CEN/TC 147/WG 18 - Loader cranes

This document specifies technical requirements for the interface of the basic machinery within the scope of EN 12999 equipped to allow the use of an assigned type of work platform as interchangeable equipment where the combination of the basic machinery and the work platform as interchangeable equipment is within the scope of EN 280-1.
The basic machinery covered by this document is designed to be installed on a road vehicle with load carrying capability. The combination of the basic machinery and the work platform as interchangeable equipment covered by this document belongs to Group B Type 1 class as in the scope of EN 280-1.
The basic machinery covered by this document allows two modes of operation:
-   the “CRANE” mode of operation, for the use of the basic machinery as a loader crane within the scope of EN 12999;
-   the “MEWP” mode of operation, for the use of the work platform with the basic machinery as within the scope of EN 280-1.
This document covers hazards related to switching between “CRANE” and “MEWP” mode as described above and covers the specific hazards related with the combination and the assembly of the work platform as interchangeable equipment with the basic machinery (see Annex A).
This document does not address hazards which may occur:
a)   when using work platform not assembled with the lifting machinery but simply lifted by the machinery (e.g. suspended from the hook of the crane);
b)   when using attachments not intended for the lifting of persons.

This document specifies minimum requirements for design, calculation, examinations and tests of hydraulic powered loader cranes and their mountings on vehicles or static foundations.
This document applies to loader cranes designed to be installed on:
-   road vehicles, including trailers, with load carrying capability;
-   tractors (road or agricultural), where only a towed trailer has capability to carry goods;
-   demountable bodies to be carried by any of the above;
-   other types of carriers (e.g. separate loaders, crawlers, rail vehicles, non-seagoing vessels);
-   static foundations.
This document also applies to loader cranes equipped with special tools or interchangeable equipment (e.g. grapple, clamshell bucket, pallet clamp, etc.), as specified in the operator’s manual.
This document does not apply to loader cranes used on board sea going vessels or to articulated boom system cranes which are designed as total integral parts of special equipment such as forwarders.
The hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4.
This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons.
NOTE   The use of cranes for lifting of persons can be subject to specific national regulations.
This document is not applicable to loader cranes manufactured before the publication of this document. For loader cranes designed before the publication of this document, the provisions concerning stress calculations in the version of EN 12999 that was valid at the time of their design, are still applicable.

This document specifies minimum requirements for design, calculation, examinations and tests of hydraulic powered loader cranes and their mountings on vehicles or static foundations.
This document applies to loader cranes designed to be installed on:
-   road vehicles, including trailers, with load carrying capability;
-   tractors (road or agricultural), where only a towed trailer has capability to carry goods;
-   demountable bodies to be carried by any of the above;
-   other types of carriers (e.g. separate loaders, crawlers, rail vehicles, non-seagoing vessels);
-   static foundations.
This document also applies to loader cranes equipped with special tools or interchangeable equipment (e.g. grapple, clamshell bucket, pallet clamp, etc.), as specified in the operator’s manual.
This document does not apply to loader cranes used on board sea going vessels or to articulated boom system cranes which are designed as total integral parts of special equipment such as forwarders.
The hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4.
This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons.
NOTE   The use of cranes for lifting of persons can be subject to specific national regulations.
This document is not applicable to loader cranes manufactured before the publication of this document. For loader cranes designed before the publication of this document, the provisions concerning stress calculations in the version of EN 12999 that was valid at the time of their design, are still applicable.

This document gives technical information for dual purpose machines that comply with both EN 12999:2011+A2:2018 and EN 280:2013+A1:2015 and deals with the specific aspects related to the fitting and interface of a work platform that is an interchangeable equipment to the base machine.
Loader cranes which are equipped with work platforms as interchangeable equipment are regarded as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) as defined in 3.1 of EN 280:2013+A1:2015 and are classified as Group B Type 1 as specified in 1.4 of EN 280:2013+A1:2015 and are listed under Annex IV, item 17 of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
This document does not address hazards which may occur:
a)   when handling suspended work platforms which may swing freely;
b)   when using non-integrated work platforms or other attachments not intended for the lifting of persons.

Starting to apply EN 12999:2011, it becomes evident that there are two safety related issues where the current writing is unsatisfactory. First issue is addressed in clauses 5.4.3.1 and 5.6.1.3. These clauses deal with the requirement of indication when the boom system is not stowed in its transport position. The two clauses are now ambiguous and can be interpreted to be in contradiction. The intention when revising EN 12999 was that it for all vehicle mounted loader cranes should be required and sufficient to indicate when the angle of the first boom is out of its transport position. The two clauses should be amended to be unambiguous. Second issue is addressed in clause 5.4.1.2. This clause deals with the stabiliser feet and requires that they shall adjust to a 10° ground slope. This requirement is unsafe for timber handling cranes. These cranes often work with one leg down on the steep slope of a ditch. There, a fixed foot embeds firmly in the soft soil, whereas a tiltable foot easily slides down the slope. The clause should be amended to provide a safe requirement also for timber handling cranes. A new work item is needed to make these amendments. The work item should follow the 3 months UAP path.

Definition of" loader crane" amended as decided by TC147/WG 1. Clause 5.3 amended to refer to EN 13001-3-1 in accordance with TC147 resolutions 244 and 245/2010. Clause 5.2.2.1 corrected for A2/B2 (see ISO/DIS 15442, clause 4.2.2.1).

Publication on hold, pending a BT decision for technical changes

This European Standard specifies minimum requirements for design, calculation, examinations and tests of hydraulic powered loader cranes and their mountings on vehicles or static foundations.
This European Standard does not apply to loader cranes used on board ships or floating structures or to articulated boom system cranes which are designed as total integral parts of special equipment such as forwarders.
The hazards covered by this standard are identified in Clause 4.
This European Standard does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons.
This European Standard is not applicable to loader cranes which are manufactured before the date of its publication as EN.
NOTE   The use of cranes for lifting of persons can be subject to specific national regulations.