Potain tower cranes erected in the Alps using helicopter

French tower crane sales and rental specialist Valente Grue Assistance (VGA), a Potain dealer for the Rhône-Alpes region of France, has assembled two Potain MDT 109 top-slewing tower cranes on France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) near Chamonix in the French Alps, using a helicopter in the last four months.

In May 2022 VGA assembled a Potain MDT 109 top-slewing tower crane at an altitude of 2,000 metres for the construction of a logistics base. In September 2022 VGA then assembled a second Potain MDT 109 at an altitude of 1,600 m to help build a cable car station.

The MDT 109 was chosen for its load curve, which met the needs of both sites in the same configuration — a 34 m height under hook, 35 m jib and 2.85 t lifting capacity — on fixing angles. Overall, the MDT 109 has a maximum load of 6 t and 1.35 t at 55 m.

Due to the remote location, the cranes had to be assembled by helicopter, so Potain carried out a thorough study to fully understand the challenges and determine the right process. In addition to the weather conditions, the team had to factor in the weight of the elements, which could not exceed 3.6 t. Potain technicians supported the VGA and customer teams throughout the unloading of the elements in the drop zone and assembly.

Potain says the MDT 109 is highly regarded for its compact design and low parts weights, which make it easy to transport and assemble. The Crane Control System (CCS) also enables fast commissioning. The crane can be calibrated, and the safety devices adjusted in just 15 minutes via the CCS display in the cab.

Despite unexpected snowfall during assembly on the second site, both cranes were completed in under four days.