CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 868210
Ms. Dorothy J. Hammer
Mannesmann Demag Corp.
Construction Machinery Div.
476 Country Club Drive
Bensenville, IL 60106
RE: The tariff classification of mobile harbor cranes from
Germany
Dear Ms. Hammer:
In your letter dated October 17, 1991 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
Gottwald mobile harbor cranes are used in harbor and port
areas as replacements for or supplements to rail mounted cranes
normally utilized in these areas. The cranes are available in
either diesel electric or diesel hydraulic versions and in
various models having capacities ranging from 6 to 120 tons.
They can be fitted with hooks for handling general cargo, with
spreaders for lifting containers, or with grabs for unloading
bulk cargo.
The cranes basically consist of a self-propelled wheeled
chassis with a stabilizing system, superstructure, jib tower and
boom, operator's cabin, and various electrical and hydraulic
equipment to power the crane. In the diesel electric version,
all drives and control systems are electrically operated.
Electric power is produced by a diesel generator set which is
mounted in a sound insulated machinery room housed in the
superstructure. Alternatively, the electric power can be
obtained from an external power supply set at regular intervals
along the wharf, thus bypassing the diesel engine and its noise
and fumes. Diesel hydraulic units are powered by a diesel engine
connected to variable displacement axial piston pumps and
hydraulic control valves. The wheels are driven by means of an
electric motor connected via a propshaft to a differential gear
on the driven axles and a planetary gear in the wheel hubs. The
chassis incorporates extendable jacks to stabilize the crane.
The machinery room also contains the hoisting and slewing gear,
luffing drive, and fixed counterweight. The weight of the jib is
compensated by a fixed counterweight on smaller cranes, and a
moving counterweight on the cranes with larger lifting
capacities. Stairways and platforms provide access to the
operator's cabin located on the tower.
The applicable subheading for the Gottwald mobile harbor
cranes will be 8426.41.0010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for self-propelled cranes: on
tires: cable operated. The rate of duty will be 2 percent ad
valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport