CONEXPO Debut
Link-Belt 248 | V
The 248 | V cab uses the same 12-inch touchscreen display as the 218 | V, and the system gives a wealth of vital information.
For example, it can tell ground-bearing pressure, amount of counterweight, levelness, swing angle and diagnostics.
It can also log operating data and provide operator aids like work-area limits and function alarms with auto stop.
Dawson thinks operators will like the choice of engine throttles. The pedal throttle boosts engine power but not function speed. The hand twist throttle boosts both engine power and operating speed.
“ For example, an operator may want the pedal-throttle’ s high power and low speed when picking and carrying a load or traveling up and down a grade, but may prefer the twist-grip throttle’ s high power plus speed for swinging or lifting on a long boom,” he said.
A comfort option that’ s new on the 218 | V and 248 | V is an auxiliary power unit( APU) that uses a 10.5-horsepower diesel engine to power the cab’ s HVAC and electrical systems when the crane’ s main engine is turned off.
The crane operator can choose whether to use the APU, and can set it to coordinate with the main engine’ s idle-off system.
“ By keeping the cab operational while the main engine is off, the APU can keep the cab comfortable and operating while also reducing the number of hours logged on the main diesel,” said Dawson.
Third Drum In Boom Extension
The new boom for the 248 | V offers a
10-foot section that can house an optional third drum that can be used for a whipline or for operating the luffing jib.
Putting that drum in a 10-foot boom section instead of the boom base makes it easier to ship the section with the luffing jib and to only install it on jobs where it will actually be needed.
Strong Capacities and Reach
Maybe the best thing about Link-Belt’ s new 248 | V is that is delivers so much new convenience while equaling or bettering the performance of its predecessor.
Lifting capacities and maximum lengths for the 248 | V’ s boom( 285 feet) and main boom plus fixed jib( 245 feet + 100 feet)
The 248 | V uses the same comfortable, high-visibility cab as other Link-Belt crawler cranes, now equipped with a larger operator screen that is easy to use and provides more information than ever.
are the same as or better than those for the 248 HSL.
However, the new heavy-duty tip extension for the 248 | V with Combo boom top can handle 60,000 pounds, versus 40,000 pounds for the 248 HSL’ s tip extension.
And the new luffing jib for the 248 | V, which is based on the proven design of those for the 298 and 348 Series 2, shows impressive lifting capability, from its maximum capacity of 96,000 pounds at a 35-foot radius on 105 feet + 85 feet, to 3,800 pounds at a 250-foot radius on the maximum combination of 155 feet + 185 feet.
Easy Transportation
The 248 | V ships as economically as possible for a crane of its capacity.
The main shipping unit weighs just 90,500 pounds, including the carbody with hydraulic setup jacks and the upperworks complete with live mast, boom base and Quick-Draw self-assembly cylinder.
On a lowboy trailer with four inches of cribbing, that load sits under 13 feet 6 inches high and 11 feet wide.
All other loads weigh less than 41,500 pounds.
For example, a 248 | V with full counterweight, 285 feet of boom and 100 feet of fixed jib can travel in just 11 total truckloads.
CONEXPO attendees can get a first look at the new Link-Belt 248 | V with 145-foot boom, 145-foot luffing jib and luffing-jib upper point in booth F35029 in the Festival Grounds at CONEXPO in Las Vegas, March 3-7.
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February 2026 • www. cranehotline. com