For Wasel GmbH, the company responsible for setting up the show's boats, that challenge requires specialized equipment. This year, they deployed four Tadano AC 45 City mobile cranes equipped with Allison 3500 SP fully automatic transmissions—sometimes using all four simultaneously in synchronized quadro lifts.
When the Stakes Are High, Precision is Required"Every little scratch on a yacht worth millions of euros incurs huge costs," explains Gunnar Filges, branch manager at Wasel GmbH. "Absolute precision is required." The numbers tell the story: exhibition halls with low ceilings, boats arriving on heavy-duty trucks that need to be lifted and placed on supports with surgical precision, and clearances measured in centimeters, not meters. Take the Contest 63 CS, a 20.54-meter sailing yacht worth around four million euros. Moving it into position requires four cranes working in perfect synchronization. Dieter Morgenfrüh has been working the boot setup for 20 years. He's seen plenty of equipment come and go, but he's clear about what works in this environment. "Thanks to the Allison transmission, we have full control at all times," he says. "The smooth start-up means there is no swinging and swaying on the hook. On construction sites and particularly in exhibition halls, I can't think of anything better than a torque converter transmission." |
Transmission Technology Makes the Difference
The AC 45 City crane is built for tight spaces. The specs tell the story:
- Overall length: 8.68 meters (28.70 feet)
- Width: 2.55 meters (8.40 feet)
- Height: 3.16 meters (10.37 feet)
- Lifting capacity: 45 tonnes
- Maximum weight: 34 tonnes (fully roadworthy)
- Power: 260 kW (349 hp) MTU six-cylinder engine
The Allison 3500 SP fully automatic transmission is engineered to succeed in challenging operations. Additionally, all Allison transmissions usesa torque converter instead of a dry clutch. In practical terms, that means:
- Jerk-free starting that eliminates load swing and sway
- Continuous power flow with no interruption to the driveline
- Smooth maneuvering under load even in confined spaces
- Torque multiplication that maximizes engine power
- Instant throttle response for precise control
While manual or automated manual transmissions can cause loads to oscillate during gear changes, the Allison transmission provides uninterrupted power transmission. That continuous power flow matters when you're one of four crane operators lifting a 21-tonne sailing yacht in perfect synchronization. Even a small jerk or hesitation can throw off the entire operation.
""Thanks to the Allison transmission, we have full control at all times. The smooth start-up means there is no swinging and swaying on the hook. On construction sites and particularly in exhibition halls, I can't think of anything better than a torque converter transmission.""
- Dieter Morgenfruh, crane operator
Proven Results for Challenging Applications
In operations like boot 2025 set-up, Allison transmissions provide superior performance. Wasel GmbH has been operating these cranes for over 20 years, and the company relies on Allison for absolute control and precision. The Allison automatics provide smooth operation which can prevent damage to the valuable cargo.
For crane operators facing similar challenges—tight spaces, valuable loads, zero margin for error—having a transmission that responds smoothly and predictably isn't just convenient. When millimeters matter, it's essential.