Topless tower cranes have become the standard in the Middle-East, mainly because it allows for better crane interference management on multiple crane jobsites, according to David Semple, senior vice president, Middle East, India, Russia, Africa (MEIRA) region, Manitowoc Cranes.
This year, Manitowoc expanded its topless range with the launch of models such as the MCT 325 and MDT 809. The Potain MCT 325 topless tower crane is available in two versions with jib length configurations from 40 m to 75 m, in increments of 5 m. At its 75 m jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5 t for the 12-t version and 2.3 t for the 16-t version, making it suitable for long-distance lifting.
On a well-prepared site, the MCT 325 can be setup within 1.5 days, with the complete jib and counter-jib erected in four lifts. The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2 m x 2 m L68 and L69 mast systems and can be utilized with fixing angles in a regular high-rise construction; in an internal climbing configuration; or mounted on a chassis. The crane has a new square design for its counter jib, 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, which offers a greater choice of assist cranes for the task. In addition, dedicated sling points on the counter jib and transport brackets on the jib facilitate loading into the crane’s compact transport configuration.
“Our dealers and key customers in the region are excited by what new models such as the MDT 809 and MCT 325 have to offer and have pre-ordered some MCT 325 models already. With a capacity of 3.2tons at 70m jib, the MCT 325 offers a slightly better lifting performance as our hugely popular MC 310-K12, of which hundreds have been supplied in the Middle-East over the last 15 years. But the added benefit of the MCT 325 is that it can also be erected with a 75m jib, thus providing additional reach in case of need, without having to upgrade to the next size of crane. The MCT 325 will ultimately replace the MC 310 model, a long-serving and popular hammerhead top-slewing crane. I am very positive that the MCT 325 will become Potain’s best-seller in the region,” says Semple.
Semple points out that the MDT 809, Potain’s largest topless crane ever designed, is showing a lot of success in Northern Europe. For example, the crane has been selected by the French authorities for reconstruction of the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.
The Potain MDT 809 tower crane.
“For the Middle-East, the MDT 809 will have applications in specialised construction projects that require a compact mast (K800 technology, 2.45m square section) and the benefits of our CCS control system, in particular the P+ load charts which increases crane capacity by up to +15%. We are confident that it will find its place in the months to come,” says Semple.
Potain is also a world-leader when it comes to self-erecting cranes, with product ranges like the Igo, IgoM, IgoT and Hup. However, the demand for self-erecting cranes is not the same as topless cranes in the Middle East.
Semple explains: “Jobsites in the Middle-East prefer not to use self-erectors, mostly because of construction technology, and manpower cost. Potain self-erectors are very popular in places where the employment is highly regulated and expensive. They come as an essential support to small and medium sized construction companies, by making material handling fast, effortless, and safer for them. By contrast, the smaller construction sites in the Middle-East tend to rely heavily on affordable and available manpower for similar kinds of duties. And whilst we believe that investing in a self-erecting crane would prove more economical over the life-time of the asset (15+ years), the market is not ready for this kind of commitment. The larger self-erectors are deemed suitable to build multi-story buildings, which we have on the market, such as the IgoT130 and IGO50.”
The Grove GRT 655L rough terrain crane.
Manitowoc’s new mobile cranes launched this year include the Grove GRT 655L and GRT 8100 rough terrain cranes and GMK 5250XL-1 all-terrain crane.
The GRT8100 is the largest Grove rough-terrain crane built in Manitowoc’s factory in Italy. It has a 100 t capacity and 47 m five-section main boom, for greater reach and versatility. The crane also features the Manitowoc Crane Control System (CCS) with its user-friendly interface, for easier and more efficient operations. Other features include a tilting cab and impressive load charts.
The Grove GRT 8100 rough terrain crane.
“With a full complement of boom extension and insert options, the GRT8100 has best-in-class reach of 77 m. Both 10 m and 17 m manual and hydraulic off settable extensions are available as well as a heavy-duty 3 m jib that can be offset to 40 degrees,” says Semple.
The GRT655L is a smaller, 51-t capacity crane yet it boasts similarly capabilities. It has a 43-m, five-section boom, giving it a reach advantage of 8 m over the closest-competing model. This longer boom gives it a maximum working radius of 36 m and an 80% greater chart capacity than competing cranes at that radius.
“The exceptional chart capacities, maneuverability and longer boom length of the GRT655L, combined with its compact 3 m by 12.8 m footprint, make it ideal for rental companies, where versatility and flexibility are key considerations. For greater customer choice, Grove also offers a regular boom version of the crane, the GRT655. This is built on the same platform as the GRT655L, but with one less boom section, for a total main boom length of 34.8 m,” says Semple.
The Grove GMK 5250XL-1 all-terrain crane.
With its 78.5 m boom the GMK5250XL-1 has the longest main boom of any five-axle all-terrain crane. As with all Grove all-terrain cranes, it features Megatrak suspension and the Twin-Lock boom pinning system. It is also available with the MAXbase variable outrigger function for added versatility on the jobsite.
“Options for the GMK5250XL-1 include the VIAB turbo retarder clutch, which first featured on the original GMK5250L. The VIAB unit enables wear-free starting and braking, enhancing maneuverability and operator comfort. In addition to its high-performance features the crane delivers a compact footprint, making it ideal for use in crowded or urban areas,” says Semple.
Semple provides his GCC market outlook for tower and mobile cranes: “Our feeling is that the GCC markets are set to rebound soon. We are coming out of a few years where geopolitical tensions have taken priority over infrastructure building in the Middle-East. We are also reaching completion on a cycle of mega projects such as the Dubai Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and I feel the time is now right for another wave of such projects to get into motion. Judging by some of the local governments’ announcements, such as Neom in Saudi Arabia or the new Dubai Airport, we are convinced that Manitowoc will continue to lead in region for the years to come.”
