The Tadano ATF 400G-6 is a high-capacity, six-axle all-terrain crane that blends heavy lifting power with on-road mobility and advanced control systems. Designed for projects that demand both a large lifting envelope and the ability to move between job sites without disassembly, this crane is a versatile tool across infrastructure, energy, industrial, and rental markets. The following article explores its design, typical specifications, practical applications, operational advantages, safety and maintenance considerations, and its place in the heavy lifting market.

Design and technical characteristics

The ATF 400G-6 is engineered to combine a multi-axle carrier with a high-capacity superstructure, offering the lifting performance expected from a 400-ton class machine while retaining the flexibility of an all-terrain platform. Several features make this model well suited to the modern construction and heavy lifting environment:

• Carrier and chassis: A robust six-axle chassis provides roadability and load distribution suitable for national and, in many cases, international transport regulations. The chassis typically includes steering on multiple axles for improved maneuverability in tight jobsite conditions.
• Superstructure and boom: The telescopic boom is the core lifting element, designed for rapid extension/retraction and accurate positioning. The crane also accepts lattice-type jib extensions and swingaway jibs to extend reach and working height.
• Counterweight and ballast: The machine uses modular counterweight systems that can be adjusted on site to meet specific lifting charts. This modularity helps optimize transport weight while offering the option to increase stability and lifting capacity when needed.
• Powertrain and hydraulics: Powerful diesel engines drive the carrier and the hydraulic systems that power boom extension, winches, slewing, and steering. Modern models emphasize fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, and responsive hydraulic control.
• Operator environment and controls: An ergonomically designed cab for both the driver and the crane operator, with advanced load moment indicators (LMI), telematics, and often remote-control capability, improves safety and precision during lifts.

Typical specifications (overview)

Specifications can vary by production year and optional equipment. The following figures represent typical values and should be verified against factory data for a specific machine:

• Rated capacity: 400 metric tonnes (class rating)
• Axles: 6 (all-terrain carrier)
• Telescopic boom: multi-section telescoping boom with an extended reach commonly in the mid double-digit meters range; jib options extend working height significantly
• Counterweight: Modular system allowing different ballast configurations to balance transport and working requirements
• Control systems: Integrated LMI and safety interlocks, with optional telematics and remote control

Because attachments such as fixed or swingaway jibs, luffing jib assemblies, and additional ballast change performance characteristics, operators must consult the crane’s load charts for precise lifting capacities at given radii and boom lengths. The load chart is the definitive source for any lift planning.

Where the ATF 400G-6 is used — primary applications

The ATF 400G-6 is a workhorse in situations that require substantial lifting capacity combined with the agility to travel on public roads and operate in constrained sites. Common applications include:

• Wind energy: Installation and maintenance of medium-class wind turbine components (nacelles, hubs, and blades), particularly at sites where the crane must travel between turbines and navigate narrow access roads.
• Infrastructure and bridge construction: Placement of bridge segments, precast elements, and structural steel where lifts require both reach and heavy capacity.
• Petrochemical and power plants: Lifting heavy equipment such as heat exchangers, transformers, and reactor components during installation and replacement tasks inside restricted plant areas.
• Industrial assembly and maintenance: Erecting heavy machinery, press units, or large fabrication modules within manufacturing facilities or on heavy civil projects.
• Rental market operations: Crane rental companies widely favor 400-ton class all-terrain cranes because they cover many mid-to-large lifting tasks and offer broad market appeal for short- and long-term rentals.

In practice, the ATF 400G-6 often serves as the core machine on jobs where a larger crawler crane would be overkill or where crawlers cannot be moved quickly between sites. Its capacity makes it feasible for many lifts that would otherwise require multiple cranes working in tandem.

Operational advantages and mobility

The ATF series emphasizes a balance between site performance and transportation convenience. Key operational benefits include:

• On-road mobility: Unlike crawler cranes, the ATF 400G-6 can drive between sites with many components left assembled, drastically reducing mobilization time and logistical complexity.
• Set-up speed: Hydraulic outriggers and efficient counterweight systems reduce the time needed to prepare for a lift. Rapid deployment is valuable on projects with tight timelines.
• Versatility of configurations: The ability to change boom and jib configurations allows the crane to adapt to lifts that emphasize either height or capacity.
• Precise control: Modern hydraulic systems and electronic load monitoring deliver smooth, accurate movement, important for delicate placements such as aligning turbine nacelles or setting heavy modular sections.
• Cost-effective operations: For projects with multiple sites or frequent moves, an all-terrain crane like the ATF 400G-6 can be more cost-effective than larger dedicated cranes due to lower transport and rigging requirements.

The six-axle layout helps distribute axle loads so the crane can travel legally under many road regulations without excessive permits, depending on regional rules. Multiple steering axles and a compact carrier layout aid in negotiating tighter site entrances and lanes that larger machines cannot access.

Safety systems and control technology

Safety is a major design consideration for any modern crane. The ATF 400G-6 typically integrates several features to protect personnel, equipment, and the job schedule:

• Load moment indicator (LMI): Continuously monitors load, boom length, angle, and radius to warn the operator and restrict movements that would exceed safe operating limits.
• Electronic interlocks: Prevent dangerous combinations of boom and counterweight positions or unsafe slewing when outriggers are not properly deployed.
• Anti-two block systems: Prevents the hook block from contacting the boom tip, averting cable damage and potential failure modes.
• Remote-control options: Portable remote controls allow the operator to position themselves for the best line-of-sight while controlling critical lifts, improving safety and lift precision.
• Telematics: Fleet operators can monitor machine status, utilization, maintenance needs, and travel data remotely, improving planning and reducing downtime.

These systems combined reduce human error and enable safer lift planning and execution. However, operator training, adherence to load charts, ground assessment, and rigging standards remain essential for safe operation.

Maintenance, lifecycle and operational costs

Lifecycle management is crucial for heavy lifting equipment. The ATF 400G-6’s maintenance needs reflect the complexity of combining a powerful hydraulic superstructure with an all-terrain carrier:

• Routine maintenance: Regular inspections of hydraulic lines, boom sections, wire rope, winches, and slewing gears are necessary. Scheduled oil changes, filter replacements, and engine servicing maintain reliability.
• Counterweight handling and transport: Modular counterweights are typically handled carefully during transport and set-up; logistics planning reduces wear and avoids incidental damage.
• Service intervals and parts availability: Working with a manufacturer’s dealer network helps ensure availability of critical components and diagnostics support. Telematics can signal forthcoming service needs before failure.
• Resale and rental value: Well-maintained ATF-class cranes retain value in the used market, especially those with updated safety packages and low hours. Rental companies often track utilization data to optimize fleet size and replacement timing.

Operational costs include fuel consumption, tire replacement for the carrier, and periodic overhaul of major components depending on hours and duty cycles. Preventive maintenance programs reduce the risk of unscheduled outages that can be costly on critical-path jobs.

Practical lifting considerations and planning

Successful use of an ATF 400G-6 depends on careful lift planning. Typical considerations include:

• Ground conditions: Assessing bearing capacity and the need for crane mats or reinforced pads under outriggers to prevent settling and ensure level set-up.
• Transport and access: Verifying road clearances, bridge limits, and permit requirements. Even though all-terrain cranes travel on roads, oversized loads (counterweights, jibs) may require escort vehicles and permits.
• Weather and wind: Lift charts often restrict operation at higher wind speeds. Planning for windows of acceptable weather reduces downtime.
• Lift sequencing and rigging: Selecting the proper slings, spreader bars, and taglines, and sequencing lifts to avoid re-rigging where possible, improves productivity.

Load charts specific to the crane’s configuration are indispensable for calculating capacities at given radii and must be part of lift planning and permit documentation.

Market role and competitive context

The ATF 400G-6 occupies an important niche between medium-duty all-terrain cranes and much larger lattice-boom crawler cranes. Its combination of 400-ton capacity and mobility makes it attractive for rental fleets and contractors who need a versatile crane that can tackle a wide variety of jobs without the transport and set-up penalties of larger machines.

• Versus crawler cranes: Crawlers offer higher capacity and superior stability for very large lifts but require disassembly for long-distance moves and often more substantial rigging sites. The ATF 400G-6 wins on transport speed and flexibility.
• Versus smaller all-terrain cranes: Smaller machines are easier to mobilize and cheaper to operate for lighter lifts, but they cannot handle the heavier modules and components that a 400-ton crane can.
• Rental market dynamics: Fleet owners often choose 400-ton all-terrain cranes to cover a broad slice of demand, from plant maintenance to medium-scale infrastructure projects. This versatility supports higher utilization rates.

Real-world examples and use cases

Typical jobsite scenarios where the ATF 400G-6 excels:

• Wind farm installation: Moving between turbine foundations, erecting nacelles and towers with minimal disassembly, and using luffing jibs or auxiliary hoists for precision placement.
• Transformer replacement: Lifting heavy electrical transformers into power stations and substations where site access and precise placement are required.
• Bridge segment placement: Lifting and placing precast concrete segments or steel girders where reach and capacity are both necessary.
• Industrial module installation: Assembling prefabricated process modules in petrochemical or manufacturing plants where lifts are heavy and space is constrained.

Environmental and regulatory considerations

Modern crane operations must balance productivity with environmental and regulatory compliance. Considerations include:

• Emissions standards: Engines must comply with applicable emissions regulations (EPA, EU Stage, or local rules), and many fleet operators prefer newer machines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Noise and working-hour restrictions: Urban or sensitive sites often impose work-hour limits and noise mitigation measures that can affect lift planning.
• Permitting: Transporting large components and oversized crane loads can require route surveys and permits, which must be planned well in advance.

Summary and outlook

The Tadano ATF 400G-6 is a representative example of the modern 400-ton all-terrain crane: powerful enough for many heavy-lift tasks yet mobile and configurable to meet varying jobsite demands. Its strengths are in mobility, versatility, and integrated safety and control systems, making it a favored choice for rental companies and contractors working across wind energy, infrastructure, industrial, and utility sectors.

For project planners and crane operators, success with an ATF 400G-6 depends on meticulous lift planning, attention to ground and transport logistics, and adherence to load charts and safety systems. When these elements are managed well, the machine delivers a balanced solution between capacity and practicality—a combination that keeps it relevant on a wide range of contemporary projects.

Note

Specific technical numbers (boom lengths, jib configurations, engine power, maximum tip heights, outrigger spreads, travel weights) vary by model year and optional equipment. Always consult the manufacturer’s current technical documentation and certified load charts for exact figures before planning lifts or procurement.