Manitowoc has announced the launch of the Ergo Control System (ECS), a new operational and monitoring platform for Potain tower cranes aimed at emerging markets.
The company stated that ECS will become the standard control system on all upcoming Potain tower cranes produced at its factories in Pune, India, and Zhangjiagang, China.
The first model equipped with ECS is expected to be released later in the year.
According to Manitowoc, the ECS platform is designed to streamline crane installation by reducing wiring complexity, while also aiming to improve reliability and ease of troubleshooting.
The system supports scalability, allowing for the integration of new functionalities as they are developed. It features data logging capabilities that track historical operational information to support fleet management.
Control of the ECS system takes place through a Human Machine Interface (HMI) located in the crane cab. This interface is equipped with a 13.3in touchscreen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Operators and technicians can use the HMI to view crane status and performance indicators such as wind speed, load weight, working radius, and slewing angle.
One key element of the ECS is its Controller Area Network (CAN) bus architecture, which replaces numerous traditional wires between the crane’s motors, sensors, and switches with just two.
Manitowoc claims this configuration results in quicker installation, lighter equipment, increased reliability, and easier modification for future features.
Manitowoc Asia tower cranes regional product manager Leong Kwong-Joon said: “The Potain ECS represents a significant advance in the operation, management, and maintenance of tower cranes for emerging markets. There’s greater control for the operator, faster troubleshooting for the technician, and better data for the owner.
“As construction, energy, and infrastructure projects advance across emerging markets, Potain is bringing new technology to drive greater efficiency on tomorrow’s jobsites.”
Operators can customise driving control through the HMI, adjusting crane movement speeds for different types of work.
The system provides additional access levels for technicians and fleet administrators, offering expanded functional options.
The HMI allows users to navigate between eight display screens, each presenting vital system and crane data.
The ECS system also provides real-time service and maintenance support, highlighting operational issues and listing recommended steps for resolution.
All data is connected through a central controller using the CAN wiring to various parts of the crane, including control units, load sensors, and movement limiters.
