Manitowoc introduces Potain MCT 135 topless tower crane
New model for Asian, Middle Eastern, African and adjoining markets meets growing demand for small topless tower cranes
Manitowoc has announced the introduction of the Potain MCT135 topless tower crane, a new model aimed towards the lower end of its growing topless Potain range and an addition to its offerings for the Asian markets.
The Potain MCT 135 is available in 6t (H6) and 8t (H8) capacity versions, with a maximum jib length of 60m and a height under hook of up to 50.9m. It is manufactured in the Manitowoc factory in Zhangjiagang, China, and the company adds that the new crane is a product of its extensive Voice of the Customer process, which ensures all new designs are ideally suited to project needs.
According to a statement from Manitowoc, the new MCT135 is engineered with urban and infrastructure projects in mind and benefits from an intelligent, compact design, with its complete top section, including maximum jib, traveling in just five containers. Once erected – a simple process that can be achieved in under 1.5 days on a well-prepared site – the MCT 135’s topless design enables it to comfortably operate alongside several similar cranes.
Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager for Asia – tower cranes, Manitowoc, said: “By speaking to customers, we saw an opportunity to develop a new Potain topless model that is optimised for congested spaces. The speed and flexibility of the MCT 135 is sure to make it a popular choice for contractors. Adding this model means our customers have a greater choice than ever, allowing them to select the ideal topless Potain model for any application.”
Manitowoc added that the MCT 135’s suitability for tight working conditions is increased by the option of two counter-jib set-ups. With the full 15.2m counter-jib, 1.5t can be lifted at the 60m jib end by both the H6 and H8 models. With the shorter 12.6m counter-jib the H6 model lifts 2t at 55m, while the H8 will lift 1.9t at 55m. Potain’s popular 1.6m (L46) mast sections feature in the design, with their pinned joints offering fast, easy connection for quicker installation. For optimum flexibility, the seven jib sections allow owners to tailor the crane in configurations offering 30m to 60m of horizontal reach.
The crane offers lift ability across the entire load curve. The H6 can lift its 6t maximum out to 19.3m when assembled with its full 60m jib. For the H8 version, 4t can be lifted at over 28m with the full jib in place; this increases to 32.6m when a shorter 40m jib is installed. The crane’s maximum capacity of 8t can be lifted out to 15.3m when working with the full jib, or out to 17.6m with a 40m jib.
The latest frequency-controlled mechanisms ensure lifting operations are conducted at an optimal rate, whether through high-speed movements for material transfer or super slow speeds for precise positioning.
The H8 benefits from the 40 LVFC 20-1 Optima hoist that also features on the MCT 185 which launched in March. The hoist allows the MCT 135 to raise 1t at up to 98m/min, and 4t at 40.5m/min via its 30kW motor. It also offers a 375m rope capacity. With a 22kW motor and a 400m rope capacity, the H6’s 33 LVF 15 Optima can raise 0.75t at 102m/min, and 3t at 36m/min. Benefiting from the continuously variable speed control, both models now offer a 25% increase in lowering speeds compared with earlier Potain models in this capacity class fitted with standard non-Optima hoists.
Each model has two trolley options. Common to both is the 4kW-rated 6 DVFC 4-2, offering continually variable speeds of up to 80m/min. Alternatively, the H6’s 4 D3 V4 provides three speed options of up to 15, 30 and 58m/min, while the 5 D3 V4 on the H8 gives the operator the benefit of 18, 36 and 70m/min speeds. A choice of two identical slewing motor options apply to the H6 and H8, topping out at 0.96rpm for the more powerful model.
Manitowoc added that the new tower crane model has been designed to offer a long service life and features a five-year warranty on structural parts. It has undergone extensive testing from the design stage at Manitowoc’s Product Verification Centre in the Zhangjiagang plant. The Potain MCT 135 is available across a range of markets, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.
