Los Angeles-based Continental Crane Co. has been appointed the exclusive West Coast distributor for Kobelco Cranes.

Continental Crane Co. represents the Japanese manufacturer in the states of California, Oregon and Washington. It offers customers full product support from locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

Kobelco Cranes has increased its presence in the North American market significantly in recent years.

Continental Crane Co. takes delivery of its first machines, the CK850-III and CK1000-III models, in September 2008. These have rated capacities of 85 tons and 100 tons respectively. Additional machines, including units of the 160-ton CK1600-II and the 250-ton CK2500-II, will be delivered in Spring 2009.

The CK2500 (rated capacity of 250 tons) has up to 300ft of lattice main boom and a maximum combination of 250ft of main boom with 100ft of luffing jib.