Stationary material handling crane from NZG at 1:50 scale
Baljer & Zembrod: LGX II stationary crane
This medium-sized company from Altshausen near Ravensburg (Baden-Württemberg) is a leading manufacturer of wood-processing machinery for timber yards, and electrical handling technology for the scrap and recycling sector. This is the first model from Baljer & Zembrod (B&Z), who were not previously known in the model market. B&Z was founded in 1951 as an agricultural machinery workshop in Ebenweiler. In 2006, the LGX heavy-duty crane was developed, followed in 2016 by the second-generation LGX II with toggle lever – and this has now been produced in model form. In addition to log sorting and transport vehicles, the successful product range includes barkers and butt reducers. Thanks to high demand, a new production facility for final assembly was acquired in 2020. Stationary heavy-duty cranes are often found alongside rail-mounted sorting trolleys in a wide range of wood-processing areas as well as in recycling and scrap handling facilities.
From the extensive range of cranes, NZG selected the LGX II (2nd generation) for its functional and detailed model implementation. The design is mounted on a base, which makes it semi-mobile. As a result, the model can easily be implemented with a mobile crane. Small, threaded supporting struts ensure the crane always stands straight. Another distinctive feature is the enormous cab, which is significantly bigger than the cab on an excavator, allowing space for the driver or trainer to stand. NZG has produced a detailed interior design including seat, levers and a replica control monitor. Realistic control elements for the monitor are included (obviously not legible due to the size). Windscreen wipers are also incorporated.
The B&Z LGX crane has a special design feature that is also evident here. On the one hand, the cab can stay on the crane to offer optimal oversight of the working environment. On the other hand, it can be detached and relocated on a separate control station (for the overall system, for example), from where everything can be controlled. NZG has created the perfect solution by securing the cab in position using small pins and three small magnets. Once the cab has been removed, this area can be closed off using the cover provided.
The whole arm of the crane has been replicated in great detail. A complex tube system, including intricate model piping, runs along the entire lifting arm and boom. In the model, the arms consist of two U-profiles rather than box profiles. This design allows longer arm systems because there are no welded seams in the most heavily loaded areas.
The toggle levers between the lifting arm and outer boom are included too. Unlike loading cranes, for example, these provide more power when operating the outer boom and more uniform speeds when retracting. All hydraulic cylinders in the model hold the boom in every position and are equipped with intricate hydraulic piping. The lifting arm has a length of 18 cm or 9.0 m, the outer boom 17 cm or 8.2 m. This gives the model a reach of 32 cm or 15.6 m. The maximum load capacity is still 4.0 t for a reach of 15.0 m. The model is supplied with a timber grab and orange peel grab, which can be swapped over thanks to small pins. This means it can be used for demonstrations either in waste handling or the timber industry. Both grabbers have an impressive weight and are easy to open and close thanks to the cylinders. At the back of the crane there is also a massive counterweight; in the model this is 8.6 t. In addition, the rotary motors are clearly identifiable underneath the slewing ring on the rotary column.
The Baljer & Zembrod LGX II stationary crane from NZG is a detailed and functional model that makes a fantastic and exciting model park addition. As usual with NZG, the model offers impressive details and perfect functionality.