Link-Belt 85 RT Rough-Terrain Crane To Debut At Customer-Focused CraneFest 2021 Event

    Posted On: September 21, 2021

    The new Link-Belt crane can be transported at less than 105,000 pounds with full counterweight or under 86,000 lbs with no counterweight. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

    Link-Belt says it plans to introduce its new 85-ton (75-metric ton) 85 RT rough-terrain crane in late September at its CraneFest event at the company’s HQ in Lexington, Kentucky. The crane manufacturer will begin to deliver production units in the fourth quarter of this year.

    “General contractors and fleet owners will appreciate the competitive chart and value this crane delivers, not to mention it transports under 105,000 pounds (47,627 kilograms) with full counterweight and under 86,000 lbs (39,008 kg) with no counterweight,” says Link-Belt Product Manager for Rough Terrain Cranes Brian Elkins. “This 85-ton was the next logical choice and really an easy decision for introduction following the 120 RT and 100 RT design.”

    The Link-Belt 85 RT

    The new 85 RT rough-terrain crane comes with a five-section, full-power telescopic boom that can extend from 38 to 142 feet (11.6 to 43.3 meters). An offset fly option can add a second load line for placing precast panels and other directionally sensitive components. The 9.5-ft (2.9-m) fly can reeve up to four parts of the line and has a lift capacity of 25 t (22.6 mt).

    Another option is a 35- to 58-ft (10.7- to 17.7-m), two-piece SmartFly that is manually offsettable to 15, 30, and 45 degrees. A single operator can erect the SmartFly thanks to ground controls and a minimal need to work at height. A hydraulic cylinder and ramp release the SmartFly and return it to its stowed position.

    The 85 RT’s matching set of main and auxiliary winches have a maximum speed of 485 ft (147.8 m) per minute and up to 18,603 pounds-force (82.8 kiloNewtons) of line pull. The crane also comes with a new counterweight removal system.

    Like other Link-Belt rough-terrain cranes, the 85 RT has a flat deck that is easily accessible by the operator whatever the slew angle. All walking surfaces have non-slip paint and textures for safe footing.

    Also, like its 75 RT brother, the new 85 RT uses a 270-horsepower (201-kilowatt), 6.7-liter, Tier 4 Final Cummins diesel engine and a six-speed transmission in its new drivetrain. The engine has swing-out access doors, and all oil and fuel filters are easy to reach.


    The 85-ton 85 RT rough-terrain crane has a full-power, telescopic boom that can extend up to 142 feet. (Photo courtesy of Link-Belt.)

    A Comfortable Cabin

    The new 85 RT’s high-visibility cab features Bluetooth device connectivity, interior lighting, an automotive heat and AC unit, and extra storage space. The cabin can tilt up to 20 degrees for visibility and operator comfort. The user operates the carrier with single-axis electronic joysticks from an ergonomic seat.

    The crane comes with the Link-Belt Pulse 2.0 operating system and the Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities (V-CALC) feature. The latter supplies real-time, 360-degree load charts for an infinite number of variable outrigger configurations. The crane supports telematics for maintenance and asset management purposes, and iCraneTrax for fleet management and maintenance scheduling.

    Lighting options for the new 85 RT include high-intensity LED work lights on the cab, the upper work platform, and on the left and forward right of the superstructure, as well as single, double, and remote-controlled floodlights for the boom. Camera options include heated rear-view, right-side swing, and winch cameras.

    The 85 RT is wired with a 24-volt, modular Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system. Its five modules allow certain crane functions to operate while others are undergoing maintenance or diagnostics. Bulkheaded electrical components in the cabin allow for plug-and-play operation.

    Find The Right Link-Belt

    CraneTrader.com showcases hundreds of new and used Link-Belt cranes for sale including a big selection of rough-terrain cranes.

    Source: Link-Belt

      Blog Archive
    What's New At Sandhills Global
    Posted 6/4/2026
    Find out about the latest Sandhills features and news, including the new Bloomberg/Sandhills dealer survey, the new parts hub, Hot Lists, and more. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Construction Equipment Rentals Remain Strong as Sales Cool
    Posted 6/4/2026
    Used construction equipment inventory levels continued to decline in May, led by crawler excavators and wheel loaders, according to the latest Sandhills Global market reports. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Cross-Promote Your Trucks & Trailers With One Listing In Multiple Markets
    Posted 6/2/2026
    One of the greatest advantages of advertising with Sandhills Global is that you only need to enter inventory once to open up cross-marketing possibilities on multiple sales platforms simultaneously. ...
    Read the full blog post
    New Page Streamlines Parts & Components Searches On CraneTrader.com
    Posted 5/18/2026
    CraneTrader.com’s new, dedicated Parts For Sale page makes finding the crane and rigging equipment components and parts you need faster and easier than ever before. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Truck Fleets Continue to Age Amidst Ongoing Inventory Decline
    Posted 5/7/2026
    According to the latest Sandhills Global market reports, inventory levels of used trucks on TruckPaper.com and other Sandhills platforms are down over 20% compared to last year and is continuing a downward trend. ...
    Read the full blog post
    What's New At Sandhills Global
    Posted 4/30/2026
    Find out about the latest additions to Sandhills platforms, including TruckPaper.com’s new trailer model names and BoatHarbor.com’s new mobile app. ...
    Read the full blog post
    2026 North American Trade Shows For Crane Operators & Dealers
    Posted 4/15/2026
    To help you find shows of interest, we’ve put together a 2026 schedule of trade shows, conventions, and conferences organized by industry associations. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Semi-Trailer Market Improves Despite Downward Truck Market Trends and Rising Fuel Prices
    Posted 4/6/2026
    According to new Sandhills Global market reports, used semi-trailer asking prices and auction values ticked up in March and are trending upward. ...
    Read the full blog post
    AuctionTime Reaches More Heavy Machinery Buyers
    Posted 3/13/2026
    Read our post to learn how AuctionTime brings more bidders to weekly online auctions through unmatched exposure ahead of the sale. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Sandhills’ Flexible Sales Strategies Let You Tune Your Approach For The Best ROI
    Posted 3/12/2026
    Sandhills' flexible sales strategies help you sell the way you need to. ...
    Read the full blog post