Potain Zhangjiagang goes topless around the world

30 August 2019

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Manitowoc has expanded its Potain MCT topless crane range with the launch of the MCT 325. The crane, built at Zhangjiagang in China, aims to replace the hammerhead MC 310 and targets customers in global markets.

Available in 12t and 16t versions, the MCT 325 offers jib length configurations from 40–75m, in increments of 5m. At its 75m jib end, the MCT 325 can handle 2.5t for the 12t version and 2.3t for the 16t version.

The manufacturer said that 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 will ultimately replace the MC 310 model, a long-serving and popular hammerhead top-slewing crane.

The MCT 325 is designed to work with the 2m x 2m L68 and L69 mast systems. It can be installed with fixing angles in a regular high-rise construction; in an internal climbing configuration; or mounted on a chassis.

There is also a new square design of the crane’s counterjib, 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, meaning a greater choice of assist cranes can be used for the task,” Manitowoc said. And there are dedicated sling points on the counter jib and transport brackets on the jib to facilitate easier loading into the crane’s compact transport configuration.  

The manufacturer offers a variety of options for the hoisting, slewing and trolley mechanisms. The winches are available with a safety brake option.

The company unveiled the new crane during a special event at Manitowoc’s factory in Zhangjiagang, China, where the 16t version of the MCT 325 was displayed with its full 75m jib.

Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager for Potain tower cranes, said:

“Topless cranes like the MCT 325 are becoming the go-to solution for projects utilizing precast concrete, which is an increasingly popular choice for the speed and simplicity it brings to job sites. Topless cranes also bring speed and simplicity to projects thanks to their design which allows multiple units to overlap on site.  The MCT 325 gives our customers a new choice in the 12t and 16t range. And with its standout 75 m jib, we believe this new model will appeal to a wide range of companies and projects.”

Deliveries of the Potain MCT 325 will begin in September and the crane will be sold across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Russia and the CIS countries.