Reviving the Link-Belt LS-118 Lattice Boom Crawler Crane

[MikePhua]

The LS-118 and Its Role in Mid-Century Lifting
The Link-Belt LS-118 is a lattice boom crawler crane that emerged during the post-war boom in infrastructure and industrial expansion. Manufactured by Link-Belt, a company with roots dating back to 1874, the LS-118 was part of a lineage that helped shape the American crane industry. Known for its mechanical simplicity and robust steel construction, the LS-118 was widely used in bridge building, foundation work, and heavy civil projects throughout the 1960s and 70s.
With a lifting capacity in the 60–80 ton range depending on boom configuration, the LS-118 was powered by a diesel engine—often a Cummins or Detroit Diesel—and featured friction drums for hoisting and swinging. Its modular boom sections allowed for flexible reach, and its crawler tracks gave it mobility on rough terrain.
Terminology and Component Notes
- Upper Frame: The rotating superstructure of the crane that houses the engine, operator cab, and winch drums.
- Counterweight: A heavy steel mass mounted at the rear of the upper frame to balance lifting loads and prevent tipping.
- Lattice Boom: A truss-style boom made of tubular steel sections, offering strength with reduced weight.
- Friction Drum: A mechanical winch system using friction clutches to control line speed and direction.
- Crawler Tracks: Steel-tracked undercarriage allowing movement across uneven or soft ground.
Challenges in Finding a Rebuildable LS-118
As of today, sourcing a complete LS-118 for restoration is increasingly difficult. Many units have been scrapped, cannibalized for parts, or left to rust in contractor yards. The most critical components for rebuilders are the upper frame and counterweight. Without these, the crane cannot be safely or functionally restored. Engines, while important, are often considered secondary since replacements or rebuilds are more accessible.
Buyers typically seek:

• Structurally sound upper frames with intact bearing surfaces
  
• Original counterweights or compatible substitutes
  
• Boom sections with minimal rust and no deformation
  
• Operational friction drums or rebuildable cores
  
• Track frames with serviceable rollers and pads
  

One restorer shared that he located an LS-118 in a quarry yard in Ontario, but the counterweight had been removed and repurposed as ballast for a barge. Without it, the crane was unusable for lifting and posed a safety hazard.
Restoration Strategy and Practical Considerations
Restoring an LS-118 requires a blend of mechanical skill, historical knowledge, and resourcefulness. Unlike modern hydraulic cranes, the LS-118 relies on mechanical linkages, cable routing, and friction clutches—all of which must be inspected and calibrated.
Recommended steps:

• Disassemble and inspect all winch drums and clutch packs
  
• Replace worn bearings and bushings in the swing gear and boom pivot
  
• Rebuild the engine or swap with a compatible diesel unit
  
• Sandblast and repaint the frame to prevent corrosion
  
• Fabricate missing counterweight sections using steel plate and ballast calculations
  
• Test all safety systems including boom angle indicators and load charts
  

Operators must also be trained in friction crane operation, which differs significantly from joystick-controlled hydraulic cranes. Proper clutch engagement, line tensioning, and boom control are essential to safe lifting.
Link-Belt’s Legacy and Market Impact
Link-Belt, now part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, was a pioneer in crawler crane design. The LS-series cranes were known for their durability and field serviceability. By the 1980s, hydraulic cranes began to dominate the market, but LS-series machines remained in use due to their simplicity and lower operating costs.
The LS-118 was particularly popular in North America, with hundreds sold to contractors, municipalities, and military units. Its modular design allowed for easy transport and assembly, making it ideal for remote job sites and temporary bridge construction.
Preservation and Collector Interest
Today, vintage cranes like the LS-118 attract interest from collectors, museums, and niche contractors. Some are restored for display at equipment shows, while others are kept operational for specialty lifting tasks. A few have even been converted into pile drivers or dragline excavators.
To preserve an LS-118:

• Store under cover or tarp to prevent weather damage
  
• Run the engine monthly to maintain lubrication and fuel system health
  
• Keep boom sections elevated and supported to avoid warping
  
• Maintain a parts log and service history for future reference
  
• Network with other owners to share resources and technical manuals
  

One enthusiast in Texas restored an LS-118 to full lifting capability and now uses it for setting steel beams on custom barn builds. He reports that the crane, despite its age, remains reliable and draws admiration from clients and passersby.
Conclusion
The Link-Belt LS-118 is more than a machine—it’s a symbol of mid-century engineering and industrial grit. Restoring one is a labor of love, requiring patience, precision, and a deep respect for mechanical heritage. With the right components and a steady hand, even a weathered LS-118 can rise again, ready to lift steel and stories alike. In the world of cranes, some legends don’t fade—they just wait for the next job.