Link-Belt HC-218 Truck Crane

[redneckrigger]

On 9/12/2025 at 11:02 AM, Biggu said:

This operational stuff is just awesome and helps this layman like me understand even more the complexities of your build. I am glad for that information as I was wondering if, for the extra boom extensions would a low bed tractor trailer be in the mix. Now , ……….“ I know the rest of the story “   Thanks Tom

Actually, all of the boom sections were stored right on 40’ flats and brought to the job site as needed. The butt section seldom gets removed and can be carried behind or out over the front on the rests over the grille. Sometimes it will be driven to the site with 60-80 feet of boom folded up behind it. Any boom 60- 180’ in length can be folded for carrying behind the crane. Wow! Makes a long load too, even when folded.  And if necessary it can have the crane operator in the upper cab to slightly swing the boom for clearance while the carrier is being driven similar to a tiller fire truck.  Simply very cool and interesting machines. 

Edited September 14 by redneckrigger

[David G.]

Wow Tom, you've really been making some great progress on this!

I may not comment very often but I still like following along and keeping up with your impressive engineering and fabrication skills.

David G.

[redneckrigger]

Here is the complete boom, not yet pinned together but to give an idea of size. Finished all the lattice work on the boom head.  Still many many more bits and pieces to add to just the boom sections, but it is definitely looking the part! Going to add the jib mounts and the boom folding tires next. Lost a day yesterday, went out into the woods bright and early to prepare for upcoming deer season. Walked smack dab into a tree branch and badly scratched my left eye, my good one of course. Thought I was gonna have to pick the eyeball up off the ground! Got to the eye doctor and spent from 10 AM yesterday until 8 this morning with both eyes shut and lying on my back. But, still better than working! Much better now!

Edited September 14 by redneckrigger

[redneckrigger]

Added all the little attachment points to the head gear for the folding tires, the jib, and the lifting link.  Feels great to be getting things done with this build.  Appreciate all the good words from everyone!

[Mopar - D]

Keep up your awesome work it’s getting closer to the finish with every update. 

[redneckrigger]

Made up the boom folding tire assembly tonight.  Needs some finishing touches but you get the idea.  Glue has to dry before I can do that.  Taking my bride out for a short 50th Anniversary jaunt, so it has until Monday to dry!  

[BK9300]

More amazing fabrication!  Real pleasure to follow the progress.

[Straightliner59]

I agree with Brian. This is a joy to behold!

[Mark W]

Tom,

I agree with everyone else, this is truly impressive build.

Not just because of the skills involved, but it’s informative on how this equipment works.

Following with pleasure.

[redneckrigger]

This is the boom folding tire assembly in place.  It attaches to the very end as shown and when the boom is folded to where the folding end is vertical, the boom is lifted and the two wider attachment points are detached, rotated around the axle and reattached to the other side of the head gear, boom is then lowered and folding continues until it is folded, then a link is attached from the center point in the end to the main boom. The axle will be trimmed and finished after painting. I don’t intend to have this on the finished crane as the boom will be in working position, but it will be stowed on the carrier. Also shown is the actual crane I am trying to replicate, with the boom folded. This was taken last fall on a local job.  It has 100’ of boom in place in this photo, as I am building this one to match. It is capable of 210’ of main boom and a 30’ jib totaling 240’. 

Edited September 17 by redneckrigger

[BK9300]

Slick work, Tom - interesting to see how it’s all supposed to work.

[redneckrigger]

Just finished up the folding boom joint assemblies, the offset joint pieces on the 20’ section are removable so they can be put on any section.   Added the offset male parts of the joint to the short folder section. Just gotta wait for all the glue to dry and will pin it all together and see how it looks and works.  This is totally a static model, and the boom will be assembled and not folded, but what’s the fun in designing all the working parts into it if you can’t prove they work?!

Edited Wednesday at 11:33 PM by redneckrigger

[ShakyCraftsman]

Hey Tom

 All I  can say is Wow, WOW, WOW!!!!

Ron G 

[Gary Chastain]

Ya got some serious fabrication skills Tom, can’t wait until next update 

[BK9300]

I agree - exceptional work, Tom, especially with the comparison to the real boom connections!

[lvfd221]

This build is great. That is going to be a monster when done. Love seeing your work. 

I sent you a PM

[Scott Eriksen]

Fantastic! Should really pop once painted  !

[redneckrigger]

Well, reached a milestone in this project today.  I got the boom folding points all done and installed and for the first time, got the entire 100’ of boom all assembled and pinned together.  And then, of course, I had to try the hinge.  And it folded perfectly.  Shown is the boom attached to the upper assembly, which I have mounted on a work board instead of the carrier.  And then it finally hit me, where the heck am I going to put this monster when it is done?a.  Sure am happy I decided to only build 100’ of boom!  I still have to  make all of the pendant attachment points, the bridle, the live mast, the boom backstop, the bail, the counterweights and their removal system, and an endless list of little stuff! But this is a huge point in this build.  Thanks to everyone’s words of encouragement! I hope to display it with the boom raised, and for transport I am thinking of quick attaching cables etc, so that the boom can be in one 4’ piece.  Time will tell……LOTS of bridges to cross before that!

[ShakyCraftsman]

It's looking good Tom.

Ron G 

[BK9300]

Simply fantastic!  I'll bet it feels very rewarding to see the boom fold as planned.

[redneckrigger]

2 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

Simply fantastic!  I'll bet it feels very rewarding to see the boom fold as planned.

Well, if it hadn’t folded as planned, it very well may have been quite ugly! Actually, I do not intend to have it folded but want to show it raised and extended, but I just had to try it at least once!  But, all kidding aside, as with all huge projects, planning is important. I really think I have spent almost as much time researching and planning as building! And I think I enjoy the research/planning as much as the building.