Can a crane’s program be upgraded from lifting 5 tons to 15 tons?Currently, electronic control engine technology has matured, and its application fields are becoming increasingly broad. As the core controller of the engine, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) upgrade and program rewriting are well-known and sought after by many.Recently, it has come to my attention that there are reports online claiming that upgrading a crane’s computer program can increase its lifting capacity from five tons to fifteen tons. Crane manufacturers are left speechless; is this a matter of intelligence or technical means?Upgrading to a 10-ton working condition? Video of the crane program upgrade circulating online▽01What is ECU Upgrade?
ECU upgrading originated abroad and is also known in China as flashing ECU, flashing computer, ECU modification, etc. In fact, the formal term for ECU upgrade is ECU tuning.
The working principle of the ECU is to rewrite the engine computer program, allowing for fine-tuning of parameters such as fuel supply and ignition curves based on factory data, optimizing multiple values to achieve goals such as increasing output horsepower, enhancing torque, adjusting speed limits, or reducing fuel consumption.
For example, if a truck’s original fuel injection advance angle is 1°, after ECU upgrade, it can be rewritten to a climbing version program of 6°, resulting in a corresponding increase in power.02Benefits of ECU Upgrading for VehiclesThe Electronic Control Unit, abbreviated as ECU (Electrical Control Unit), includes common brands such as Bosch (BOSCH), Siemens (SIEMENS), etc. Due to differences in gasoline quality, temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and engine types across countries, the ECU program software must be set to meet the conditions of each country to avoid incompatibility.Additionally, the ECU must be robust, economical, and environmentally friendly, which is why the parameters set by the original vehicle’s computer are relatively conservative, leaving some reserve space for upgrades.
Upgrading the engine computer generally allows for optimization of engine performance without changing the original vehicle’s structural components, achieving enhanced engine power while reducing fuel consumption and emissions, thereby improving the vehicle’s power level.
Originally a yellow power curve, flashed to a green power curve, resulting in higher fuel economy.
03
Can lifting performance also be upgraded? Is it true?
Firstly, flashing the ECU can indeed enhance the maximum power and torque of the engine, which can improve the vehicle’s power level.However, the claim in the video that it can increase a crane’s lifting capacity from five tons to fifteen tons is a matter of discerning intelligence…
△ Screenshot from the circulating video
Crane vehicles are special operation vehicles, and upgrading their lifting performance cannot simply be achieved by flashing the computer program; it involves more considerations such as boom load capacity, rotary hydraulics, outriggers… and many more professional torque structure issues need to be taken into account…
Shanshan’s CommentsCrane vehicles have already undergone research and debugging by the manufacturer’s engineers, and their lifting performance is basically at the limit of what the equipment can bear. Do not attempt to modify the lifting performance lightly to avoid uncontrollable safety accidents!
Having operated a crane, I realize how difficult life can be…What should I do in this situation? I’m afraid to lift and need advice!Exhausted! 14 crawler cranes working non-stop for 24 hours
