Manitowoc has introduced a variant of the MLC300 lattice boom crawler crane that utilises a fixed-position counterweight rather than the OEM’s Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) technology.
This new iteration of the MLC300 will appeal to customers that want the 300-tonne platform and compact footprint of the original-model crawler crane, but without the additional investment in features and moving parts that come with VPC.
For this configuration, the MLC300 VPC trolley and tray have been replaced by a two-position, stationary counterweight tray, and according to Manitowoc, is ideal for equipment owners that focus on limited duty-cycle applications with lighter loads and more repetitive lifts.
These positions are a standard lift crane position and a limited duty-cycle position that enables the counterweight to match the rotating bed’s tail swing. It’s a conventional approach to counterweight systems that Manitowoc expects will lead to greater value for a specific segment of its customers.
“Not all customers require the capacity-enhancing features of the VPC technology, so we wanted to drive further versatility of the MLC300 for the wide array of Manitowoc customers and their specific applications,” said Harley Smith, Manitowoc’s global product director for crawler cranes.
“The MLC300 with fixed-position counterweight delivers market competitive performance from a capacity chart perspective, while being better suited to tackle limited duty-cycle work when the need arises. It’s a straightforward approach that’s attentive to customer needs.”
The crane’s engineering reflects The Manitowoc Way, a philosophy that incorporates customer needs and desires into product design to better serve market demands. In this case, customers working in certain applications voiced the need for an MLC300 with a fixed-position counterweight.
Smith continued: “Equipment owners that focus on duty-cycle applications didn’t need the features and high-capacity performance associated with VPC technology and preferred to invest in a crane that meets their unique job site requirements
“Combined with a multitude of load hoist options, including free fall, the MLC300 with fixed-position counterweight is a crane that will deliver strong lifting power and line pull while serving a wide variety of jobs.”
The MLC300 with fixed-position counterweight features a 96m boom and has the option of an additional 30m fixed jib. The 96m luffing jib can be added to extend its reach to 150m.
The MLC300 variant is still equipped with Manitowoc’s now standardised Crane Control System (CCS), an operating system across several crane models in different product ranges.
CCS reduces training for lifting companies, since the same ergonomic controls and intuitive displays are used across many of Manitowoc’s cranes. It also improves parts and maintenance needs, with components working across several crane ranges.
The MLC300 with fixed-position counterweight will be available in the second quarter of 2017.
Manitowoc also recently delivered its first all-terrain crane, a Grove GMK4100L-1, equipped with the Samson K-100 synthetic rope, which is currently undergoing field tests with CCC to determine its suitability in the Middle East.
In other cranes news, Sarens has ordered 18 of the new Demag all-terrain cranes for its fleet: eight AC 100-4L, three AC 130-5 and seven AC 220-5.
