A Potain MDT 489 topless tower crane is currently being used as the primary lifting equipment for a new residential complex under construction in Hafnarfjördur, Reykjavik.
The crane, which was purchased by Icelandic lifting equipment dealer DS Lausnir, is being rented to contractor ÓS-Byggingar for the eight-storey development that will feature 106 apartments, retail spaces, and a car park.
The decision to use a single Potain MDT 489 crane instead of multiple mobile cranes was influenced by the need for an efficient lifting solution suitable for a project utilising precast concrete sections.
DS Lausnir designed a lifting plan that enables the MDT 489 to cover the entire construction site from one location.
DS Lausnir owner Daníel Sigurðarson said: “To build a project of this size in Iceland using precast sections would usually require multiple mobile cranes.
“But we designed a solution using only the Potain MDT 489 to cover the whole site. This turned out to be the most cost-effective and efficient way.”
The Potain MDT 489 crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 25t. On this site, it operates with 55m of its 80m maximum jib and is set to a working height of 39m. The equipment is positioned on an 8m x 8m stationary cross base.
Given that it is the sole material-handling machine on the site, the crane is in operation for ten hours per day, six days a week.
According to DS Lausnir, the MDT 489’s topless design allows for easier crane overlapping, reducing operational interference.
The company also highlighted the robust performance required for construction activities in Iceland’s challenging weather.
Daníel Sigurðarson added: “Navigating Iceland’s harsh climate requires equipment that is rugged and versatile. Equally important is having the right resources to deliver strong customer support.
“At DS Lausnir we have highly-qualified technicians, a large stock of parts, and technical expertise on call. We also work closely with the central Manitowoc customer support operation, which is the most complete offering in the industry.”
DS Lausnir was established in 2002 and was appointed dealer for Manitowoc’s Grove mobile cranes and Potain tower cranes in Iceland in 2022.
The company employs 40 people and operates a fleet including 75 tower cranes and 20 mobile cranes.
Alongside the Potain MDT 489, DS Lausnir recently added two Grove all-terrain cranes built to suit Icelandic conditions.
Recently, construction crews at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, USA, deployed two Potain tower cranes from Manitowoc to assist with significant expansion projects on the operational medical campus.
