These two long-boom units are both appearing for the first time at a trade show in North America. Both models are mounted on five-axle carriers and—as their badges suggest—are notable for their boom lengths. The 70m boom available on the 250t (300USt) GMK5250L and the 60m boom available on the 150t GMK5150L are the longest in each of their respective classes.
Both machines also feature a single engine, an innovative design concept pioneered by Grove in larger all-terrain cranes. The inclusion of only one engine delivers a number of benefits, including more flexible configurations for travel. This is especially useful for US customers, who frequently have to adjust the transport configurations of their cranes when moving from state to state, or even from county to county.
The machines also feature Manitowoc’s crane control system (CCS). The standardized CCS is a user-friendly interface that Manitowoc has introduced on all new all-terrain crane models, as well as crawler cranes, rough-terrain cranes and tower cranes.
Another Grove mobile crane confirmed for ConExpo is the GRT880, one of the newest roughterrain cranes in the company’s portfolio. This new 80USt (75t) capacity unit is being publicly displayed in North America for the first time. Boasting a new design, which also features on the company’s GRT8100, the GRT880 incorporates Manitowoc’s Crane Control System, or CCS.
The GRT880 features a 41m boom that is said to be lighter than other cranes in its class. With a full complement of boom extension and insert options the crane has a reach of 60.9m and a maximum tip height of 68m.
A new boom extension stowage system for the GRT880’s manual, offsettable jib option decreases erection and stowage time by 60% when compared with previous generation Grove cranes.
The company says that both the GRT880 and GRT8100 are more reliable than ever before, thanks to the extensive product testing performed at the company’s Product Verification Center (in Shady Grove, Pa.). In this facility, each component undergoes extensive validation as part of the design process, to deliver better overall product performance from the finished crane.
The Manitowoc range of crawler cranes will be represented at the company’s stand, with the model on display to be disclosed later. It will, however, showcase the MLC650 with VPC-MAX and new boom inserts.
The MLC650 with variable position counterweight (VPC) technology was first launched at the last ConExpo three years ago and it returns for this year’s show with a new set of enhancements, including VPC-MAX and luffing jib attachments, plus a new 3.5m-wide boom insert kit.
The VPC system automatically positions the crane’s counterweight to fit the required lift. The VPC-MAX attachment for the MLC650 raises the crane’s capacity to 700t, an increase of 50t over its standard configuration. It also includes a beam that automatically extends the counterweight beyond the rear of the crane based on the lifted load, increasing its load moment.
Manitowoc has designed several enhancements to be used in conjunction with the VPC-MAX attachment. Using its 110m of main boom in addition to 101m of luffing jib, the MLC650 can achieve a total configurable length of 211m.'
Another new enhancement is a four insert kit of 3.5m-wide boom inserts that increase boom length and lead to higher tip heights and greater capacities.
For the Potain brand of cranes meanwhile, there are three machines on show: one new self-erecting crane, plus two top-slewing tower cranes.
The self-erecting crane is the Hup 40-30 from the range of machines that were unveiled in 2016. A prototype of the crane was first previewed at Bauma and then officially launched at the Manitowoc factory in Niella Tanaro, Italy, in September 2016. The unit is now appearing at a major exhibition for the first time and its headline feature is the versatility and agility of a design that offers 16 different options for configuration.
Technology features strongly, too, with the Hup 40-30 including a new remote control, Potain’s Smart Set Up software and High Performance Lifting (HPL) winch technology.
The Hup 40-30 has a 40m jib and a maximum capacity of 4t, while it can lift 1t at its 40m jib end. It features a telescopic mast for a range of working heights.
The two Potain top-slewing cranes on display at ConExpo also have a strong technology focus, primarily through their updated design that incorporates CCS.
Both cranes are making their North American debut at the show. The MD 559 will showcase how CCS technology has been incorporated into Potain’s line of high capacity MD cranes. From the topless range of Potain cranes, the company will show the MDT 219 – the highest capacity model in the MDT CCS City tower range– which was introduced in 2016.
The inclusion of CCS in Potain tower cranes brings a number of advantages, including fast and easy set-up, which can be managed in as little as 15 minutes. The technology also offers closer management of lifting operations, which in turn delivers greater capacities.
Maintenance is easier thanks to the on-screen maintenance tool, while the usage of standardized components means spare parts are easily available.
From the National Crane brand, an all-new boom truck series will make its tradeshow debut.
Manitowoc will feature a model from the NBT40-1 series, a new trio of boom truck cranes that are fully compliant with ANSI A92.2 and ASME B30.5 ratings, as well as OSHA standards, to offer customers the versatility of both a boom truck and an aerial lift.
All three models feature the option of a two-person, 544kg maximum capacity, quick-attach yoke platform with wireless remote control.
Aside from the available dual rating the company said there are many other updates for the NBT40-1 Series. For example, a graphical rated capacity limiter (RCL) simplifies set up for both the crane and aerial modes, increasing efficiency before the job even begins. Other features include new, strengthen aluminium decking, a swing-out cab access ladder and lighter polymeric outrigger floats that reduce operator fatigue and discourage theft at the jobsite.
This new series will be especially useful for the utility industry, where energy work on power lines and new infrastructure construction often require the use of both a crane and an aerial platform.
In addition to showing numerous cranes, Manitowoc’s booth will also include a host of displays and interactive exhibits related to a range of features and services, such as its Manitowoc Crane Care customer support program and Manitowoc Finance.
