Manitowoc has expanded its MCT range of topless cranes with the launch of the new Potain MCT 325, a model designed to deliver easier transport and assembly with high efficiency and reliability on construction projects.
A statement from the company said the new crane was unveiled during a special event at Manitowoc’s factory in Zhangjiagang, China on August 29, where the 16t version of the MCT 325 was displayed with its full 75m jib.
Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager for Potain tower cranes, said the new model offers an efficient solution for customers requiring strong and versatile cranes in the 12t and 16t class.
“Topless cranes like the MCT 325 are becoming the go-to solution for projects utilising precast concrete, which is an increasingly popular choice for the speed and simplicity it brings to job sites. Topless cranes also bring speed and simplicity to projects thanks to their design, which allows multiple units to overlap on site. The MCT 325 gives our customers a new choice in the 12t and 16t range. And with its standout 75m jib, we believe this new model will appeal to a wide range of companies and projects,” Leong said.
Available in two versions, the MCT 325 offers jib length configurations of 40-75m, in increments of 5m. At its 75m jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5t for the 12t version and 2.3t for the 16t version, said Manitowoc, claiming that this makes it one of the best-in-class performers for long-distance lifting.
The new model exhibits design characteristics of Potain topless cranes, with easy transport and erection with on-site performance. On a well-prepared site, the MCT 325 can be set up within 1.5 days, with the complete jib and counter-jib erected in four lifts, said the manufacturer. The MCT 325 will ultimately replace the MC 310 model, a long-serving hammerhead top-slewing crane in Potain’s line-up.
The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2m x 2m L68 and L69 mast systems and can be used with fixing angles in a regular high-rise construction in an internal climbing configuration or mounted on a chassis, giving users maximum versatility.
There is also a new square design of the crane’s counterjib, the first in the Potain MCT range. To ensure easier assembly on site, the complete jib and counter-jib can be erected in two lifts each, meaning a greater choice of assist cranes can be used for the task. There are dedicated sling points on the counter jib and transport brackets on the jib to facilitate easier loading into the crane’s compact transport configuration.
A variety of options are available for the hoisting, slewing and trolley mechanisms. The hoist options come with frequency-controlled technology. The 12t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 30 or the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 30. The 16t version comes with the standard 75 LVFC 40 or there’s the option to upgrade to the 75 HPL 40 or 100 LVF 40.
The 75 LVFC 30, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 766m and can lift 1.5t at up to 114m/min. The 75 LVFC 40, a 55 kW-rated hoist, offers a rope capacity of 637m and can lift 2t at up 90m/min. The winches are available with a safety brake option.
Manitowoc said it is expecting strong interest in the new Potain MCT 325, with deliveries beginning this month. The crane will be sold across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Russia and the CIS countries.
