VariZoom Reach Crane

Features

  • Designed to work with the CinemaPro and other high performance motion control heads
  • Extremely rigid, large cross-section telescoping boom section weighs only 100lbs, reaches heights to 28', and is conservatively rated for 100 lbs payload at the top
  • Proprietary constant-level floating control bar allows operator to keep hands at a comfortable level at any crane elevation (no reaching way down or way up)
  • Unique camera platform design allows operator to switch from overslung to underslung with no dismounting or setup changes - simply rotate the platform 180 degrees and lock in place
  • Manual telescoping boom operates at 4 different lengths, extends and collapses with no tools
  • Entire system fits in the bed of a pickup or van and sets up in 25 minutes or less.
  • Large footprint 4-wheel-steering dolly with outriggers for absolute stability and maneuverability

Specifications

Boom Type Manual Telescoping, locks into 4 different extension lengths
Boom Construction Riveted & Bonded, Powder Coated Thin-Wall Steel
Cabling Accomodation Cables may run internally along entire crane
Boom Section Max/Min Length 24' / 6' 9"
Boom max cross section 6" x 9"
Boom Section Weight 100 lbs.
Fulcrum to Lens Distance 25' 6"
Max Elevation (w/remote head) 28'
Tail Type Single-section Claw-Engaging w/ Pivoting Control Handlebar
Tail Construction Welded Powder-Coated Steel
Tail Section Length 6'
Tail Section Weight 80 lbs.
Tail Section Control Handlebar Counterweighted Infinitely Variable Position w/ Soft Braking Position Hold
Camera Platform Type Inverting Overslung/Underslung, 2-axis Leveling w/ dual Mitchell / 100mm Mount
Camera Platform Construction Anodized Aluminum, Hollow Core
Camera Platform Over/Under Max Elevation Change 4'
Pedestal Type 4-wheel w/ outriggers and telescoping column
Pedestal Construction Welded Powder-Coated Steel Frame, Chrome-Plated Steel Column
Pedestal Column Telescoping Range 18"
Pedestal Weight 180 lbs.
System Capacity 100 lbs. payload at camera platform
System Counterweight Ratio 4 to 1
System Boom Extensions 6' extension (31' 6" fulcrum to lens / 33' max elevation), load reduced to 75 lbs.
Tools required Minimal, ratchet for pedestal setup/elevation

Building the Reach crane


Reach powder coated pedestal dolly and outriggers


Reach assembly mounting slicks


Mounting Reach camera platform it can be flipped to invert the head or bring it upright.


Reach Crane update: lightening the outriggers with a few holes.


Reach crane tires.


Reach crane update: making the extendable pedestal mast.


Making the steering linkage for the Reach


Reach Crane fabrication


Assembly of the adjustable Reach crane pedestal mast.