The VW Crafter Dropside is now available with a new, fully integrated PH110 crane conversion from Penny Hydraulics, capable of lifting up to 990kg.
The new model uses a compact crane design to retain as much vehicle payload as possible, and is available to lease direct from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Financial Services.
A crane, on a van…?
Well, the dropside version of a van, but yes, the PH110 is just the latest in a range of crane conversions available from Penny Hydraulics, offering lifting capacities from 500kg through 3,000kg.
This particular model seems to strike a great balance between capability and size, though. That 990kg lift capacity can be achieved at a safe boom length of up to 4.5m. The boom offers 330 degrees of rotation, and because the whole crane only weighs 105kg, the Crafter in question can carry a payload of up to 1,100kg.
Pretty versatile for something of this size, we reckon.
What does fully integrated mean?
In this instance it means that all of the safety warnings – including dashboard symbols and audible alarms – have been fully integrated within the Crafter’s own systems.
Volkswagen believes this will improve overall safety levels, as there’s no need to rely on auxiliary lights or buzzers.
What sort of work is it intended for?
Sales director of Penny Hydraulics Richard Short explains: ‘The PH110 has been designed with ease of use and safety in mind and we expect interest from a range of industries such as logging, road and rail transport repairs and utilities.’
He added, ‘The crane technology is the latest on the market and we’re delighted to have completed the conversion alongside Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.’
What’s the warranty?
Penny Hydraulics is an ‘Integrated Partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ converter programme’, which means it comes with a full three-year warranty exactly matching that of the base Crafter van.
This also means it can not only be bought direct from VW but also leased via its financial services arm as well.
How much does the PH110 Crafter crane conversion cost?
At launch it’s available as a Contract Hire business lease from £493.72 per month over 48 months, with an initial rental fee of £2,962.32 and a mileage allowance of 10,000 miles per year.
That price includes the £6,995 purchase and fitting cost for the crane, and a Crafter CR35 Single Cab Dropside LWB (long-wheelbase) powered by the 140hp 2.0-litre TDI engine and equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Unusually for a dropside, this example is a front-wheel drive model (most vehicles of this type are rear-wheel drive), helping to maximise the payload.
Want to buy one outright? Then simple add the £6,995 the crane costs to the price of the Crafter Dropside that best suits your needs. In this case that’s £31,135 on-the-road.
All of the above figures exclude VAT.
Also read:
>> Volkswagen Crafter full review
>> Volkswagen Converter Expo 2017
>> Mercedes-Benz van conversions and the Sprinter Bodybuilding division
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