Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[redneckrigger]

4 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

Having to redo stuff is frustrating. I feel that pain! Every time I look at this, it gives me the same feeling as when I see any other beautiful artwork--you know, it just make you feel like you're smiling, inside? This is fantastic, and you should be very proud, Tom.

I know what you mean. When I discovered the problem, I just took the time to figure out how to fix it. I guess retirement has been good for me. The working me would have had an issue or two with it, and it probably would not have been fixable, as the section would have been kinda flat! But my fix plan worked well!  Now back to making progress again!

[Randy D]

This continues to be an awesome project Tom.  The booms are crazy good!!!!

Randy

[redneckrigger]

The boom continues to be a major part of this build. So far, it has about 380 pieces.  When done, with the rigging connectors, the folding portion and the boom head it will have well over 750 pieces in its construction.  Started putting the boom connector pieces in place today.  THIS is where I wish I knew how to 3D print.  If only for the uniformity alone, it would be fantastic! Boy, do I miss Shapeways! Used to be able to get all sorts of tiny intricate parts made to order.  But making 20-30 of the same piece just builds character!!!

[ShakyCraftsman]

5 minutes ago, redneckrigger said:

The boom continues to be a major part of this build. So far, it has about 380 pieces.  When done, with the rigging connectors, the folding portion and the boom head it will have well over 750 pieces in its construction.  Started putting the boom connector pieces in place today.  THIS is where I wish I knew how to 3D print.  If only for the uniformity alone, it would be fantastic! Boy, do I miss Shapeways! Used to be able to get all sorts of tiny intricate parts made to order.  But making 20-30 of the same piece just builds character!!!

Well you my friend have a ton of character. Unbelievable build, just fantastic.

Ron G 

[BK9300]

Tremendous fabrication, Tom - it’s astonishing how quickly the total number of individual parts can add up in a project like this.  It takes a lot of concentration and planning to, first, identify all the parts that need to be created or sourced; second make them; finally, get them all assembled in the right order.  Wonderful work!

[redneckrigger]

On 9/8/2025 at 1:00 PM, BK9300 said:

Tremendous fabrication, Tom - it’s astonishing how quickly the total number of individual parts can add up in a project like this.  It takes a lot of concentration and planning to, first, identify all the parts that need to be created or sourced; second make them; finally, get them all assembled in the right order.  Wonderful work!

Thank you, but my work pales to your attention to replication and details on your builds.  Holy COW!  Started the end boom section which is doubly interesting as it tapers both vertically and horizontally as you can see in the photos.  Made up the cable deflector rollers for the two 20’ boom sections. Started putting the crossbrace lattice work in the boom. Still have to do some more research on the construction of the head end of the last boom section.  Also found another oversight that had to be corrected……the end of the carrier chassis had to have 6” more taper put into it.  Missed it somewhere along the way! Like it was, if it were the real crane, the base boom would not be able to lower to touch the ground to assemble the rest of the boom to it. All better now!

Edited 6 hours ago by redneckrigger

[Biggu]

This is crazy GOOD. 

[Gary Chastain]

Tom, your skills are outstanding, I have been watching you build this, just wat too cool. 

[redneckrigger]

Finished adding the main latticework for the top section of boom. Still need to add the headgear with the sheaves, sheave housing, pendant supports and pendants, links, turnbuckles, swivels, folding gear and innumerable tiny teeny parts to the boom assembly, but at least I have 100 feet of boom built.  I simply cannot imagine what this would look like with the 210 feet of boom and 30 feet of jib so I am happy with the 100 feet in my original plan. But, if I ever find myself with nothing better to do, I can always make more sections as I’ve had plenty of practice making them! I am trying to keep this authentic and not to fall to the temptation of artistic license with the details.   Every night when I get done, I review the operators, parts and maintenance manuals and all of the photos I have amassed to see what is needed for the next step.