oil reservoir ,PTO driven pump, main relief valve, Return line filters, a numbers of double acting cylinders, change over valve to select crane service or outrigger service, two control valves with built in relief valve and interconnecting tubes and hoses.
The oil is stored in the reservoir, is circulated round the system by the pump and is controlled by hand operated valves in the cab which directs the flow of oil, as required to cylinders and motors which effect the crane motions (derrick, slew, etc.)
The circuit of complete hydraulic system is shown in Hyd. Circuit. The physical arrangement of various components on chassis and superstructure is indicated by the schematic diagram which also shows the hose and piping interconnections.
Main relief valve:-
The main relief valve prevents excessive pressure from being developed in the system.

Referring the main relief valve, pilot relief and solenoid valve assembly is connected between the delivery line from and the return line to the reservoir. The pilot relief valve is set to open at 120 bar.if the system pressure rises to this level opens, venting the main relief valve, as a result opens and oil flows through the valve block to the reservoir, so relieving the pressure in the system.
A. Diverter valve; -
The diverter or change over valve is intended to opt the crane usage during outrigger or crane services.
C. Main control valve:-
Two control valves are provided to superstructure for outrigger and crane services with built in relief valve.
SAFETY DEVICES:
a. Hydraulic overload protection with Main relief valve and built in relief
valve provided in control valves.
b. Hydraulic outriggers with built in safety.
c. All Hydraulic actuators with built in safety against Hydraulic failures.
d. Fitting of Fog Lamp for Operation in Hilly Areas.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The proposed hill crane and its features are described substantially herein with the help of certain schematic drawings, labeled with certain numeric symbols. Short description of the drawings is as under:
Figure 1: It represents the overall schematic view/plan of the proposed hill crane.
Figure 2: It represents the schematic side view/scheme (sketch view/scheme) of the proposed hill crane.
Figure 3: It represents the schematic back view/scheme (sketch view/scheme) of the proposed hill crane wherein it shows the main

superstructure assembly of the crane, installed on the back body of the truck-vehicle.
Figure 4: It represents the schematic view/plan for the installation of the hydraulic pump and the mechanism involved therein.
Figure 5: It represents the schematic view/plan of the installation of the superstructure assembly of the crane on the truck-vehicle and the mechanism . involved therein.
Figure 6: It represents the schematic scheme/view for the slew linkage installation and the mechanism involved therein for the superstructure assembly of the crane, preferably the bottom view, wherein the boom is inline to the axis of the truck.
Figure 7: It represents the two part boom assembly as the preferred embodiment herein, showing the important components and the main points of integration/ assembly involved therein.
The proposed hill crane is mounted on the crane carrier vehicle wherein the said vehicle has preferably no articulation facility and the carrier's (truck's) driver cabin (101) and the back body (103) are secured on a single frame, resting on four wheels (102). The superstructure assembly of the crane (104) is pivotally secured on the back-body (103). The said superstructure (104) comprises of the operator's chair (106) and the control panel (107). Along with the operator's chair (106) there is the change over valve (105). The extendable boom assembly (108), particularly the two part boom, is an essential component of the superstructure assembly (104), suitably secured with the help of single luff-cylinder (111). The boom assembly (108) comprises of winch installation (112), rope (113), the jib head (114) and the snatch block (115). At the time of crane operation four outriggers (110) at four corners of the back-body (103) are extended to stabilize the crane.
The main engine (216) is mounted near the front wheels (202), under the driver's cabin (201), which not only creates the suitable drive-line through propulsion shaft, but also regulated the functioning of all hydraulic mechanisms of the crane through suitable integration with the hydraulic oil tank (209). The schematic plan of the installation of the hydraulic pump and

the mechanism involved therein can be better visualized with the help of figure 4. The engine of the vehicle (420) is not only responsible for creating the drive-line but it is integrated with the hydraulic pump (425) through P.T.O. Assy (421), P.T.O. Adopter (422), Prop. Shaft (423), Pump adopter (424).
The superstructure assembly (528) is installed on the back-body of the crane carrier vehicle/truck using the specific superstructure installation mechanism, depicted in Figure 5. The main body of the superstructure assembly (528) is secured with the said back-body with the help of chassis base plate (529), lock-plate (530), slew ring (531), main pivot pin (532) and the side pivot pin (533).
The superstructure assembly is capable of quick and effective slewing upto 180°. The slew linkage installation mechanism, provided with the superstructure assembly, is represented in figure 6, wherein the said mechanism supports the slewing action, mainly involving the chassis base plate (629), main pivot pin (632), side pivot pin (633), linkages (634), slew cylinder (635).
Figure 7 indicates various important components and the main points of integration/assembly involved with the installation and functioning of the boom of the proposed hill crane, mainly the main boom or the mother boom (736), the first extendable boom (737), lower mounting position (738) for the mother boom, upper mounting position (739) for the luff-cylinder to the mother boom, winch installation position (740), point for securing/inserting (741) the hydraulic pipes to the boom assembly mainly to hydraulic cylinder (742) of the boom, and the rope guard (743).
Some specific detail, mainly related to the construction and functional features of one illustrative embodiment of the proposed Hill Crane, generally termed as "Hill Recovery Crane" is mentioned as under:
Technical details of an illustrative embodiment of the proposed hill crane:
1. Engine power - 55kw at 2800 rpm, meeting Bharat stage-ll

2. Transmission - 5 forward, 1 reverse
3. Front axle - hypoid gears, fully floating axle shafts
4. Rear axle - hypoid gears, fully floating axle shafts
5. Steering - power steering
6. Brakes, service - vacuum assisted, dual circuit, hydraulic with tandem master cylinder
. 7. Parking - hand operated acting on rear wheels
8. Chassis - rolled section welded frame mounted on chassis
9. Slew frame - high grade steel plate welded structure.
10. Suspension - semi elliptic spring at front and rear, anti roll bar at front
only.
- Shock absorbers, hydraulic double acting at front and
rear
11. Wheels/ tyres - 8.25X16-16PR-2 Nos. in front
- 8.25x16-16PR-2 Nos. at rear
12. No. of wheels - front-2, rear-2, spare-1
13. Fuel tank - 90 Itrs
14. Hydraulic tank -90 Itrs
15. Boom - 2 part hydraulic telescopic

- Closed length 3100 mm
- Fully open length 4800 mm
16. Boom Luffing - hydraulic up to -5 to 45 degrees
17. Slewing -180 degree through Hydraulic cylinder.
18. Hoisting - Hydraulic, 2 speeds 5 & 10 m/min.
19. Outriggers - hydraulically operated
20. Controls - hydraulic control valves, 8 spool (4 for outriggers & 4 for
crane service)

-Divertor Valve provision to select either Crane or Outrigger operation.
- Additional throttle control at operator's seat.
- operator's seat located on slew frame. 21. Performance:
- Line pull - 550 kgs
- Speed - 80 kmph or more
- Max grade ability - 27%
- Turning circle dia. -13.6 m
- Weight, GVW -5140 KGS
On the basis of the extensive trial of the proposed Hill Crane, following precautions towards the functioning/operation of the said crane are suggested herein below:
1. Keep the slew lock pin in locking position while the machine is in traveling mode.
2. Do the Slew Operation at low engine RPM
3. Insert the manual foot shoes in Outriggers before Outrigger erection.
4. Keep the Hand held lever during craning operation at either (1) or (2) position.
5. During the use of crane service do not disturb the position of change over valve.
6. Do not temper main relief setting(120 Bar), to get hydraulic overload protection.
7. Snatch block to be hooked with the bracket provided at chassis during traveling mode.
8. Tightly hoist the snatch block with stopper provided on Boom during Slewing operation.
9. Engine throttle in "neutral position".

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION:
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

We Claim:
1. The hill crane comprising of a crane carrier vehicle, preferably a compact truck without articulation provisions, the superstructure assembly of the crane with slewing provisions secured on the back body of the said carrier vehicle/truck; and the said hill crane is characterized in that capable of carrying out recovery of wreckage as well as injured people and conducting effective rescue operations in the extreme conditions of hilly areas.
2. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the superstructure assembly mainly comprises of the operator seat, the control panel, the hydraulic mechanisms for effective crane operation, the slewing provisions, and the boom assembly, preferably the two part extendable boom assembly.
3. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the superstructure assembly of the crane is secured on the back body-part of the carrier vehicle/truck mainly by involving specific superstructure installation mechanism using main pivot pin, side pivot pin, chassis base plate, lock-plate and the slew ring.
4. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic mechanism, integrated with the superstructure assembly of the crane, to carry out various actions are mainly outrigger erection, hoisting, derricking, slewing and boom extension etc.
5. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said hill crane is specially equipped for recovery of wreckage as well injured people (in case of any accident) with minimum turn around time, and wherein the said hill crane is particularly characterized in that quick setting-up of the crane for operation by single person.
6. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the whole functioning of hydraulic means of the proposed crane, as well as the motion of the vehicle are co-coordinated through the main engine of the truck/vehicle.
7. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the superstructure
assembly of the crane is capable of slewing, preferably upto 180°,
mainly involving the specific slew-linkage installation and the
mechanism therein by involving main pivot pin, side pivot pin, slew
cylinder, linkages and the chassis base plate.
8. The hill crane, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functioning of the
hydraulic pump is integrated with the propulsion shaft of the
vehicle's engine, mainly involving the P.O.A. Assy, P.T.O. Adopter,
Pump Adopter and the Pump.
9. The hill crane substantially as herein described and illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings.