Danfoss valve improves crane controllability

For more than 40 years, Franna, a Terex brand, has been manufacturing pick and carry cranes for the Australian market. Today, its products are at work in more than 30 countries across the globe.

Franna’s MAC 25 mobile articulated crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 25 tonnes and a maximum boom length of 18.4 meters. (Photo: Danfoss Power Solutions)

Franna’s MAC 25 mobile articulated crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 25 tonnes (27 tons) and a maximum boom length of 18.4 meters (60 ft.). The crane offers optimal safety, enhanced roadability, intuitive operation and versatility. Its design has been tested, proven and continuously improved over the years.

In 2021, Franna began looking at other options for the MAC 25 crane’s main control valve. The company required a solution that was precise, reliable and future proof to accommodate increasingly sophisticated electronic control systems. The Danfoss PVG 48 proportional valve, then in development, emerged as the preferred solution.

The PVG 48 is a pre-compensated proportional control valve for applications requiring flow rates of up to 180 liters per minute (47.6 gpm). The load-sensing valve detects the weight of its load and adjusts performance accordingly, making it suited for machines such as wheel loaders, aerial lifts and cranes in which precise flow and controllability are essential.

The PVG 48 is a pre-compensated proportional control valve for applications requiring flow rates of up to 180 liters per minute. (Photo: Danfoss Power Solutions)

Danfoss Power Solutions launched the PVG 48 valve to the general market in June 2023 with Franna as a key pilot customer. On the MAC 25, the valve turns operator joystick inputs into quick, accurate boom movement.

“The PVG is extremely precise and reliable. It does what you want it to do repeatedly,” said Adam Murchie, project engineer, Franna. “It’s the ideal choice for MAC 25 and likely to end up in other of our cranes, too – not least in future launches where more advanced electronic controls are key. We wanted a future-proof valve. PVG 48 is it.”

According to Danfoss, the PVG 48 valve integrates easily with electric actuators, sensors and digital controls. It is capable of being used to automate certain machine functions, so the crane assists or even takes over from the operator in situations such as when instant reaction is required to ensure safety.

The PVG 48 is designed to integrate easily with electric actuators, sensors and digital controls. (Photo: Danfoss Power Solutions)

With the change to the PVG 48, Franna also switched to Danfoss counterbalance valves. Together with the PVG 48, they enable smooth and safe activation of the crane’s boom.

“Controllability is smooth and even very refined,” said Quentin Bourke, product support technician, Franna. “The initial tiny bounce on the front tires, which you sometimes see when operators raise or lower the boom, is completely gone. Extension or subtraction of the boom is impressively smooth, too.”

Bourke added that initial feedback from crane operators is positive. “Together with Danfoss, we’ve managed to create the exact kind of MAC 25 crane feel that we hoped for,” Bourke said.

The Danfoss PVG 48 proportional valve is already at work in more than 100 of Franna’s MAC 25 cranes throughout Australia.