This Mercedes Actros 2648 6x4 was spotted by me on a sunny afternoon at the yard of Bösch Transporte from Klaus(A).

The tractors is equiped with a heavy Palfinger PK 72002E crane (+/- 68 t/m). This crane has a maximum outreach of almost 16 meters, where it can still lift about 3,5 tons.

After mounting a jib the outreach is enlarged to almost 30 meters. Here it clearly visible how far the crane is mounted to the back. This is done to prevent a too high axle load on the front axle.

Here we see that the crane doesn’t rest on the 5th wheel, but on a little strut that is mounted to the jib. At the back of the truckchassis are some twistlocks. A ballastbox can be mounted on them (see picture at the bottom of the page).

Another remarkable detail are the outriggers (also see picture below). 2 of them are mounted at the back, and 4 others are mounted near the crane base. 2 of those extend to the side, and 2 other extend (at an angle) to the front of the truck. These outriggers provide stability when the crane has to lift something in front of the truck.