Potain expands MDT flat top range

5 May 2021

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Potain has launched the MDT 489 flat top tower crane, available in 20t (22USt) and 25t versions. The crane has an 80m jib and offers a tip load of 3.5t.

Like other high capacity Potain tower cranes, including the MDT 809 and MDT 569, the crane is built at the Moulins site in France. Product manager Francois Rotat said the new model fills the gap between the MDT 389 and the MDT 589. “Transporability, ease of erection and performance were the genesis of this crane,” he added.

The MDT 489 can be equipped with the manufacturer’s new high performance hoisting winch, the 110HPL or the 150HPL. According to Potain, The CCS (Crane Control System) allows a set-up of the crane in only 15min. Another feature of this crane is the CraneSTAR Diag crane asset management system.

The new crane is installed on a 2.45m towers and has a freestanding height of 85m.

Although built in Europe, with this model Potain is particularly targeting the US market. Sales director at Manitowoc Steve Johnson said the MDT range has been very successful in this market. He added that the capacity class that MDT 489 belongs too is very popular among US tower crane fleet owners. “For this reason our customers actively participated in the Voice of Customer done for this product,” said Johnson.

The feedback from the US customers were used for the design of this crane.

Project manager Adrien Gourru said around 20 people working in different teams and at production sites in several countries were involved in the development of this crane.

“We have already received orders for the MDT 489,” said Johnson. “We are looking forward to seeing the first machines arrive in the US in the second half of 2021.”

Thibaut Le Besnerais, VP brand and product management at Manitowoc Company, said: “The launch of a new product is always a very special moment for the company. The teams were focused on targets that were simple but ambitious: Innovation, compliance to the product specification, respect of the timelines and costs without any compromise on quality. When all steps are achieved, then the product launch can take place. This success is the reward for the whole team and accompanies the pride of seeing our equipment all over the world, constructing buildings and infrastructure for future generations.”