One of the key elements considered in the tests was the new VPC variable position counterweight, or ‘stinger’, on the back of the giant crane. Manitowoc senior vice president for the Americas, Larry Weyer, said, “The lift went very smoothly, and our unique VPC worked perfectly. Exactly as we expected.”
The Manitowoc 31000 was fitted with over 600 strain gauges that measure the tension or compression of the steel components of the crane while lifting.
Kevin Blaney, manager of product marketing for crawler cranes, said that data from the test will be analyzed to determine if any design changes are required in the production units of the Manitowoc 31000.
“We’ll check the stresses in the structure to verify the preliminary capacities,” he said. “Then we will correct them up or down or modify structural components to assure that actual stresses are within accepted limits.”
Boom lengths on the Model will range from 180ft to 344ft. Various fixed and luffing jib setups will also be available.
