Ergonomics Reimagined: The Terex Superlift 3800 Cabin Project
A Look Back 2006: Terex Cranes Cabin Superlift 3800
Porsche Engineering likes to move into uncharted territory when it comes to development projects for external customers and transfer its experience from automotive development to other sectors. One successful collaboration of this kind was the optimization of the crane cab design for Terex Cranes. The optimization was not only to have a lasting impact on the brand face of Terex, it also resulted in the company receiving the Rhineland-Palatinate Design Award for its Superlift 3800 model.
The starting point of the cooperation was a comprehensive redesign of the vehicle and crane cabins. The aim was to improve the working conditions for crane operators and thereby increase safety, operability, and comfort. Porsche Engineering’s remit was to redesign the interior and exterior with the aim of combining functionality and aesthetics.
Discussions with Terex customers made it clear early on that comfort and ergonomics are not a luxury - but rather are crucial factors to ensure safety and concentration during operation. This collaboration therefore focused on three areas: ergonomics, mobility, and functionality.
At the beginning of the project, the requirements for all controls were examined and their ideal position determined. The aim was for all components to be easily accessible and user-friendly following the redesign. During the concept design, the development team placed particular emphasis on intuitive operation, ergonomically optimized controls, and individually adjustable equipment details. An ergonomic joystick was to enable precise and error-free control processes, and the display would be individually configurable. The seat was to be adjustable to suit the weight and height of the crane operator, while adjustable air vents for heating and air conditioning were to increase the cabin comfort.
Functional and Aesthetic: Porsche Engineering completely redesigned the interior and exterior of the cabin of the Superlift 3800.
The exterior of the cabin was also redesigned: new grip positions and an optimized step width made it easier to enter the Superlift 3800. Adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a roof panel wiper, and tinted safety glass ensured optimum visibility in all weather conditions. A newly developed lighting system provided the best possible illumination—both in the interior and in the crane’s operating environment.
The redesigned cab celebrated its premiere at the bauma trade fair in Munich in 2007. Feedback from Terex customers there confirmed that the new development was already being well received by users. The innovative design was then used for several other crane models and went on to shape the face of the Terex Cranes brand.
The collaboration between Porsche Engineering and Terex Cranes shows how cross-industry thinking can lead to extraordinary solutions. The result: Crane cabins that combine ergonomics and mobility, enable concentrated and safe work, and offer a design that is both technically and stylistically impressive.
Info
Text first published in the Porsche Engineering Magazine, issue 1/2025.
Copyright: All images, videos, and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Porsche Engineering. Please contact us for further information.
Contact
You have questions or want to learn more? Get in touch with us: info@porsche-engineering.de